Caleb Lomu Draft Grade | Round 1, Pick 28 | FanVerdicts

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Sentiment

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Fan Verdict

Sentiment Analysis

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #25 · 1st Round Talent

Caleb Lomu emerged as Utah's anchor at left tackle over three dominant seasons, transforming from a raw developmental prospect into one of the most technically sound blindside protectors in college football. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound mammoth combines rare length with surprisingly fluid movement skills, consistently stoning elite Pac-12 pass rushers while excelling in zone blocking schemes. His draft stock skyrocketed following a dominant 2025 campaign where he allowed zero sacks in 14 games, showcasing the type of elite pass protection and run blocking versatility that translates immediately to the NFL level. Lomu's combination of physical tools, technical refinement, and proven track record against top competition makes him an ideal Day 1 starter for any franchise seeking franchise cornerstone protection.

Strengths

+Exceptional arm length and hand placement creates significant reach advantage over pass rushers, consistently landing initial punch before defenders can establish inside leverage.

+Elite anchor strength allows him to absorb bull rushes from elite collegiate pass rushers without giving ground, maintaining pocket integrity even against multiple stunts and games.

+Outstanding footwork in pass protection sets with proper depth and lateral movement, rarely caught off-balance by speed-to-power conversions or wide rushes.

+Impressive mobility for his size translates to effective reach blocking in outside zone concepts, consistently getting to second-level linebackers and creating running lanes.

+High football IQ shows in pre-snap recognition of defensive alignments and stunts, making proper protection calls and slide adjustments at the line of scrimmage.

+Consistent hand placement and punch timing disrupts pass rush timing, using his length to control defenders' shoulders and redirect their rush angles.

+Strong finishing ability in run blocking drives defenders off the line of scrimmage, creating movement in gap schemes and sealing edges in stretch concepts.

+Excellent balance and recovery skills when initially beaten allow him to re-anchor and prevent defenders from winning around the edge or converting speed to power.

+Versatile scheme fit demonstrates proficiency in both gap and zone concepts, showing comfort in power/gap schemes while excelling in outside zone stretches.

+Outstanding durability and conditioning never missed a start in three seasons and maintained consistent technique even in fourth quarter of physical games.

+Leadership presence and communication skills consistently made protection calls and helped younger linemen with adjustments during games.

Weaknesses

-Can be susceptible to quick inside moves from smaller, twitchier pass rushers who can exploit brief lapses in hand placement and get underneath his punch.

-Occasionally struggles with timing on reach blocks in outside zone, arriving a half-step late against fast-flowing linebackers who beat him to the spot.

-Limited experience against elite speed rushers may require adjustment period at NFL level where edge defenders possess superior closing speed and bend.

-Can play too tall at times in pass protection, allowing shorter defenders to get leverage underneath and create push back into the pocket.

-Needs improvement in combo blocking recognition, sometimes staying too long on down linemen instead of releasing to second-level assignments in duo concepts.

-Footwork can become sloppy when fatigued late in games, leading to wider pass sets that give speed rushers larger windows to attack the corner.

-Limited exposure to complex NFL-style protection schemes and exotic blitz packages may require significant learning curve during rookie season.

NFL Comparison: Kolton Miller

Fan voting will be available once grades are published.

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