The New England Patriots traded with the Buffalo Bills to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu at the 28th pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. This move strengthens their offensive line, protecting franchise quarterback Drake Maye.
Key points
Patriots traded with Bills to move up in the draft
Selected Caleb Lomu at 28th pick
Strengthens offensive line for quarterback Drake Maye
Previously picked left tackle Will Campbell fourth overall
Lomu expected to be a swing tackle in rookie season
Caleb LomuDrake MayeWill CampbellMorgan Moses
FOXBOROUGH, MA — The New England Patriots were thought to either take an edge rusher at No. 31 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft or try to trade out of the first round entirely.
Instead, the Patriots moved up.
After the Houston Texans traded with the Buffalo Bills, swapping the 26th and 28th picks, respectively, the Pats swung a deal with their AFC East rival to move up three spots to 28. New England selected Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu, bolstering the unit charged with protecting franchise quarterback Drake Maye.
The Patriots took left tackle Will Campbell fourth overall and have a youthful counterpart on the other side of the line as immediate insurance for right tackle Morgan Moses, a valuable veteran signing in 2025 for the team that reached Super Bowl 60 last season. To start, Lomu – who projects as a high-upside, above-average athlete – can be a swing tackle his rookie season.
Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.
See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Above, A detailed view of the stage showing a still of Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana on screen after being selected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Q&A
Why did the Patriots trade with the Bills in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots aimed to move up in the draft to select Caleb Lomu, enhancing their offensive line.
Who is Caleb Lomu and what position does he play?
Caleb Lomu is an offensive tackle from Utah, projected to be a high-upside athlete for the Patriots.
What was the outcome of the Patriots' first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft?
The Patriots selected left tackle Will Campbell fourth overall and traded up to pick Caleb Lomu at 28.
How does Caleb Lomu's selection impact the Patriots' offensive line?
Lomu provides immediate insurance as a swing tackle, supporting veteran right tackle Morgan Moses.
Related Articles
Sports
La pesadilla de Vitor Roque no tiene fin
Vitor Roque vuelve a lesionarse a 48 días del Mundial tras una dura entrada
Marca··1 min read
Sports
New plan for 'most economically significant sport' after football
Horse racing industry unveils five-point plan for Newmarket's future
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Giants' Malik Nabers under fire for reaction to Cowboys' Caleb Downs selection
Giants' Malik Nabers under fire for comments on Cowboys' Caleb Downs
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NFL
Why Jets selected David Bailey, Kenyon Sadiq and Omar Cooper Jr. in first round of 2026 NFL Draft
Jets make strategic moves in 2026 NFL Draft, selecting Bailey, Sadiq, and Cooper Jr.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Feature
Luke Kennard compares playing high school QB to current Lakers role
Luke Kennard has excelled in the NBA, helping the Lakers to a 2-0 playoff lead over the Rockets. He draws parallels between his current role and his past as a high school quarterback, emphasizing communication and decision-making.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Board holds strong for Packers at CB and DL entering Day 2 of 2026 draft
Packers eye cornerback and defensive tackle on Day 2 of the 2026 draft.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey of Texas Tech poses after being selected second overall pick by the New York Jets during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Arizona Cardinals − RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Tennessee Titans − WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate of Ohio State poses after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
New York Giants − LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese of Ohio State celebrates after being selected fifth overall pick by the New York Giants during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns) − CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane of LSU celebrates after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Washington Commanders − LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles of Ohio State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Lynn Swann and Jerome Bettis after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
New Orleans Saints − WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs) − OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Utah Utes offensive tackle Spencer Fano is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number nine pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) − OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Francis Mauigoa of Miami poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected tenth overall pick by the New York Giants during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins) − S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs of Ohio State celebrates after being selected eleventh overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys) − OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor of Alabama poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected twelfth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) − QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson of Alabama poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Baltimore Ravens − G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane is selected by the Baltimore Ravens as the number 14 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers − DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami celebrates after being selected fifteenth overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) − TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq is selected by the New York Jets as the number 16 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Detroit Lions − OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller is selected by the Detroit Lions as the number 17 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Minnesota Vikings − DL Caleb Banks, Florida
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Carolina Panthers − OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling is selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number 19 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Philadelphia Eagles (from Green Bay Packers via Cowboys) − WR Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon of USC celebrates after being selected twentieth overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
Pittsburgh Steelers − OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor is selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the number 21 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Los Angeles Chargers − DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor is selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the number 22 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Cowboys (from Eagles) − DE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida
UCF Knights defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number 23 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number 24 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
1 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.
