2026 NFL Scouting Report: Caleb Lomu

Prospect Summary:

In his second season at Utah, Lomu took over as the starting left tackle with the Utes moving Spencer Fano to the right side. Over two seasons, Lomu locked down left tackle and showed NFL ability.

In the passing-driven NFL, Lomu has good athleticism to be an asset as a pass protector. Lomu is a capable pass blocker to neutralize speed rushers around the corner. Lomu is a natural pass blocker who has quick feet that allow him to get depth in his drop and neutralize speed rushers. He is quick out of stance and reacts immediately to cut off the corner and prevent them from running the loop around the edge. With his quick feet and an ability to bend at the knee, Lomu doesn’t have to reach after rushers and is not a waist bender. With impressive awareness and reaction skills, Lomu reacts quickly to handle stunts and games from the defensive line. He reacts very well to rushes to the inside and shows impressive balance. As a pass blocker, Lomu does a nice job of maintaining his blocks and sustaining using his hands and length well to stay engaged on defenders. Lomu uses his athletic ability well and stays in front of defenders. For the NFL, Lomu could be a very valuable starting left tackle to protect his quarterback against edge rushers.

As a run blocker, Lomu is not a bull in the ground game. He is not overly strong or physical to blast defenders off the ball and ride them around the field. Lomu has a good mentality as he looks to hit and get after defenders, but Lomu needs to get stronger to create movement in the ground game at the pro level. While he is not as powerful as a run blocker, he shows the athleticism and mobility to execute zone runs. Utah’s scheme did not have him fire off and run a lot of power man, so that will need development for the NFL. Right now, Lomu would be better off in a zone-blocking system to use his athleticism due to not packing a serious punch at the point of attack.

There are some raw elements to Lomu that need development. Lomu can stop bull rushes, but he needs to add more weight and strength to handle the power rushers in the NFL. His footwork can be inconsistent. He needs to get stronger to improve his power in the ground game and his ability to sustain blocks as a run blocker.

Lomu has a lot of upside, and his best football is ahead of him. If he gets stronger and develops his technique well, he could be an excellent starting left tackle as a pro. He definitely has a shot at being selected on the opening night of the draft.