3 massive offensive tackles Patriots should target in free agency

New England Patriots free agent target: Taylor Lewan

PFF lists Taylor Lewan of Jacksonville as the third-best OT in the free agent market. Pass protection, a key need for the team, is Lewan’s forte.

PFF notes,

"Taylor had a career year as a pass protector, earning his highest pass-blocking grade with a 76.4 mark that landed him in the top 25 among tackles on the year. Taylor allowed pressure on just 2.5 percent of dropbacks, the third-lowest mark among tackles in the NFL, though quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s lightning-quick 2.51-second average time to throw certainly helped. However, Taylor’s 76.7 pass-blocking grade on true pass sets still ranked 14th among tackles and his 5.2% pressure rate allowed was a top-10 mark."

Lewan with his 6’7″ frame at 305 pounds is another long tackle for the outside. As the team learned the hard way with Wynn, length at tackle is essential not an option.

Lewan is 31 years old, making him a bit less attractive. Yet, should the New England Patriots actually defy the odds and do the right thing by drafting a young tackle in the first round, then Lewan can be an excellent transitional player until he’s ready to step up into the starting lineup.

That could eventuate sometime this season or if the team doesn’t re-sign Trent Brown to an extension beginning in 2024. Regardless, the rookie would be a terrific first backup off the bench in a position that sees injury attrition every season.