One year after selecting a left tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft, the New England Patriots… selected a left tackle in the first round of the NFL Draft. A key difference between 2025’s Will Campbell and 2026’s Caleb Lomu, however, is that the latter was brought in with the intention of eventually changing positions.
With his first offseason workout program coming to a close — at least in a full-team capacity, the rookie program will continue beyond minicamp — Lomu’s transformation from left to right tackle is full steam ahead. The rookie, after all, saw extensive action as the Patriots’ starting RT during both organized team activities and over the first two days of mandatory minicamp.
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The quality of reps might not be of the same variety as it will be come training camp, the volume is certainly making for an easier transition.
“It definitely took some getting-used-to, just playing left all of college,” Lomu said following Wednesday’s practice at Gillette Stadium. “But just like I’ve said before, it’s just a thing where you got to just get used to it, get a few practices in. The first practice was a little weird at first, just because I wasn’t very used to it, but I feel very comfortable at right tackle right now, so it just feels natural now”
For Lomu, the key in his development is not just maximizing the reps he is getting but also putting in extra work before and after practice. Hand usage needs to be refined, and footwork fine-tuned.
“It’s just being able to get in there,” he said. “At left tackle, you’re striking with your left hand. At right tackle, it’s the opposite; you’re striking with your right. Footwork’s just completely opposite, too, so it’s just getting used to that, getting lots of reps before practice, during practice, and also after practice. Just getting down the rhythm of your feet, your hand and feet timing together. Basic thing is just reps, doing it over and over until it feels comfortable to you.”
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What has helped Lomu in that regard is nominal starting right tackle Morgan Moses being on a snap count this spring. This, in turn, has allowed the youngster to hoard practice opportunities with the starting offense and next to guard Mike Onwenu.
Even when the first-team offense is not on the field, Lomu is getting his fair share of reps in: he has been lining up at left tackle with the second-stringers. Given that he ultimately projects as a backup swing tackle this season behind the Campbell-Moses bookend pairing, his ability to line up in more than one spot will be crucial.
And despite the Patriots throwing a lot at him, the 21-year-old has fared well if his head coach is to be believed.
“He is getting a lot of reps. I love the versatility,” Mike Vrabel told reporters on Wednesday.
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“When you get a young player, their willingness to learn and just adapt and adjust — there hasn’t been, ‘Oh my gosh, I’m so used to this.’ I think it’s all new to him. So, his flexibility and versatility has been something that I think has stood out. He learns quickly, usually doesn’t make the same mistake twice. And it is different, so the guys that you are trying to put in different places and say, ‘You have got to get as much reps on the left as you do on the right,’ that’s important. He has done a nice job of that.”
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