New England Patriots: 3 ‘Do Draft’ strategies for team
Second, the New England Patriots go heavy on offensive linemen
The offensive line is the most critical unit on the field. They dictate the pace and result of the offense and by extending drives they keep your defense fresh. All good, if they are. If not, you have big problems.
Now the New England Patriots offensive line if all are healthy is very good in the starting five. It’s been argued here that Trent Brown should be the left tackle and Isaiah Wynn the right. Hopefully, they get that.
If not, it will be the other way around. OK, but not the optimum employment of Brown, a difference-maker on the left side. Inside, the Patriots have top strength and deployment options.
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Though they lost Joe Thuney, an All-Pro to free agency, they have a player who can fit right into his spot. The first thought would probably be last year’s best draft pick Michael Onwenu.
Drafted as a guard, Onwenu claimed the right tackle position after Marcus Cannon opted out and never looked back.
Another option, however, and maybe a better one is placing Wynn in that spot next to Brown. That makes sense for lots of reasons, especially due to Wynn’s injury history. A move inside might just help keep him on the field. It’s worth a try.
But it’s in the depth area that the Patriots are lacking and that’s why they have to go heavy in the draft for offensive line depth. They don’t have much.
The only player worth mentioning is the re-signed guard/center, Ted Karras. Karras is a starting-caliber guy (he was Miami’s starting center last season) probably at either.
He’s no Pro Bowler, but adequate at both positions. He also allows you to add a player on the game-day roster somewhere else since he covers both Andrews and either guard spot. Nice to have.
After that, there’s not much, especially at tackle. The Patriots missed on 2019 third-round tackle Yodney Cajuste who has never suited up for a game.
Now Cajuste could play, but he was hurt even before the combine and the Patriots still rolled the dice with that high a pick. Not a great idea any time. You take a guy like that late. Very late if at all.
The New England Patriots need to draft a big offensive tackle with their first pick wherever it may be after they take a quarterback this April. And trade up for one if necessary.
And if they don’t take a quarterback in the first round as they should, then offensive left tackle should be their first pick. Take the best available or move up to get an even better one.
They need that depth for several reasons. First, Brown is on a one-year deal and could be gone once again after 2021. This is a poor move by New England, again not locking up Brown long-term.
Second, Wynn is on that last year of his rookie deal. The Patriots have to pick up his fifth-year option by May 3rd. They shouldn’t. And if not, he’s likely gone after this season, as well.
That’s two starters with uncertain futures at the tackle position, and as for depth, Justin Herron is OK, but he’s not special. They need “special” at that position and should draft accordingly.
You can never have too many top offensive linemen. They get dinged up and the team can’t afford to be deficient at that position when they do. Draft early, and then again in the middle rounds.
At least two tackles. Someone like Notre Dame’s Liam Eichenberg might fit the New England Patriots nicely.