Overview
- Evaluators including PFF and Sports Illustrated have rated Lomu among the top rookie pass blockers, citing near‑perfect pass‑block efficiency and strong pass‑blocking grades in recent extended snaps.
- A wave of injuries to New England’s offensive line forced the 28th‑overall pick into expanded duty after stands-in were hurt, and he allowed no sacks and almost no pressures across those appearances.
- Head coach Mike Vrabel said Lomu must be ready to play multiple spots, and the team indicated both starting guards are likely unavailable for the upcoming primetime game.
- To shore up depth, the Patriots added offensive linemen to the practice squad and have rotated veterans into emergency roles while monitoring injured starters on the report and injured reserve lists.
- Lomu’s quick rise gives quarterback Drake Maye firmer protection in the short term and creates a test for the Patriots on whether a rookie backup can provide dependable interior flexibility going forward.