The New England Patriots' offensive line had a full-scale collapse during the postseason last year. After Drake Maye was sacked five times against the Chargers in the Wildcard, it looked as if the unit could only improve, but they went on to allow 21 sacks across their four postseason matchups, including six in the Super Bowl.
This offseason, they made a clear effort to ensure that wouldn't happen again. Mike Vrabel publicly stated his confidence in Will Campbell as the future of the left tackle position, while Morgan Moses will remain the starter in 2026.
The latter is aging, however, having turned 35 in March. The team traded up in the first round to secure the rights of Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu.
On the interior, the team traded Garrett Bradbury, replacing him by sliding left guard Jared Wilson to center, his more natural position. They signed Alijah Vera-Tucker in his place.
The only player that remains in the starting five from the Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo days is left guard Mike Onwenu, who's been one of the league's best and most versatile since entering the league in 2020, operating at both guard and tackle.
Onwenu will turn 29 during the season and is a veteran leader on offense with experience under three different coaching staffs. While the line disappointed last season, he, like so many fans, is thrilled at the prospect of the unit's improvement.
Mike Onwenu is excited about the offensive line's prospects in 2026
As mentioned, the tackle positions remain unchanged heading into 2026, but the interior has a pair of changes to Onwenu's left, and the former Michigan Wolverine is excited about the changes.
Asked Mike Onwenu where the Patriots' offensive line can improve from last year:
— Ian Steele (@IanSteeleWMUR) July 30, 2026
"The line improves the more we play together. Jared (Wilson's) back at his natural position at center. I'm excited to see him work at that. AVT at left. I'm excited about that."@WMUR9 #NEPats pic.twitter.com/7Fz2KFR8Eq
As Onwenu mentions, the line continuing to get work in together as a unit will be key. During the spring, Vera-Tucker was still nursing a torn triceps, meaning backups Ben Brown, Andrew Rupcich, and James Hudson were taking snaps in his place.
Now that the former first-round selection is back in action at left guard, the line should be excited about its future. Given that Vera-Tucker has missed roughly half his career games, his staying healthy is a major "if", but for now, the unit can build chemistry ahead of a key 2026 season.
Additionally, the Patriots will no doubt be looking to continue building their talent pipeline along the line. Lomu is the premier talent, but Day 3 selections Marcus Bryant (2025) and Dametrious Crownover (2026) could be players to watch in camp.
Veterans Rupcich and Hudson could also be key depth pieces with strong play in August, and UDFA Jacob Rizy was tagged by Mike Reiss as a potential surprise player to make the team given his top-tier athleticism.
Time will tell as to whether the offensive line will be what everyone thinks it can, but a strong and injury-free summer will no doubt put the unit in a solid position ahead of the 2026 season.
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