Welcome to Potential Patriots!
Each day leading up to the NFL Draft on April 27, the Herald will introduce prospects the Patriots are likely targeting position by position. The Pats have 11 picks this year, starting at 14th overall, their highest selection in more than a decade. As for their other picks, the Patriots could pad their depth at virtually any position.
Below is a breakdown of the Patriots’ best prospect fits at offensive tackle:
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 311
Projected round: 1st
Scouting report: He has less than two full seasons as a starter at left tackle, but has plenty of upside. With his size, length and athleticism, he should develop into a starter on the left side.
In the long run, he might turn out to be the best tackle in the class given that upside. His ceiling is off the charts.
A former basketball player in high school, Jones moves incredibly well for a big man. He’s already a destroyer as a run blocker.
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 333
Projected round: 1st
Scouting report: Used primarily as a right tackle with the Vols, he was All-SEC in his final season, and performed extremely well against the top competition.
He’s smart and tough, two traits the Patriots demand in their offensive linemen, and along with being great against the pass, he’s also a punishing run-blocker.
He really rose up the ladder this past season, shutting down such notables as Alabama’s Will Anderson. Some consider him the best tackle in the class, and could take care of the Patriots need for a plug-and-play tackle.
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 313
Projected round: 1st
Scouting report: While he played both tackle and guard for the Buckeyes, he has the tools to be an eventual blind-side protector, and a dominant one at that.
At the very least, he has the type of traits that will allow him to be a long-time starter.
He’s considered one of the best pass blockers in the class, and his fiery demeanor shows up as a run blocker. Simply one of the best pure tackles in the class.
Ht/Wt: 6-8, 375
Projected round: 2nd
Scouting report: There are monster-sized tackles. Then there’s Jones.
Think Trent Brown.
Even at his weight, Jones can dunk a basketball, so that should paint a pretty good picture of his athleticism.
He also has Herculean strength. He’s a mauler in the run game. Overall, he’s still a work in progress, someone who could advance with the coaching of Adrian Klemm. He stands as a likely top-50 selection.
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 302
Projected round: 2nd
Scouting report: Meet the small school stud.
He was a walk-on tight end who morphed into one of the most dominant lineman at the FCS level.
He plays with an edge and has a fiery temperament. It’s possible he’ll be flipped to guard at the next level, but whether tackle or guard, he’ll want to drive defenders out of the building.
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 325
Projected round: 3rd-4th
Scouting report: He has experience playing at both tackle spots and played under Bill O’Brien last season. He also has a very high football IQ.
Need we say more? He also stood out at the Senior Bowl, which has raised his stock.
While he started his career at Vanderbilt, he transferred to Alabama, starting 13 games for O’Brien at left tackle.
He has decent size, moves his feet well, and could be a swing tackle at the next level.
Ht/Wt: 6-5, 318
Projected round: 2nd
Scouting report: Has starting experience at both tackle spots. He’s ideal in a zone-blocking scheme as a move blocker.
He’s a technician, with sound blocking skills and great balance. He’s explosive off the line of scrimmage. Excels in run blocking.
Some see his best fit as a guard. But he has NFL starter talent by most draft accounts.
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 306
Projected round: 4th-5th
Scouting report: Four-year starter at tackle. Given he only started playing football in college, still has a massive ceiling.
Has great athleticism and foot quickness. Works really well in space. Given his raw traits, he’s an intriguing prospect.
He did surrender nine sacks during his four years, which gives pause. But he still seems worthy to take on as a project, someone who could learn under Riley Reiff.
Ht/Wt: 6-8, 305
Projected round: 5th
Scouting report: He was a team captain, which always bodes well for his chances as a Patriot. He also has experience at both tackle spots and is a fit in any offensive system.
He’s a giant who has excelled at blocking in the run game. It’s no wonder given he has strong and powerful hands that allow him to control defenders.
If the Patriots don’t land one of the top tackle options, he might make a nice consolation prize.