Caleb Lomu 2026 NFL Draft Profile

Caleb Lomu is a plug-and-play left tackle with incredible technical polish in pass protection and elite athleticism in the run game. His potential to be a long-term blindside blocker in the NFL puts him near the top in a mediocre class of offensive tackles. This article will highlight Caleb Lomu and his 2026 NFL Draft Profile.

2026 NFL Draft Profile of Utah OT Caleb Lomu

Measurables

• Height: 6’5”
• Weight: 308 lbs
• Arm Length: 34 1/8”

Player Background

As a four-star recruit out of Highland High School, Caleb Lomu was the 14th-ranked offensive tackle in the country and the second-best player within the state of Arizona. He committed to the University of Utah during the 2023 recruiting cycle, despite receiving offers from Washington, Michigan, and Florida.

Lomu didn’t make much of an impact until 2024, when he started all 12 games for the Utes. As a redshirt freshman, he posted a 76.0 pass blocking grade while allowing just two sacks and 17 pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. This past season was the strongest season in Lomu’s short collegiate career. In 12 starts, he didn’t allow a single sack and was responsible for just eight pressures. His 82.1 pass blocking grade ranked 28th out of all eligible offensive tackles in College Football.

Accolades

• All-Big 12 First Team Selection (2025)
• Preseason All-Big 12 Selection (2025)
• Fourth Team Preseason All-America Selection (2025)
• Outland Trophy Preseason Watchlist (2025)
• Polynesian College Football Player of the Year Watchlist (2025, 2024)
• Midseason Freshman All-American (2024)

Best Tools

Caleb Lomu has high-level processing and technical skills. In pass protection, he is a highly intelligent pass protector. There aren’t many stunts or late blitzes that surprise Lomu as he has a good feel for where the pressure is coming from. When facing counters, he understands to trust his ability, adjust and continue to protect. Rushers with too much lean in their upper-half won’t have any success against Lomu. His snatch grab is lethal and it helps him take rushers completely out of the rep.

Lomu pairs exceptional movement skills with hands that help him reset during certain reps. His top-tier footwork allows him to glide when mirroring and matched up against speed rushers. He keeps his hands active to help him win consistently in hand battles and get good chest placement against power rushers. The combination of these skills allows Lomu to stay patient and not panic when he faces power despite his lack of overall strength.

Tools to Improve

As mentioned, Lomu lacks overall play and core strength. In the run game, he doesn’t consistently move and displace defenders. Instead, he takes up space rather than actually creating more of an opening for the running back. Due to his poor overall strength, Lomu doesn’t possess a natural anchor and can struggle to consistently maintain blocks against bigger and stronger defenders. His finishing ability is limited and isn’t evident much on film.

There are some technical issues for Lomu to iron out at the next level. While he has active hands, the placement and timing of them can be inconsistent. He can be too early when firing off his hands and trying to dictate contact. This leaves his chest exposed against power rushers and leads to some tough reps on tape. More rough reps appear when Lomu begins to lean over his toes and miss wide with his hands. Defenders waste no time pushing him back into the pocket and ruining the offensive play.

NFL Projection

Caleb Lomu already has the movement skills that are required to be a starting left tackle in the National Football League. When paired with his high-level processing, this is a prospect that should fly up draft boards at the NFL Combine. His concerns aren’t unfixable by any means. Lomu has the ability to add more weight and truly fill out his 6-foot-5 frame. This will help him become a better run blocker and should clean up any strength and finishing concerns. While he will never become a mauler in the run game, he projects incredibly well in an offense with wide zone run concepts where he can showcase his movement skills, like the Pittsburgh Steelers or the Atlanta Falcons.