See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Above, A detailed view of the stage showing a still of Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana on screen after being selected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
1 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Las Vegas Raiders – QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The first round of the 2026 NFL Draft brings franchise‑defining moments as teams make their selections from the top of the board.
See how picks 1 through 32 came off the clock as the next generation of NFL talent enters the league.
Above, A detailed view of the stage showing a still of Fernando Mendoza of the Indiana on screen after being selected first overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
2 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
New York Jets – OLB/DE David Bailey, Texas Tech
David Bailey of Texas Tech poses after being selected second overall pick by the New York Jets during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
3 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Arizona Cardinals − RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected third overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
4 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Tennessee Titans − WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
Carnell Tate of Ohio State poses after being selected fourth overall pick by the Tennessee Titans during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
5 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
New York Giants − LB Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Arvell Reese of Ohio State celebrates after being selected fifth overall pick by the New York Giants during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
6 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Kansas City Chiefs (from Browns) − CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
Mansoor Delane of LSU celebrates after being selected sixth overall pick by the Kansas City Chiefs during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
7 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Washington Commanders − LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Sonny Styles of Ohio State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Lynn Swann and Jerome Bettis after being selected seventh overall pick by the Washington Commanders during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
8 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
New Orleans Saints − WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
Jordyn Tyson of Arizona State poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected eighth overall pick by the New Orleans Saints during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
9 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Cleveland Browns (from Chiefs) − OL Spencer Fano, Utah
Utah Utes offensive tackle Spencer Fano is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number nine pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
10 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Giants (from Cincinnati Bengals) − OL Francis Mauigoa, Miami (Fla.)
Francis Mauigoa of Miami poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected tenth overall pick by the New York Giants during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
11 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Dallas Cowboys (from Dolphins) − S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Caleb Downs of Ohio State celebrates after being selected eleventh overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
12 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Miami Dolphins (from Cowboys) − OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
Kadyn Proctor of Alabama poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected twelfth overall pick by the Miami Dolphins during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
13 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Los Angeles Rams (from Atlanta Falcons) − QB Ty Simpson, Alabama
Ty Simpson of Alabama poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected thirteenth overall pick by the Los Angeles Rams during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
14 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Baltimore Ravens − G Olaivavega Ioane, Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions offensive guard Olaivavega Ioane is selected by the Baltimore Ravens as the number 14 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
15 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Tampa Bay Buccaneers − DE Rueben Bain Jr., Miami (Fla.)
Rueben Bain Jr. of Miami celebrates after being selected fifteenth overall pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
16 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Jets (from Indianapolis Colts) − TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq is selected by the New York Jets as the number 16 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
17 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Detroit Lions − OT Blake Miller, Clemson
Clemson Tigers offensive lineman Blake Miller is selected by the Detroit Lions as the number 17 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
18 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Minnesota Vikings − DL Caleb Banks, Florida
Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks is selected by the Minnesota Vikings as the number 18 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
19 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Carolina Panthers − OT Monroe Freeling, Georgia
Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Monroe Freeling is selected by the Carolina Panthers as the number 19 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
20 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Philadelphia Eagles (from Green Bay Packers via Cowboys) − WR Makai Lemon, USC
Makai Lemon of USC celebrates after being selected twentieth overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles during Round One of the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium on April 23, 2026, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
21 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Pittsburgh Steelers − OT Max Iheanachor, Arizona State
Arizona State Sun Devils offensive lineman Max Iheanachor is selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers as the number 21 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
22 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Los Angeles Chargers − DE/OLB Akheem Mesidor, Miami (Fla.)
Miami Hurricanes defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor is selected by the Los Angeles Chargers as the number 22 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
23 / 24
See 2026 NFL Draft first round picks so far
Cowboys (from Eagles) − DE Malachi Lawrence, Central Florida
UCF Knights defensive lineman Malachi Lawrence is selected by the Dallas Cowboys as the number 23 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver KC Concepcion is selected by the Cleveland Browns as the number 24 pick during the 2026 NFL Draft at Acrisure Stadium.
“He’s young. He’s experienced. He’s athletic. He’s a great kid,” vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said. “Frankly, I was surprised he was still available – that’s why we moved up.”
Wolf mentioned that “upside” while saying Lomu could play anywhere on the line.
Wolf also reiterated that Campbell will be the left tackle despite his struggles toward the end of his rookie season – after he suffered a meniscus injury.
The Patriots surrendered a fourth-round pick, No. 125 overall, to move up the three spots.
