It’s no secret that the Patriots have some significant needs coming into the draft, and depending on who you ask, the order of importance will differ. But one that most can agree upon is the desperate need for competent offensive tackles.
Despite the amount of blame thrown all around the team for the disaster that was the 2022 season, the offensive line was one of the roster’s weakest points, leading to many of the struggles offensively.
With a deep class of tackles set to enter the draft in April, the Patriots must make it a priority in the early rounds. Because they have prime position with the 14th overall pick, they may select their future lineman early on. If that’s the case, there are five talented players they could choose from.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: tackles
Paris Johnson Jr. – Ohio State
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’6″
WEIGHT: 310 lbs
EXPERIENCE:
- 2022 – 827 snaps at LT | 13 games played, 2 sacks allowed, 0 hits, 12 hurries
- 2021 – 768 snaps at RG | 13 games played, 0 sacks allowed, 1 hit, 13 hits
- 2020 – 12 snaps at LG, 7 snaps at RG, 7 snaps at RT | 4 games played, 1 sack allowed, 0 hits, 1 hurry
As the top-ranked tackle of this year’s class, according to PFF, Johnson Jr. is the perfect mold of what a team would want in a left tackle. Because of Trent Brown’s struggles on the left side last year, Johnson would likely start there immediately, moving Brown back to the right side with Isaiah Wynn on his way out.
Although he has limited experience playing a true tackle, his strength and athleticism for his size have consistently impressed. He’s a proven run blocker, something the Patriots have lacked in recent years and has been successful as a pass protector, allowing just three sacks total during the 2020 – 2022 seasons.
Drafting Johnson would be one of the best decisions the Patriots could make to improve the offense dramatically. He has the flexibility to move nearly anywhere on the offensive line, a trait Belichick loves, and has dominated throughout his college career.
The adaptability Johnson has shown, and the improvements he’s already made prove he could be a long-term starter in the NFL with the right coaching. And who better than Belichick to be the one to propel him to stardom?
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: tackles
Peter Skoronski – Northwestern
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’4″
WEIGHT: 315 lbs
EXPERIENCE:
- 2022 – 871 snaps at LT | 12 games played, 1 sack allowed, 2 hits, 3 hurries
- 2021 – 828 snaps at LT | 12 games played, 2 sacks allowed, 6 hits, 12 hurries
- 2020 – 665 snaps at LT | 9 games played, 2 sacks allowed, 4 hits, 11 hurries
As one of the most hyped tackles in this year’s class, Skoronski appears unanimously considered the best overall prospect for any team needing offensive line help.
Throughout his college career, he remained at left tackle but possesses the traits that would allow a coach to plug him in anywhere on the line if needed. His athleticism and explosive movement have garnered much attention, but his outstanding hand usage has begun to overshadow that, especially as it’s said to be his edge over his fellow rookie tackles.
No matter where you look, Skoronski is labeled as the “most NFL ready” in the draft, making the Patriots picking him an even better idea. The combine will likely determine if he’s first off the board or not, mainly due to size and arm-length concerns for a starting left tackle. But with so much help needed in protecting Mac Jones and any runner out of the backfield, Skoronski could be precisely what is needed in New England.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: tackles
Broderick Jones – Georgia
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’4″
WEIGHT: 310 lbs
EXPERIENCE:
- 2022 – 930 snaps @ LT | 15 games played, 0 sacks allowed, 2 hits, 7 hurries
- 2021 – 428 snaps @ LT, 9 snaps @ RT | 11 games played, 2 sacks allowed, 1 hit, 5 hurries
- 2020 – 25 snaps @ RT | 2 games played, 0 sacks allowed, 0 hits, 0 hurries
If the Patriots are looking for an experienced and athletic lineman to take over at left tackle, adding another Jones to the roster would be the most ideal.
As the starting left tackle for the back-to-back champion Georgia Bulldogs, Jones was a pass-rushers worst nightmare to be lined up against. His protection of the quarterback was nearly impeccable, allowing just two hits and seven hurries for the entire 2022 season. But the most impressive stat of all? Zero sacks were allowed through all 15 games.
Not only is Jones great with pass protection, but he’s also proven to be very agile for his size. His strength and athleticism are essential for a dominant run game, which the Patriots will likely continue as a run-first offense. And his flexibility at the position, with experience at tackle and guard, provides the team with great depth and security for the length of the season, an issue that often arose in 2022.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: tackles
Anton Harrison – Oklahoma
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’5″
WEIGHT: 315 lbs
EXPERIENCE:
- 2022 – 803 snaps @ LT, 53 snaps @ RT | 12 games played, 1 sack allowed, 8 hurries
- 2021 – 671 snaps @ LT | 13 games played, 2 sacks allowed, 1 hit, 14 hurries
- 2020 – 333 snaps @ LT | 9 games played, 1 sack allowed, 2 hits, 4 hurries
Deemed one of the best pass protectors in college football throughout his time at Ohio State, Harrison could be a great fit for the Patriots for a multitude of reasons.
Like the others in this year’s class, he has the versatility to play on either side of the line. That could become very handy in New England, considering how the last few seasons have transpired. He displays a natural ability to play the position, with fluidity in his movements and ease when in action, and has the speed to mirror pass rushers when protecting the quarterback.
The biggest weakness that stands out about his game is his lack of power and inconsistent blocking in the run game. Because the Patriots are likely to lean on the running backs again in 2023, that will have to be a point of emphasis with coaching if they select Harrison.
Breakdown of the Patriots’ potential first-round pick: tackles
Dawand Jones – Ohio State
AGE: 21
HEIGHT: 6’8″
WEIGHT: 350 lbs
EXPERIENCE:
- 2022 – 763 snaps @ RT | 12 games played, 0 sacks allowed, 0 hits, 5 hurries
- 2021 – 790 snaps @ RT | 13 games played, 3 sacks allowed, 1 hit, 7 hurries
- 2020 – 80 snaps @ LT | 3 games played, 0 sacks allowed, 0 hits, 1 hurry
Imagine an offensive line flanked by two giants; 6’8″ Trent Brown on one side and 6’8″ Dawand Jones on the other. Would that be a daunting task for opposing defenders, or what?
Jones may not have the most explosive speed, but his build works in his favor for several reasons that benefit the offense entirely. First, his strength and size make it nearly impossible for defenders to get to the quarterback, especially due to his 90-inch wingspan, according to his Senior Bowl measurements. Additionally, his size allows him to bulldoze through linemen, creating lanes for the run game, which has been a vital aspect of the Patriots’ offense lately.
Other than his mere presence amazing onlookers at the Senior Bowl, Jones’ technique and initial burst out of his stance impressed as well, particularly when lined up against some of the top talent in the country.
His stock has significantly increased from his performance at the game and will likely continue to rise after the combine, making him a near first round lock. If the Patriots want to settle their offensive line woes early, snatching up Jones at 14 would be a wise move.