Patriots Rookie Caleb Lomu to Get Practice Reps at New Position
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Patriots first round pick Caleb Lomu is expected to play a key role in the offense this year as a backup, but in the meantime he's getting experience at multiple positions.
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Lomu began training camp getting reps at both tackle spots, along with being the jumbo tight end, in line with his college experience. Lomu got the majority of his college starts at left tackle for the University of Utah, and he was drafted with the expectation that he will be the long-term answer at right tackle.
However, veteran Morgan Moses enters the season as the starter at right tackle, keeping Lomu on the second team. Therefore, New England is giving Lomu opportunities at guard, where the depth is a little thinner.
Mike Vrabel on the team's guard depth:
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) August 4, 2026
"We're OK. I think the depth could always be better at every position."
Says we will see Caleb Lomu more at guard as the team tries to find the right combinations
Lomu's value for this season will be tied to health of the rest of the offensive line, as New England brings back four of the five Super Bowl starters while making one key addition. As for the depth, though, Lomu should have the inside track as the first replacement off the second unit.
Here's a look at where Lomu fits along the offensive line.
Patriots offensive line depth chart
LTLGCRGRTWill CampbellAlijah Vera-TuckerJared WilsonMike OnwenuMorgan MosesJames Hudson IIIAndrew RupcichBen BrownCaedan WallaceCaleb LomuMarcus BryantMehki ButlerJacob RizyJonDarius MorganDametrious CrownoverCampbell, Onwenu, Wilson and Moses all played in at least 71 percent of the Patriots' snaps last year, with Moses and Onwenu specifically playing at least 94 percent of the time. Vera-Tucker, meanwhile, comes over from the Jets as one of the bigger offseason additions, but has dealt with injury issues throughout his career.
As a result, Lomu doesn't have a clear starting spot on the healthy offensive line but will likely be the first reserve when an issue does come up. If Lomu can get experience at both guard spots, that would make him a backup option for four of the five offensive line spots.