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Boston College Standout Campaigning for Patriots to Draft Him in April

By Joseph Grassano

Oct 30, 2021; Syracuse, New York, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo (70) in pass protestion against the Syracuse Orange in the fourth quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
Oct 30, 2021; Syracuse, New York, USA; Boston College Eagles offensive lineman Ozzy Trapilo (70) in pass protestion against the Syracuse Orange in the fourth quarter at the Carrier Dome. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images
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The New England Patriots' goal this offseason remains the same as it was last offseason: to add talent to a roster bereft of it. Yet again, the Patriots have the most cap space in the NFL. However, even with the hiring of Mike Vrabel, they may run into the problem they faced last year of free agents not wanting to come to New England.

As a result, the Patriots' best avenue to add impact players is through the NFL Draft. Although New England has many roster holes to fill, finding good offensive linemen is most important. This season, New England had eight different starting offensive line combinations by Week 9, which isn't optimal for a young quarterback.

The process of finding good young linemen in the draft officially began on Tuesday with practices for the Reese's Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl. On Wednesday, Zac Ventola of Patriots Nation Nightly spoke to a potential offensive line target for the Patriots, Ozzy Trapilo. The Boston College product and New England native could be an interesting addition to this offensive line.

The Patriots Could Set Their Eyes on Ozzy Trapilo in This Year's Draft

During Ventola's interview with Trapilo, he asked Trapilo what it would be like to suit up for the Patriots next season. Trapilo responded, " It would mean a lot to me, you know, coming from New England, being born and raised here, being a fan growing up. It would be special for sure."

Although Trapilo clarifies later that he would be happy to land anywhere, it's obvious he would like to play for his hometown team. The Boston College product had a great final season in college. According to PFF, Trapilo recorded a run-blocking grade of 69.9, a pass-blocking grade of 80.5, and an overall grade of 76.7.

Trapilo's outstanding 2024 season earned him first-team All-ACC honors. While that's certainly impressive, the level of competition Trapilo faced in college isn't the same as it will be in the NFL. That's not to say he won't be good or even excel in the pros, but it could take him some time to adjust.

The Patriots also have a clear need on the offensive line. They ranked 31st in pass blocking and 32nd in run blocking in 2024, according to PFF, and there are big holes on this line at both tackle and guard. If that's not enough, New England also has four offensive linemen set to hit free agency with expiring contracts. This includes Demontray Jacobs who, for all his struggles, played the second-most snaps of anyone in the offense last season.

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