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Patriots’ Caleb Lomu Is Turning Unexpected Opportunity Into a Potential Breakout
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- Patriots’ Caleb Lomu Is Turning Unexpected Opportunity Into a Potential Breakout
(Eric Canha-Imagn Images)
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The New England Patriots don't have very long to come up with solutions along their thinning offensive line.
On Sunday afternoon, starting right tackle Morgan Moses, starting left guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, and third-string right guard Ben Brown (in action for the previously departed Mike Onwenu and Greg Van Roten) each suffered injuries that forced them out of the game. Those exits left New England down to their last possible offensive line combination — with starting left tackle Will Campbell already playing through a reported right MCL sprain.
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The interior of the Patriots' offensive line has been a rotating cast of bodies since the regular season began, but has traditionally been viewed as an easier spot to plug than either of the tackle positions. Luckily for New England, they already have an answer at both left and right tackle should a substitute be needed. And with his performance the last two weeks, Caleb Lomu has made an argument for consideration in the starting lineup on a more full-time basis.
Lomu has been a divisive figure along the Patriots' front since being selected with the No. 28 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. A collegiate left tackle with the Utah Utes , Lomu began his transition to the right side this summer as a short-term insurance policy and long-term replacement for Moses. Some believed he would be better served staying put at left tackle, while others disagreed with selecting an offensive lineman in the first round to begin with — arguing that more immediate needs should be filled with the premium pick.
During the preseason, Lomu struggled to contain rotational edge rushers on either side in joint practices and games, seemingly losing the battle for the top substitute tackle spot to the incumbent Marcus Bryant — a seventh-round pick in 2025 that has spent the entire regular season on injured reserve, but is designated to return. Without Bryant available, Lomu was thrust back into the role when the regular season kicked off, but was only used sparingly as a tackle-eligible in three tight end sets.
Then, Campbell went down early in Week 5's win over the Las Vegas Raiders , and Lomu was forced to step in at left tackle.
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Back at his collegiate position, Lomu excelled in pass protection. On 29 pass-blocking snaps in Week 5, Lomu allowed just one pressure, no hits, no sacks, recorded a pass-blocking efficiency grade of 98.0, and an 80.2 pass blocking grade, per PFF.
In Week 6, Lomu was inserted into the lineup again — this time, in replacement of Moses at right tackle.
Even with the position switch, he continued to impress — and may have been even better in New England's win over the New York Jets . On 30 pass-blocking snaps in Week 6, Lomu allowed no pressures, recorded a pass-blocking grade of 83.6, and registered a pass-blocking efficiency grade of 100.0. He was matched up against edge rusher David Bailey — who ranked top-five in the NFL with 5.0 sacks entering game day — throughout, and made the highlight reel by putting the No. 2 overall pick into the turf on Drake Maye's second quarter touchdown pass to DeMario Douglas.
Over the past two weeks, Lomu has totaled 59 pass blocking snaps (29 at left tackle, 30 at right tackle), and has allowed no sacks, no quarterback hits, one pressure, and registered a pass-blocking efficiency grade of 99.0 and a pass-blocking grade of 80.3.
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When compared to the rest of the rookie offensive tackle class, Lomu ranks first in pass-blocking grade, pass-blocking efficiency, and offensive grade (75.1), and ranks sixth in run-blocking grade (66.0). On the season, Lomu's pass-blocking grade ranks ninth among 74 qualifying tackles across the NFL, regardless of draft year.
He's been excellent on either side, and has done so with less help than Moses received while playing through a foot injury to begin the season. Per Next Gen Stats, Lomu has been left on an island (one-on-one) on 80% of his pass blocking snaps, while Moses was left one-on-one on just 60% of his pass blocking snaps.
Lomu's performance breeds optimism for the future of the tackle position in Foxboro, but his consistent high-level of production garners consideration for more extensive playing time this season — even when Moses is back to full-health.
The future may be now for Lomu and the Patriots' offensive line. And if he continues along his current trajectory, it could be a bright one. That'll be put to the test on Thursday night, as New England travels to take on the Chicago Bears .
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How do you think Lomu has performed in his first extensive action with the Patriots? Should he be in consideration as a full-time starter moving forward? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and join the conversation on Patriots Roundtable.
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