Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Joe Thuney
Today marks 62 days until the New England Patriots kickoff the 2016 season in the Arizona desert, so we’re taking a closer look at the owner of the No. 62 jersey, rookie offensive lineman Joe Thuney.
Size: 6-foot-5, 295 pounds
College: North Carolina State
NFL experience: Rookie
Hometown: Centerville, Ohio
With the No. 78 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots addressed offensive line depth by selecting former North Carolina State offensive lineman Joe Thuney. As is often the case with offensive linemen selected by Bill Belichick, Thuney possesses the all-important trait of versatility having lined up at left tackle, guard and center for Wolfpack.
Patriots won’t be stopped if they can stay healthy
Clocking in at 6-foot-5, 304 pounds, Thuney has impressive speed for his size. He recorded a 4.92-second 40-yard dash time, the best out of all the guards in the 2016 NFL Draft. You can bet that the Patriots like that blend of versatility and speed.
Recent installments in Patriots kick-off countdown profile series:
65 days – No. 65 Jonathan Cooper
It’s pretty likely that Thuney will make the final roster considering where the Patriots drafted him and all he offers in terms of positional capability. And it’s not like the 2015 Patriots fielded an historic interior offensive line; the unit struggled mightily down the stretch, so you can bet that in his first year back as head honcho off the trenches, Dante Scarnecchia will give Thuney every opportunity to make an impact.
Are there any offensive free agents worth considering?
Thuney’s main competition in camp will be 2015 carryovers Josh Kline, Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason as well as newcomer Jonathan Cooper.
Next: 10 most promising sophomore pros on Pats’ roster
Be sure to stop by Musket Fire tomorrow as we mark 61 days until the Patriots open 2016 by profiling the owner of the No. 61 jersey, offensive tackle Marcus Cannon.