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Ranking the Patriots’ starting offensive linemen for 2023

By Lou Scataglia

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Mike Onwenu #71 of the New England Patriots looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Mike Onwenu #71 of the New England Patriots looks on against the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots could unveil a very strong offensive line in 2023. Let’s rank the team’s starting offensive linemen for 2023.  For all the questions about the Pats’ offensive line, they could unveil a solid unit in 2023 and I could make the argument that they don’t need to draft a tackle in round one.

Depending on where you’d plug projected starters Trent Brown and Riley Reiff, this unit still features a very talented iOL and what could be a solid tackle tandem.

Let’s rank the five projected starting offensive linemen for the Patriots for the coming season.

Ranking the Patriots’ starting offensive linemen for 2023

5. Trent Brown, LT/RT

It doesn’t appear to be known whether or not the Patriots will stick Trent Brown at left or right tackle this coming season.  Heck, he could find himself totally off the roster if certain things happen.  Brown can be very good, but he was mostly a disaster in 2022.

4. Cole Strange, LG

The Cole Strange pick was.. strange to many.  After a shaky start to his career, Strange settled into his position and finished the year strong.  He’s got a limited sample size compared to the other linemen on the roster but I think he can take a leap in year two.

3. Riley Reiff, LT/RT

Both Riley Reiff and Trent Brown have played both tackle spots in the NFL, so that’s why I’m not assigning them to a certain position until we know more.  Reiff has always been quite solid throughout his career and I think he does start the year with the starting unit at one of the tackle spots.

Reiff is a strong veteran addition and perhaps has something left in the tank.

2. Mike Onwenu, RG

I wanted to peg Mike Onwenu as the best offensive linemen in this starting unit, but I just couldn’t do it, however, I love this player.  He played at an elite level during his time playing tackle for the Patriots and made a seamless transition to the interior in 2022.

I think Onwenu should be able to enjoy a Pro Bowl caliber season this year en route to a huge contract extension.

1. David Andrews, C

When you look up “tough as nails” in the dictionary, a picture of David Andrews is there.  Andrews is one of the best centers in football and is the heartbeat and engine of the Patriots’ offensive line.  I surely hope he retires as a Patriot.  He was undrafted out of 2015 and has been the full-time starter since then.

He did miss the entirety of the 2019 season but is the epitome of what it means to be a Patriot.

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