Grading Patriots' Choice of a Drake Maye Protector in 3rd Round of Draft
By Ryan Bunton
After the New England Patriots trotted out the most combinations of any NFL team in 2023, they take an offensive tackle to help protect Drake Maye and provide more stability on their offensive line. Their emphasis on the offensive side of the ball continues through three rounds.
With the 68th overall pick (third round), New England has selected Caedan Wallace, an offensive tackle out of Penn State. Wallace was the 17th-ranked tackle and 124th overall prospect.
On the older side, having turned 24 in this month, Wallace finished his career with the Nittany Lions making his 40 starts all at right tackle. He was an honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2023, starting 13 games while allowing only a sole sack. Wallace checks in at 6'5", 328 pounds.
After Michael Onwenu signed a three-year, $57 million contract extension this offseason, it felt like New England would heavily pursue a left tackle. Instead, de facto GM Eliot Wolf has shown faith in starting free agent signing Chukwuma Okorafor at left tackle, despite Okorafor not starting a single NFL game at the position.
In the draft, Patriots take another natural right tackle here, where Onwenu is a lock to start. They could be looking to transition Wallace to the left tackle spot, but New England fans should feel more comfortable about this pick if Wallace was a natural left tackle.