New England Patriots: Post-NFL Draft offensive line power rankings
The New England Patriots have completed a large part of their offseason preparations in player acquisition, and one critical element is the offensive line.
As has been noted, the offensive line is the most critical component unit not only of the new England Patriots’ offense but the entire team.
After the quarterback, it is second to none in importance.
One note, since the Patriots still have the opportunity to add or subtract through undrafted free agency or trades, this list is certainly subject to change at any time.
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With this in mind, let’s explore how the Patriots starting offensive line and depth are shaping up before any upcoming camps.
The first group we can look at is the bottom of the depth chart, players 10-7 on the depth chart. To start, it’s good to add the only Patriots’ offensive lineman drafted last weekend.
That would be William Sherman, and an offensive tackle from Colorado. Sherman is not really a household name.
Drafted in the sixth round, at 6’3″ or so and 300 pounds he projects more likely to guard in the pros though his college experience includes time at both tackle spots. Consider Sherman only as a possible practice squad candidate, if that.
Next up is Yodny Cajuste, an offensive tackle. Cajuste has been Patriots for two seasons and has never suited up for a game due to injuries. That being said, if healthy (a big “if”), he can play and was likely slotted in as a left tackle when drafted in the third round in 2019.
To say he has been a disappointment would be an understatement. This is likely Cajuste’s last call to make the team. One more injury and his time with the Patriots will probably be over.
Next up is Marcus Martin. Martin is a big center/guard type and one of the Patriots in-and-outer types. In one week, out the next, etc.
He’s a waiver wire-level player and while drafted in the third round by San Francisco in 2014, he hadn’t played in three years before 2020. His chances of sticking are slim.
The last of the bottom tier of an offensive lineman is tackle Justin Herron. Herron was a fifth-round pick last season and a good one at that point in the draft.
He played in 12 games and even started six. Not too shabby. Patriots.com has Herron listed as the starting left guard. That seems a bit ambitious here but he will make the team as a depth player.