Patriots were surprised first-round pick Caleb Lomu was still available

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - FEBRUARY 28: Utah offensive lineman Caleb Lomu answers questions from the media during the NFL Scouting Combine on February 28, 2026 at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, IN. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Patriots watched six offensive tackles come off the board in the first 21 picks of this year’s draft. That left Utah’s Caleb Lomu as the top player available at the position —  a surprise to the team’s decision-makers.

It also led New England to getting aggressive and moving up the board.

“Frankly, I was a little surprised that he was still available, and that’s why we decided to move up a little bit,” executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf said. “Really excited about this player. He’s young, he’s experienced. He’s athletic. He’s a great kid… Just really, really happy that we were able to acquire him.”

The Patriots entered the draft with a similar expectation of Lomu’s status. After initially scheduling a pre-draft 30 visit at Gillette Stadium, the team ultimately gave up on the idea he would be available late in the first-round and canceled it.

“We actually cancelled his 30 visit. We had one scheduled and just didn’t think he’d factor in for us — we thought he’d be gone,” Wolf said. “His agent’s weren’t too excited about that but they understood. And here we are.”