New England Patriots: Offensive line named biggest mistake in offseason
The offensive line, namely left tackle, was named the biggest mistake for the New England Patriots this offseason.
The New England Patriots have an uncharacteristic offseason. The usually tight-lipped organization saw some pushback from players not normally seen. Despite that, the Patriots still filled most holes they had.
New England had plenty of holes develop on the roster throughout the offseason. Free agency crushed the Patriots as they lost a number of key contributors from the team last season. Dion Lewis, Malcolm Butler, Danny Amendola and Nate Solder all signed elsewhere in free agency. Brandin Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams as well.
New England did well filling most of those holes made. Rex Burkhead and Jeremy Hill were both signed in free agency, with the No. 31 pick being used on running back Sony Michel as well. At wide receiver, the Patriots also did well.
Cordarrelle Patterson was acquired in a trade from the Oakland Raiders. Jordan Matthews was signed in free agency. Braxton Berrios was selected in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. New England is hopeful that Malcolm Mitchell will return successfully from his knee injury suffered last year as well.
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New England has plenty of replacement for Butler as well. Jason McCourty was acquired in a trade from the Cleveland Browns. Draft picks were used on Duke Dawson and Keion Crossen.
The Patriots used assets to acquire help along the offensive line, but there is still a huge question mark at left tackle. While Solder may not be an upper echelon left tackle, he got the job done in New England. Replacing him will not be easy.
The Patriots are hoping that first-round pick, Isaiah Wynn can help. However, Wynn projects more as a guard in the NFL. Trent Brown was acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in a trade but has very little experience at left tackle.
As a result, the offensive line, namely left tackle, was named as the team’s biggest mistake this offseason. Bleacher Report made a pick for each team and left tackle was their selection for the Patriots.
"The Patriots replaced veteran left tackle Nate Solder by spending a first-round pick on Isaiah Wynn and trading for Trent Brown, but they’re still taking big risks at offensive tackle.Inconsistency at offensive tackle could define the early part of New England’s season, especially as Wynn settles into his home at left tackle."
Protecting Tom Brady‘s blindside is very important. While he is still performing at a high level, if the offensive line is out of sync, could throw off the whole offense.
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There will be immense pressure on whoever plays left tackle for the Patriots this season. While the interior of the offensive line looks strong, New England has question marks on the perimeter.