Lomu

[mayoclinic]

The obvious conclusion is that Onwenu will eventually be replaced by a younger, cheaper, faster player who is a better schematic fit.

 

[DarrylS]

Looks like the Pats Brass were in agreement with this pick...

 

[bakes781]

The obvious conclusion is that Onwenu will eventually be replaced by a younger, cheaper, faster player who is a better schematic fit.

About time they invested draft capital in the OL. The future success looks promising.

 

[upstater1]

At least in his case, he's not going to be forced into the lineup too early. Thats what the redshirt year is for.

His age is also a positive in that regard. He just turned 21 in December. Very young for a prospect these days.

Same age as Will Campbell when he entered, and also Spencer Fano this year.

Olu Fashanu came in early too and looked much better the second half of this year.

We need to get used to tackles coming into the NFL early because it is a trend, and you have to project them out because they have the bodies of 20 year olds.

They are a hot commodity if they have the athleticism that Lomu shows.

If you read my posts in the draft forum over the last few months, I wanted Lomu over Blake Miller and Max Iheanochor.

 

[bakes781]

Same age as Will Campbell when he entered, and also Spencer Fano this year.

Olu Fashanu came in early too and looked much better the second half of this year.

We need to get used to tackles coming into the NFL early because it is a trend, and you have to project them out because they have the bodies of 20 year olds.

They are a hot commodity if they have the athleticism that Lomu shows.

If you read my posts in the draft forum over the last few months, I wanted Lomu over Blake Miller and Max Iheanochor.

Had I known they were willing to take a LT I might have felt the same but Fano is the more pro ready Ute prospect which is why he went much higher.

 

[imahobgoblin]

Not psyched

Who cares if you are not psyched? We have offensive line problems. Lomu was the final OT because of the dropoff in talent. Everyone agrees he is a first round talent. Out RT is 35 years old. Our LT went down with a knee injury and its still questionable if he will be a LT or LG. Tackles are THE premium position behind QB in the NFL. You can't get them in free agency. This pick is very similar to the Nate Solder pick. Both green, highly athletic, and technically sound tackles expected to provide elite pass protection (0 sacks).

 

[upstater1]

Nat Tice had Lomu as his #10 overall prospect, mentioned a mean streak.

2026 NFL Draft combined rankings: No. 1 overall prospect is a Big Ten star — just not Fernando Mendoza

Nate Tice and Charles McDonald have delivered their individual 50-player big boards. Here's where their rankings average out with regard to the 2026 draft class.

sports.yahoo.com

This mean streak thing is getting to be weird. There are some pissed-off dudes on the OL and DL. How much does that help them block or rush?

Keion White was perpetually mean, probably from the cradle. It didn't help him.

We need guys who can block.

 

[upstater1]

On his way to really having no authority in the locker room if you're just going to publicly lie over and over.

Two different things entirely.

 

[bakes781]

 

[upstater1]

Two big things stand out from reading the first page:

1. Keionte Scott sounds like an intriguing pick to shore up the safety position and perhaps take over the Davis at some point.

2. Caleb Lomu is highly regarded -- though I was hoping he'd drop to us as many mocks have him in the early 2nd. He looks like our future RT.

What I wrote about Lomu in the Brugler thread.

 

[upstater1]

A lie is a lie. He's been holier than thou.

The Boston media begs to be lied to.

If you tell the truth to them ever, you're going to regret it. I would lie to them 1 million times because they deserve to be lied to. Any coach who is forthright with them is going to get eliminated by them. That's how they operate.

Plus, you don't know they intend to move Campbell (who was hurt at the end of the season) so how can you possibly say that's a lie?

 

[Raccoonsuit]

I don't get the pessimism. He's considered an elite pass blocker, didn't allow a single sack last season. Has good size.

I think it was great they moved up. The team pigeonholed their selection and still got a great prospect. He'll add 15 pounds and learn a ton this year from our vets. I have zero problem with him redshirting or playing the Mumford big package on some downs.

Seems down to earth and hes married. I think the other tackles will love him. Gotta think about interpersonal relationships with your position group and seems like he's a good addition

 

[Gator Mike]

I think the bottom line is that in this draft, late in the 1st round, you're not going to get a player without warts.

The question is what kind of warts are you willing to live with?

Young, athletic tackle to protect your franchise QB seems like a perfectly reasonable decision, even with other pressing needs.

 

[mayoclinic]

4 numbers that explain Patriots draft pick Caleb Lomu

Analyzing New England’ reasoning behind selecting its future tackle

www.patspulpit.com

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Pretty amazing how many people were on the OT train, and how so many people are complaining about picking an OT.
It was pretty much universal opinion that there were 7 1st rd OTs, then a significant drop-off.
Many rankings had Iheanachor/Miller and Lomu all in the same area, and many of those rankings had all 3 ranked ahead or behind the other 2.
Some preferred Iheanachor who would be a backup if Moses is here, and are complaining that Lomu will be backup.
Many people are saying Lomu needs to get stronger, but it's also very popular opinion that Max needs a year of development, and were fine if that was the pick.
We needed a future OT and we got one.
I always preferred Edge, but I'm fine with the Lomu pick.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

A lie is a lie. He's been holier than thou.

Vrabel is taking legal advice, I expect Kraft arranged it. Legal speak always appears holier than thou because lawyers never let you admit anything. Can't even admit if you ate breakfast or not.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I have zero problem with him redshirting or playing the Mumford big package on some downs.

Yup. Agree. Lomu will be the Munford big package and the Lowe swing tackle. Two holes with one guy. @mgteich wants the Pats to sign Munford which would be a waste of a roster spot. Let Munford and Lowe go and get better and younger with Lomu.

 

[imahobgoblin]

WHen you go back on what you said before, it is a lie. Legal advice or not. And yes, your honor, I ate breakfast.

Why does this crap have to be in the Lomu thread?

 

[mgteich]

i watched Hayden winks on the pick. Basically he said Lomu is a less good Will Campbell. Loses in the same way.

not terrible for #28

Of course, we don't know where our OL's will play in 2027. Lomu will learn more about RT and perhaps allow us to suit only 3 OT's this year. AVT can play both OT and both OG spots. Campbell is our LT for another year.

But for 2026, Lomu replaces Lowe. We have already replaced Bradbury with AVT. So, we have our top 7 plus Bryant and Wallace. We'll see bout Munford.

 

[Rdforty2]

not terrible for #28

Of course, we don't know where our OL's will play in 2027. Lomu will learn more about RT and perhaps allow us to suit only 3 OT's this year. AVT can play both OT and both OG spots. Campbell is our LT for another year.

But for 2026, Lomu replaces Lowe. We have already replaced Bradbury with AVT. So, we have our top 7 plus Bryant and Wallace. We'll see bout Munford.

Just thinking further out, hopefully it does allow Bryant to stick around for another year of development. He could eventually be the top swing tackle for the '27 and '28 seasons.