Patriots eye top draft target after OT pick runs out: report

The New England Patriots considered multiple targets in the pre-draft period and ultimately selected offensive lineman Caleb Lomu with the 28th overall pick, trading up from 31 to 28 due to a notable drop-off after the top seven tackles. One player the Patriots eyed if he’d fallen further was Texas A&M wide receiver KC Concepcion, who ultimately went 24th to the Cleveland Browns. While the team hosted a top-30 visit with Concepcion and he was a frequent name in pre-draft mock drafts for New England, the Patriots did not add a wide receiver in this draft and instead focused on fortifying the offensive line to pair with an aging Morgan Moses.

Concepcion had a standout 2025 season for the Aggies with 61 receptions, 919 yards, and nine touchdowns, plus strong punt-return and yards-after-catch production, making him an attractive playmaker on paper. Despite New England’s interest, the Browns acquired him for offensive-firepower reasons as they continue reshaping their unit. The article notes that while Concepcion would have been a valuable addition, the Patriots’ decision to trade up for Lomu addressed immediate depth at offensive tackle and left tackle protection, positioning the Patriots to pursue offensive growth in the near term. The piece also highlights ongoing speculation about potential wideout targets, including rumors about A.J. Brown, though no such acquisition occurred.

Key takeaways:
– Patriots targeted KC Concepcion in the pre-draft process but drafted OL Caleb Lomu at 28, addressing pass protection and left tackle depth.
– Concepcion’s strong 2025 metrics and return prowess made him a plausible fit, but he went to the Browns, who sought more offensive weapons.
– The draft outcome emphasized the Patriots’ emphasis on upgrading the line while keeping open the possibility of future wide receiver additions.