New England Patriots: Analyzing team’s biggest draft needs
Terence Steele, OT, Texas Tech
Terence Steele has a very good size for a starter in the NFL, at 6’6 and 310 pounds. At the tackle position, he has very good length on the edge and has long arms which is always a great thing to have. Originally a left tackle, switching Steele to the right side saw him cut his hurries in half, showing great potential and improvement at that position, considering the New England Patriots already have their blindside blocker in Isaiah Wynn.
More from New England Patriots
- Former Patriot Stevan Ridley Put Kevin Hart in a Wheelchair
- 3 Patriots Who Can Clinch a Roster Spot in Final Preseason Game
- Patriots Get Win Over Division Rivals Before Season Even Begins
- New Massachusetts Sportsbook Promos: $450 Bonus to Bet on Your Patriots at Caesars + DraftKings
- Ezekiel Elliott Reveals 3 Reasons Why He Signed With Patriots
He will fight to recover when he gets beat, which is good. But he lacks versatility and needs to work on getting stronger and developing better techniques. If he can get better, he can be a solid starter on the right side.
The Texas Tech offense ranked top-5 in the country in pass attempts, yet they ranked in the top-25 in fewest sacks allowed, which is extremely impressive.
Projected: 2nd or 3rd round pick
John Simpson, G, Clemson
This young man fits the ‘Bill’, so to speak. Coach Belichick takes a liking to players like John Simpson who have wide frames that can run block and be strong defenders in the passing game as well. Simpson also has good awareness and toughness for the position. He may, in fact, be the best guard in the draft in eyes of some in what is an otherwise weak class for the position.
With Joe Thuney in line for a big-money deal, look for the Pats’ to consider Simpson if they can’t bring Thuney back.
Projected: 3rd to 5th round pick.