With handle Trent Brown, core James Ferentz and guard/tackle Mike Onwenu possibly leaving the New England Patriots this offseason through free agency, the crew will have vital selections to make about the offensive line. Team director of scouting Eliot Wolf — who, on Tuesday published he will have the remaining say over personnel choices — will have a number of names to choose from, each via the NFL Draft and free-agent market.
Joe Alt, Notre Dame T
It would make experience for the Patriots to choose a quarterback with the third overall pick, but they don’t always have to. If New England decides to take a non-draft direction to reply concerns about the 2024 quarterback spot, then that ability handle would be the draft’s focus role — which is where Alt comes in.
He was listed as the top tackle in the 2024 by means of Pro Football Focus, described as having “elite size” (6-foot-8) and “technique to mitigate any herbal weaknesses.” Brown, one of the Patriots beginning tackles in 2023, made his dissatisfaction with the agency abundantly clear toward the give up of the 2023 ordinary season. Alt would right away be an enchancment over Brown, each in skill and mentality.
Olumuyiwa Fashanu, Penn State T
With so many questions at QB, the Patriots offense might also be relying closely on running back Rhamondre Stevenson to score touchdowns and make game-changing plays. At Penn State, Fashanu was out of the ordinary in the run game, and if his talent set transfers smoothly to the NFL, he will be a precious asset to any team.
With Stevenson getting into a contract year and Elliott nearing the cease of his career, New England ought to use any individual like Fashanu, who would no longer solely preserve the RBs protected from injury, however additionally help them accumulate large features by way of creating clear going for walks gaps in the line.
Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys OT
Smith, 33 years old, is one of the pinnacle tackles set to hit the free-agent market, however he would solely be capable to sign a one- or two-year deal because of his age and declining health. His confined long-term availability has its pros and cons for New England.
The Patriots could use Smith’s age to their gain by way of drafting a high-ceiling address in the early rounds. This would allow Smith to mentor the rookie for a few seasons, earlier than handing the keys over and doubtlessly retiring. In this scenario, a quick Smith tenure is fairly enticing for the Patriots.
Contrarily, if Wolf does now not convey on a future or succesful backup, then a Smith signing appears counterproductive, as it solely procrastinates discovering a long-term, stable option, opening the door for disaster have to Smith go through an injury.
The answer to Smith lies in the pieces around him. The Patriots will have to mull whether or not so tons effort is well worth a soon-to-decline 33-year-old.
