The New England Patriots traded inside the division with the Buffalo Bills to take the No. 28 overall pick in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft β with New England then selecting offensive tackle Caleb Lomu. The Patriots now have nine selections remaining in the 2026 Draft β including the upcoming No. 63 overall selection in the second round. Prior to Howell's selection, quarterback Fernando Mendoza was taken at No. 1 overall for the Las Vegas Raiders. David Bailey from Texas Tech was the No. 2 overall selection, followed by Jeremiyah Love at No. 3, Carnell Tate with the No. 4 overall selection out of Ohio State, and finally linebacker Arvell Reese who rounded out the top five picks. Lomu is 6'6", weighing 313 pounds and coming from the University of Utah. In 2025, he started at left tackle in all 12 regular-season games in 2025 and was an All-Big 12 First Team selection.β¦