Patriots rookie may have already solved the offense's biggest concern

"Lomu was the last of seven offensive tackles taken in the first round. As such, trading up to get him prompted some mixed reviews, especially given the Pats' need for another playmaking wide receiver and an edge rusher. However, the Patriots may have struck gold and solved a major issue with their rookie out of Utah. As he told the media in his introductory press conference, he's there to be a problem solver and not a problem, and all he wants is to play OT, regardless of the side."

""I just feel myself as a tackle on the left or right side," Lomu affirmed (h/t Patriots on CLNS). "Either tackle position, I'm happy to play and feel comfortable playing." Taking a left tackle with Will Campbell there was a somewhat odd decision. Either they had already given up on him and were going to move him to guard, or they were going to force one of them to switch sides and play right tackle."

"Then again, that might be a bit short-sighted. Morgan Moses isn't going to be there for much longer, and the Patriots had already added some insurance at left tackle with the arrivals of James Hudson and Alijah Vera-Tucker, who can play all over the line. That said, modern tackles have to be able to play on both sides of the line. Myles Garrett moves all around the field, so why shouldn't the guys trying to stop him be as well-versed on the right as they are on the quarterback's blindside?"

"Lomu will give this team the ultimate insurance. He can take over at left tackle if Campbell struggles again, or he can develop on the other side of the line as a long-term solution at right tackle. He can also sub in for both throughout the course of his rookie season, depending on what Mike Vrabel's team might need."

The Patriots used first-round picks to strengthen the offensive trenches, selecting Will Campbell and then Caleb Lomu. Lomu was the final offensive tackle taken in the first round, and trading up for him drew mixed reactions due to other needs such as a playmaking wide receiver and an edge rusher. Lomu emphasized that he wants to play tackle on either side and sees himself as a problem solver. The team’s tackle decisions are framed as potentially forward-looking, given the likelihood that Morgan Moses will not remain long and the presence of versatile linemen. Lomu is positioned as insurance and a long-term option, capable of covering left tackle, right tackle, or both during his rookie season.

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