FOXBORO — The Patriots continue to rotate and reshuffle their offensive line, but if the season started today, Vederian Lowe would be the top choice at left tackle.
Executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf has been impressed with the improvement he’s seen from Lowe this season, especially in one specific regard.
“Vederian’s done a really nice job. He’s steadily improved,” Wolf said. “We said it last year, like, if he could just learn to — he has really good length to get his hands out, he would have a chance to ascend to that starter level. And he’s really started to do that this year, and it’s been, it’s been impressive to watch him progress. And we’re excited to continue working with him.”
The Patriots acquired Lowe in a trade with the Vikings last summer prior to Week 1. He wound up playing 236 snaps at left tackle and 239 snaps at right tackle, starting eight total games. Out of 85 qualified offensive tackles, Lowe ranked 83rd with a 41.7 PFF grade. He’s now playing in a new offense under coordinator Alex Van Pelt and is learning a new “strike system” with offensive line coach Scott Peters.
“I think working with Coach Peters, it’s definitely improved a lot, for sure. Coach Peters really preaches on the strike system, being very direct and precise with your hands, and it plays really right into my game,” Lowe said. “It’s really helped me develop since he came, and I’ve really learned a lot from him.”
Lowe has been the Patriots’ top choice at left tackle for weeks, even as they rotate pieces on the offensive line this week in practice. Lowe has been a consistent presence at left tackle with Sidy Sow at left guard, David Andrews at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard and Chukwuma Okorafor at right tackle. Onwenu has also been mixed in at right tackle, Okorafor has rotated in at left tackle, rookie Caedan Wallace has seen snaps at left and right tackle, rookie Layden Robinson has played at left and right guard, and Michael Jordan has taken reps at right guard.
Lowe is feeling confident at left tackle.
“That’s where I’ve made the most strides in my game at that position,” Lowe said Sunday. “I’ve always known that being a swing tackle is how I’m going to make my mark and stay around in this league, but I’ve really been able to hone in on my abilities and everything on that side. That’s just where I’m at right now.”
Lowe said Sunday that he knows the key to staying in the NFL is to be able to play as a “swing tackle” on the left or right side, but he views himself as a starter.
“I have the utmost confidence in myself and I’m very particular about my play,” Lowe said. “I want to be the best player I can possibly be, and I love nothing more than to have the coaching staff behind me, pushing me day in and day out to be better, because that’s what’s helped give me the confidence to be able to go out there and perform. That’s what’s making me comfortable. And also, I’ve never been shy of constructive criticism. I’ve never been shy of someone picking apart my game and telling me what I can get better at. So, I love that Coach (Scott) Peters and Coach (Robert Kugler), they do that, and it helps me get better every day.”
Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced team physician Mark Price died “after a valiant fight against cancer.” “Dr. Price became the Patriots head team physician and medical director in 2016 and served with exceptional expertise. His contributions to the health and well-being of our players were invaluable, and his commitment to excellence was evident in every aspect of his work,” Kraft’s statement said, in part … Former Patriots cornerback Stephon Gilmore signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Vikings on Sunday morning … Wolf closed the door on a trade for 49ers wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk but said the Patriots are always calling about other players to see if they’re available in trades. “We make calls on all positions and on all players that we think might be able to help us.”