The New England Patriots are strategically preparing for the upcoming NFL Draft, focusing on bolstering their roster in key areas. In fact, just recently they brought in Georgia running back Trevor Etienne for a pre-draft visit. In drafting Evans, it was clear they wanted to increase their running back depth. The Patriots have a freeness to them when it comes to adding a “passing back” option. This will help their Rhamondre Stevenson/Antonio Gibson two-headed monster offensive flexibility.
On that note, like the Giants, the Patriots may be looking for their own pass-rusher. Head Coach Mike Vrabel has emphasized that finding ways to disrupt opposing quarterbacks remains a top priority for the team. This focus on defense fits nicely with the organization’s overall plan to strengthen their competitive advantage in the league.
Now that Joe Milton III has been traded, there’s a new opportunity on the quarterback depth chart. That’s created an opening behind Drake Maye and Joshua Dobbs. As we get closer to the draft, it’s looking more and more like this one will be filled on Day 3. If not, look for a signing via free agency immediately following. During last summer, the Patriots dealt outside linebacker Matthew Judon to Atlanta. In exchange, they gained the No. 77 overall draft pick, providing them more flexibility to address their roster needs.
The Patriots have finally addressed the offensive line and for good reason, too, as the team has glaring holes along the front five. Mankins, a former first-round pick and one of the franchise’s all-time greats. He’s been setting the tone for just how important this position is to the team’s success. Mankins had a stellar nine-year career with New England, where he received seven Pro Bowl nods. He was voted by you as the best offensive lineman in the franchise’s history. He wrapped up his Hall of Fame career with two seasons in Tampa Bay.
Mankins had some great insights on all the pressure and expectations that come with top draft picks, especially those on the o-line.
“The demands on ‘first-round pick,’ I think, is something that’s just like the quarterback. You don’t have to be the face of the franchise, but everybody’s going to be talking about the first-round pick from the time we pick them,” – Mike Vrabel.
That said, the debate around LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell has been heating up with respect to his physical profile. Campbell’s arm length measured 32⅝ inches at the combine and increased to 33 inches at LSU’s pro day. Analysts are already raising Campbell’s name as a possible fit for the Patriots. One of them is ESPN’s Field Yates, who has him projected to them at their draft position.
Even with valid fears about arm length adversely impacting play, scouts refuse to budge from the line that great players find a way around those shortcomings. An AFC scout commented on this notion:
“But there are also guys with shorter arms who had great careers and were great football players. It’s a bonus to have long arms, but the guys that know how to play well, they figure it out if they have a little bit of shorter arms.” – AFC scout.
The Patriots have recently completed Phase 1 of their voluntarily offseason program, which focused on strength and conditioning. Now, they’re preparing to create an encore to their offseason efforts. The team has demonstrated a strong commitment to improving its offensive line. They’ve identified left tackle, guard and center as areas of need.
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