Patriots trade up with Bills, select Utah OT Caleb Lomu at No. 28

Patriots bolster O-line in first-round draft trade.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Apr 241 min read

New England PatriotsNFL

What happened: The New England Patriots traded up with the Buffalo Bills to select Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu at the 28th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Trade compensation includes the Patriots' No. 32 pick and a future fourth-rounder, per reports. Lomu, a 6-8, 330-pound lineman, fills a key need on New England's revamped line.

Why it matters: Patriots' pass protection ranked 28th in 2025, allowing 45 sacks amid injuries to key tackles. This early investment signals rebuild focus on trenches, boosting 2026 .5 to 8.5. Bills gain extra picks to address secondary depth after playoff exit.

By the numbers: Trade: Pats get No. 28; Bills get No. 32 + 2027 4th-rounder. Lomu 2025 stats: 13 starts, 0.5 sacks allowed, 85.2 PFF grade. Pats 2025: 7-10 (3rd AFC East). Bills: 11-6 (2nd AFC East). Pats O-line for top-20 improvement.

What to watch: Monitor Bills' selection at No. 32 and expert reactions to Lomu's fit. Watch for post-draft contract details and minicamp reps.

Sources

@RapSheet Apr 23, 10:47 PM ET

CONVERSATION

Loading comments…

NFLTradePatriotsBillsCaleb Lomu

Follow NFL Intelligence

Real-time signals and analysis

@WireReportNFL

WR Pro

The day's sports, briefed to your inbox at 7am ET. Every claim sourced.

$9/month Free weekly newsletter →

Patriots trade up with Bills, select Utah OT Caleb Lomu at No. 28

More on Caleb Lomu

Sources

More on Caleb Lomu