The New England Patriots are gearing up for a crucial 2026 offseason as they continue Phase II of their rebuild under Mike Vrabel. With a tougher schedule ahead as the reigning AFC East champions, upgrading the offensive line is a top priority.
An ESPN analyst suggests the Patriots might address this need by selecting a versatile tackle/guard with their first-round pick at No. 31.
Drafting a guard in the first round is typically rare, as guards can often be found in later rounds. The Patriots have a history of finding gems like Shaq Mason in the fourth round and Mike Onwenu and Ted Karras in the sixth.
However, reinforcing the offensive tackle position, as they did with Will Campbell in 2025, could be a smarter use of their first-round choice. While the need for guards is real, they could be addressed in the third or fourth rounds, allowing the team to focus on more pressing concerns early on.
ESPN's mock draft has the Patriots picking a hybrid tackle/guard, Caleb Lomu from Utah, at pick No. 31.
While having a player who can flex between tackle and guard roles is valuable, the Patriots' priority should be a player clearly projected as an NFL tackle. This is where ESPN's suggestion might miss the mark.
Field Yates of ESPN points to Lomu as a potential pick, highlighting his impressive performance at Utah, where he didn't allow a single sack in 2025. At 6'6" and 308 pounds, Lomu's size is a bit on the lighter side for an NFL tackle, but his solid pass protection skills are undeniable. The Patriots' offensive line struggled last season, allowing a staggering number of sacks, including a dismal performance in the Super Bowl against the Seahawks.
If Vrabel sees Lomu as an immediate starter at tackle, he could be a fit at pick No. 31.
Although Lomu's size isn't optimal, his potential is intriguing. NFL Draft Buzz describes him as having "tantalizing" upside, with the athletic foundation to develop into a solid blindside protector.
If he can be groomed to eventually replace the aging right tackle Morgan Moses, Lomu could be a valuable long-term asset.
Ultimately, the decision rests with Mike Vrabel. He needs to assess if Lomu can step up as an NFL tackle or if a larger prospect might be a better fit.
While Lomu could start at guard initially, his development into a tackle would be crucial for the Patriots' rebuild. Whether Lomu is the right choice at No. 31 or if another tackle prospect emerges as a better option remains to be seen.