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New England Patriots 4 Downs: Pre-draft/free agency needs

By Michael Perry

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - NOVEMBER 24: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talks with Tom Brady #12 before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Gillette Stadium on November 24, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 01: Joe Thuney #62 of the New England Patriots rests on the bench in the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 01: Joe Thuney #62 of the New England Patriots rests on the bench in the second half against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 1, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /

2nd Down – Fortify the offensive line

The offensive line of the New England Patriots took a beating all season, and it all started before the 2019 NFL schedule began when center David Andrews was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs. If he is not healthy for 2020 — because that is not something you can mess around with — then the Patriots will have to fill that void.

Both players who filled in for Andrews last season (James Ferentz and Ted Karras) are free agents, and it is unknown if either player will return.

Left tackle was a problem until second-year player Isaiah Wynn returned from IR and solidified Tom Brady’s blindside. Right guard wasn’t much of an issue as Shaq Mason played pretty solid at different times during the 2019 season, while his counterpart Joe Thuney at left guard earned All-Pro honors this season.

Thuney, however, is a free agent … so either the Patriots bring Thuney back (who has a ton of experience playing in New England), or they look to the draft and/or free agency to fill the void.

Marcus Cannon, in years past, has been a solid right tackle … but due to injuries, he took a few steps back. Adding depth behind Cannon (who has the potential to be a great right tackle) would add competition when training camp rolls around this summer.

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