New England Patriots: Drafting a new look 2020 monster offense
The 2020 New England Patriots offensive line
The New England Patriots offensive line is one of the better aspects of the team right now, with a big qualifier, if healthy.
As I have asserted previously, it is my opinion that the offensive line of any football team, especially an NFL team, is the engine that makes the team go and be successful. 2020 will be no different.
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I’m going to assume that their terrific center, James Andrews is healthy and ready to start the season at center. That’s a huge upgrade over 2109. A big plus.
At guard, the Patriots are stacked with talent. This assumes that offensive left guard Joe Thuney, their best offensive lineman who was franchised remains with the team.
Add Shaq Mason one of the absolute best run-blocking guards in the NFL to Thuney, and you have a tandem as good as any in the NFL. Center and guards, manned by great talent. Can’t get much better.
At tackle, we will assume that the starting tandem at the end of the season will be back. Absent a cataclysmic event in the draft or subsequently, that’s a given. At the second most important position on the team you have offensive left tackle Isaiah Wynn.
Wynn is anything but the prototypical OLT, size-wise. But talent-wise, Wynn is a colossus. His footwork is a thing of beauty. Playing at the size of a small offensive center, Wynn’s ability to mirror any defender is likely as good as any tackle in the league. He has Pro-Bowl potential.
At tackle on the right side, is the ever-dependable Marcus Cannon. This will be Cannon’s 10th season in New England. While no Pro-Bowler, he is steady and competent and rounds out an offensive line that is superb.
So the foundation of the offense is there. The new-look looks a lot like the old look on the offensive line. But if healthy and intact, that’s not a bad thing.
Quite the contrary.
Depth still needs to be added to the tackle position and inside so it will be incumbent on the Patriots seem to be able to find good players on the inside of the offensive line in places no one expects.
Conclusion, the starting 5, solid as a rock.
Depth, to be determined.