New England Patriots: Analyzing the offensive line for 2018

Left Tackle

Trent Brown was acquired through a trade with the San Francisco 49ers, the 6 foot 8, 380 pound lineman is viewed as one of the best young right tackles in the league.

Brown will be making the transition to left tackle for the Patriots, he is adjusting to the position throughout training camp, slowly but surely gaining confidence in his new slot.

With the shift in position, Brown will be tasked with protecting Tom Brady‘s blindside, not an easy order considering that he will be protecting the Patriot’s best player and the face of the franchise.

While playing in his traditional slot, Brown performed at a high level. His upper body strength and huge frame keep defenders at bay. He is an efficient drive blocker, who stays engaged with his opponent and has great footwork for a lineman his size.

However, the lack of athleticism as well as Brown’s inconsistency from game to game might cause some issues for the Patriots at the beginning of the season. Brown will need to become fully comfortable with the system, get a few games under his belt at left tackle and absorb as much information as possible from the coaching staff.

Having offensive line Coach Dante Scarnecchia and Bill Belichick in his corner, the promising lineman could prove to be elite despite initial struggles in New England. LeAdrian Waddle will function as a solid backup for the position, In 2017, Waddle played 12 games, starting at right tackle four times in place of Marcus Cannon, who was inactive due to injury.

The agile lineman will help the Patriot’s front line in the run game, Waddle has a big frame that enables him to engage with defenders, matching them with quickness as well as power. He plays best in a zone run block scheme but can be overwhelmed at times by first string defenders who are more athletic plus faster off the snap.

Waddle re-signed with the Patriots during the offseason, the team will need his presence if a starter is hindered by injury, which is always a possibility. Isaiah Wynn was selected 23rd overall by the Patriots in the first round of the 2018 NFL draft.

The former Georgia Bulldog showed enough talent and upside to be selected by Bill Belichick. During training camp, Wynn displayed flashes of dominance. He is a versatile tackle that could play more than one position, he is fundamentally sound with an ability to run and pass block with quick feet.

Despite his powerful hands, he will need to adapt to the strength of NFL players. He is also a bit undersized at 6 foot 2 inches and could have trouble dealing with longer, quicker defenders at tackle.

All in all, Wynn has an opportunity to learn during his first year from one of the best coaching staff’s in the NFL, armed with a high IQ plus a willingness to learn, he could be just what the Patriots need for the future.