New England Patriots: 5 post-free agency needs to fill in 2021 NFL Draft

Fourth, The New England Patriots need to beef up their offensive line depth.

That allusion is meant both literally and figuratively. It’s clear if one reads this author’s missives on offensive linemen, that big and good is far better than smaller and good.

Witness Trent Brown and Michael Onwenu as current examples on the Patriots offensive line.  They are massive and they are good players, as well. Replicate that in the line’s depth and you are in the right place.

Here, I say, roll the dice early and often in the third and fourth rounds and later to snap up a couple of behemoth linemen who will add to the Patriots’ possibly dominant offensive line contingent.

Two have already been mentioned in this space. Deonte Brown from Alabama and David Moore from Grambling State. Brown sits at about 364 pounds.

Moore is listed at 320 (not to be believed, sorry). Both are big interior lineman and both can play. Moore adds another dimension valued in New England, versatility. He can also play center. Nice asset.

Brown is the better of the two and if the Patriots’ are sitting in the third round with a pick and he’s available, it’s a no-brainer, folks. He’s a player. Later on, Moore will fit nicely, as well. Two more very big, and very good young offensive lineman to add to the team’s depth. Awesome.

Another former sleeper who impressed at the Senior Bowl is Quinn Meinerz of Wisconsin-Whitewater. Meinerz wowed ’em at the Senior Bowl and he has been climbing the draft charts since.

He’s mountain man strong and at 6’3″ and 320 pounds, not a behemoth in size but he more than makes up for it in strength.

He’s climbing the draft polls and he’s looked upon as a second-round pick. That may be a bit high for a little tested but dynamic interior line prospect, though he can also snap and play center.

But he’s worth a mention if New England sees another Joe Thuney there. If they roll the dice, no issue here.

Yet, Thuney himself was only a third-round pick, Shaq Mason a fourth, and the terrific young phenom Onwenu a sixth. So gems are available anywhere if you know how to find them.

Offensive tackle also needs a boost in the draft as the Patriots’ depth there consists of guard/tackle Owwenu, who is likely to step in for the aforementioned new KC Chief, Thuney, and really little else.

That absolutely has to be addressed, as well.