Patriots advised to poach lineman from Super Bowl champion's practice squad

Although the Patriots are heading into just their fourth game of the 2024 season, the biggest concern from the beginning of the offseason continues to be the most evident problem for the team. The offensive line was projected to be the new regime's priority during free agency and the draft, especially since they were expected to select their next franchise quarterback.

However, after just three games, their seeming lack of urgency in adding the talent needed to dramatically improve the roster caught up with them.

The free agent addition of Chukwuma Okorafor was a questionable decision from the start. He spent his career as a right tackle, and the Patriots planned to move him to the left, which made it unsurprising to see Jerod Mayo bench him after just 12 snaps in the season opener. He has since been placed on the exempt/left list, and the team has struggled to find a suitable replacement.

They've experimented with Vederian Lowe and Caedan Wallace, both of whom are dealing with injuries and will not be playing in their matchup with the 49ers on Sunday, forcing them to go with their fourth starting left tackle of the season.

Because the outcome is yet to be seen and the group's struggles are expected to continue, Bleacher Report's scouting department believes the Patriots need to poach a promising young lineman from the Chiefs' practice squad to boost their chances of putting together a suitable lineup for Jacoby Brissett and eventually Drake Maye this season.

Lucas Niang is suggested as a prime candidate for the Patriots to sign to help the offensive line production

Despite the several changes the team has already had to make to its starting offensive line group in the first three games, Bleacher Report suggests the Patriots should sign Lucas Niang, a swing tackle with NFL experience from the 2023 season.

Niang reportedly had a standout summer performing as a guard, bringing perfect flexibility to the Patriots roster, who have already dealt with a long list of injuries.

"The Patriots didn't have a great offensive line on paper, and injuries have made the group an even bigger liability. While frustrated fans might want to see Drake Maye, it's not a good idea to throw a developing young quarterback behind this offensive line.

At this point, the Patriots should be looking around the league to see if there are any practice squad players who might be able to help. Lucas Niang started nine games for the Chiefs as a rookie and worked as a guard this summer. He's worth a shot as someone who can come in and potentially step in at either spot."

He likely wouldn't be the player to immediately improve the offensive line production, but he is believed to be worth a shot given where the Patriots' roster is heading into the second month of the season.

It seems unlikely that Jerod Mayo and Co. will show much interest in a player on another team's practice squad since they haven't done that yet. They have already stated they believe they have the right talent on the roster to put together the right group.

However, Niang might be a player worthy of consideration if things don't look much better in Sunday's matchup against the 49ers.

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