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New England Patriots: Post-Free Agency Needs on Offense

By Hal Bent

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) with wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) and running back LeGarrette Blount (29) against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) with wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) and running back LeGarrette Blount (29) against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots center David Andrews (60) and offensive guard Joe Thuney (62) during the game against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

OFFENSIVE LINE:

Newly Added/Retained: Cameron Fleming (RFA), Chris Barker (Future Contract), Jamil Douglas (Future Contract), Chase Farris (Future Contract), (Future Contract)

Departed: Tre’ Jackson; Sebastian Vollmer

Need Level: Medium-Low

Analysis:

The Patriots lost two offensive linemen who were unable to suit-up in 2016 as Sebastian Vollmer was released (he is expected to retire) and 2015 fourth-round draft pick Tre’ Jackson was let go. Jackson had started nine games as a rookie and was expected to be back and competing at training camp this summer so his release was a bit of a surprise.

The Patriots kept back-up tackle Cameron Fleming (a restricted free agent) to compete with veteran LaAdrian Waddle for the active swing tackle role each week. Fleming was active more than Waddle due to his ability to come in as a sixth offensive lineman (tight end eligible) and use his devastating run blocking skills to make space in short yardage situation.

The Patriots extended second-team All-Pro right tackle Marcus Cannon already and left tackle Nate Solder should be a priority for an extension–but this being the Patriots they will probably let him play out his contract and then worry about re-signing him. The Patriots need to find a young tackle to develop for the future.

The interior offensive line seems to be a work in progress each season. The Patriots have last season’s third round draft pick Joe Thuney ensconced at left guard while 2015 fourth round draft pick Shaquille Mason handles the right guard spot. David Andrews returns for his third season at center.

Behind that young core in the middle New England has last season’s sixth round draft pick Ted Karras and a host of practice squad players. Chase Farris, Chris Barker, and Jamil Douglas will compete for a roster spot in the preseason. Expect the Patriots to bring in a bunch of undrafted free agents to compete at the interior offensive line.

The interior offensive line has proven to be solid in the running game but they struggle at times holding blocks in the passing game. Houston and Atlanta both exploited this weakness in the postseason getting pressure on quarterback Tom Brady straight up the gut. Improved pass protection is a must from this unit going forward.

A potential mid-round fit could be Utah guard Isaac Asiata. Asiata is big and thick and has the power to simply maul pass rushers in the middle of the line. Asiata is a guard and is massive at six-foot-three and 330 pounds. His nasty streak and aggressiveness playing up to the whistle jump off the college tape and make him an intriguing prospect. The tackle position is weak in the 2017 NFL Draft and will likely be addressed with the undrafted free agent market.

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