Rams Eyeing Athletic Offensive Tackle Caleb Lomu in Draft

Utah's Lomu could be a perfect fit to replace retiring veteran Rob Havenstein at right tackle

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:08am

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A cubist-style painting depicting the fragmented motion of an offensive lineman in action, with sharp geometric shapes in navy, green, and orange conveying the power and explosiveness of the position.An artistic interpretation of Caleb Lomu's raw athleticism and potential to develop into a dominant NFL offensive tackle.Los Angeles Today

Caleb Lomu, one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the 2026 NFL Draft, is a projected first-round pick and has been linked to the Los Angeles Rams with the 13th overall selection. Lomu's elite movement skills and potential to develop into a dominant right tackle could make him an ideal target for the Rams, who need to address the position after the retirement of longtime starter Rob Havenstein.

Why it matters

The Rams have had success developing offensive linemen in recent years, and Lomu's combination of size, athleticism, and upside could make him a perfect fit in their zone-blocking scheme. Drafting Lomu would also provide valuable depth at tackle, with current starter Warren McClendon Jr. entering the final year of his rookie contract.

The details

At 6-foot-6 and 313 pounds, Lomu has the physical tools to thrive in the NFL, with a 4.99-second 40-yard dash and elite agility metrics. However, he is still a raw prospect who needs to add strength and refine his technique. Lomu started the past two seasons at Utah, earning First Team All-Big 12 honors in 2025 after allowing zero sacks and just eight pressures on 383 pass-blocking snaps. Analysts see him as a potential fit at guard or center due to his lack of ideal tackle size, but his movement ability and potential make him an intriguing option for the Rams at right tackle.

  • Lomu declared for the 2026 NFL Draft after his junior season at Utah.
  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26, 2026.

The players

Caleb Lomu

A projected first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, Lomu is a 6-foot-6, 313-pound offensive tackle from the University of Utah who is known for his elite athleticism and potential to develop into a dominant right tackle.

Warren McClendon Jr.

The Rams' current starting right tackle, McClendon is entering the final year of his rookie contract and has earned the right to succeed the recently retired Rob Havenstein as the team's long-term starter at the position.

Rob Havenstein

The Rams' longtime starting right tackle, Havenstein recently retired after a successful NFL career, leaving a hole that the team could look to fill with a player like Caleb Lomu in the 2026 draft.

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What they’re saying

“Lomu must get stronger and continue to develop his technique and grit, but NFL teams are understandably intrigued by his movement ability and ready-to-cultivate left tackle skill set. His upside points to him becoming an NFL starter.”

— Dane Brugler, NFL Draft Analyst, The Athletic

“With longtime right tackle Rob Havenstein retiring, the Rams have a big hole on the right side of their offensive line. Luckily, they can find the perfect replacement here. Lomu's nasty streak, explosiveness and overall athleticism give him the chance to develop into a lockdown right tackle.”

— Charles McDonald and Nate Tice, NFL Draft Analysts

What’s next

The Rams will continue to evaluate Lomu and other top offensive line prospects leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, where they will look to find a long-term solution at right tackle to replace the retired Rob Havenstein.

The takeaway

Caleb Lomu's impressive athletic profile and potential to develop into a dominant right tackle make him an intriguing target for the Rams in the 2026 draft, as the team looks to solidify the offensive line and provide depth at a key position.