FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in February. Here’s a look at Utah offensive tackle Caleb Lomu.
2026 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Caleb Lomu
Caleb Lomu (OT – Utah)
6-foot-6 | 308 Pounds
Background
Caleb Lomu was a four-star recruit who redshirted in 2023 before taking over the starting left tackle spot the following year, pushing Spencer Fano over to the right side. He allowed just two sacks and 17 combined sacks + hits + pressures (2-17) before reprising the left tackle role this past year and finishing with 0-8 through the regular season.
Positives
Lomu is a tall tackle who carries his weight well and who was able to step into the left tackle role as a redshirt freshman and provide pretty consistent play over the past two seasons. Very good athlete who looks explosive firing out of his stance, and has the speed and agility to execute difficult blocks in space or at the second level, making him a versatile run blocker.
Utah asked him to execute difficult assignments. He showed the ability to anticipate and engage with form, with solid football IQ and technique. Can pull and insert, successfully lining up opponents on gap concepts. Shows a good understanding of positioning to wall off opponents. Overall grip strength appears to be above-average, allowing him to stick with his man even on snaps when he’s not getting the best of the exchange.
Lomu is a well-conditioned, high-motor player who works hard through the whistle. Quick feet and lateral quickness allowed him to protect the edge effectively against outside rushers during the games reviewed. Gets good extension with his arms and is proactive in pass protection. Effective hand fighter with good placement and the ability to reset. Has the ability to line up opponents in space and is tailor-made for the screen game.
Negatives
Functional strength and contact balance leave something to be desired; can get overpowered by some of the bigger/stronger blockers he plays against, and will need some time in a pro strength program to continue developing his body. Lomu doesn’t play with quite as much knee-bend as you’d like, which can lead to some occasional waist-bending.
The Utah tackle seemed to get a bit more help on the edge than some of the other top tackle prospects — that’s good play design. Has the athletic tools to mirror, but it’d be nice to see him have to get more consistent depth with his kickslide to protect the edge against power. Jolted on contact by some bull-rushers, causing him to drop his anchor later than you’d like. Definitely looks more comfortable handling speed than power.
Summary
An impressive athlete with the explosiveness, speed, awareness and technique to execute a variety of assignments in the run game. Lomu is smooth and laterally quick enough to protect the edge against speed in the passing game.
While he’s not the most powerful blocker or the most flexible in the knees, Lomu’s strengths will likely have NFL teams viewing him as a potential starting left tackle. As a result, will likely come off the board within the first 40 picks or so. I lean toward him hearing his name called in the first round because of overall positional value considerations.
Projection: Round 1/Round 2
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