New England Patriots: Post-NFL Draft offensive line power rankings

New England Patriots offensive linemen, 6th-5th best

Next up are the top six through fourth offensive linemen on the Patriots who will be counted upon to produce big for the team no matter who is behind center. The team’s offense will rest on their shoulders.

First up, is super depth player, Ted Karras. After a one-year hiatus in Miami with Brian Flores, Karras is back in New England where he belongs. He has super value even as a back-up

While he started all 16 games for Miami last season at center, Karras can play both there and at guard. He’ll be first off the bench if center David Andrews or either starting guard is hurt.

And who knows, he could be right there competing for a starting guard position possibly, as well. Don’t count that out. With Joe Thuney gone, that left guard spot is up for grabs.

Karras’ value as a plug-and-play backup cover at both positions is a game day windfall for coach Bill Belichick. And make no mistake, he’s a starting-caliber player as his year in Miami demonstrated.

Next on the list is Isaiah Wynn. Wynn when healthy is an anomaly of the highest order. As has been pointed out previously, he’s a top left tackle talent at the size of a smaller center or guard.

His talent level to even be able to play left tackle at that size is off-the-charts. Wynn’s problem has not been talent but rather his propensity to pick up injuries. Too many, too often.

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Wynn if healthy will start at either left tackle (more likely) or maybe right tackle or guard. A move to the right or inside would be best for him, though it’s unlikely to happen.

The Patriots have a decision to make in the next few days on whether to pick up Wynn’s fifth-year option. It’s a $10M gamble and it says here, don’t pick it up. Make this a show and tell year for him.

The New England Patriots can always sign Wynn in the offseason if he proves his injury woes are behind him. With Wynn only having played in 18 games out of a possible 48, he’s a bad bet.

Of note here is this, New England missed the boat by not drafting an offensive tackle high up in the 2021 draft, their biggest draft mistake.

Wynn’s health issues and questionable status along with Trent Brown’s one-year deal should have prompted the team to go big for an offensive tackle in the just-concluded draft.

It was a huge omission and could cost them dearly either sooner or later. A top tackle could have stepped in if either or both are injured or leave after the season. A missed opportunity, indeed.