I know many of you may groan at the idea of the Patriots taking an offensive lineman, but a position of need is a position of need, regardless of how exciting it may be, and I kinda get excited about the O-line. It’s the protector of your most precious commodity, the quarterback. So I’m ready to make O-line sexy baby!
The trade away of possibly the top offensive lineman after Joe Thuney Shaq Mason, stunned many of us, well me anyway. The leaving of Karras stunned us less, but still upset and concerned li’l me. I personally saw the line as really decent, strong, especially if you get back a good healthy Trent Brown, which they have at the moment. But coach thought differently, and now the left side at tackle and guard looks a little sparse.
Now, there is a guy who’s entered the roster that we haven’t seen yet in Drew Desjarlais, and I have heard some rather good things. A top guy in the CFL, released simply because he wanted to move into the NFL, Desjarlais is an unknown to most fans. Drafted 4th overall in the first round of the CFL 2019 draft by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. He was named CFL Western All-Star during his second season. In 2021, he started all 14 games, playing left guard, and Winnipeg’s line allowed the fewest sacks in the league that year.
Now, there is plenty of talent in the draft class at cornerback, linebacker, wide receiver, some of the possibly more pressing needs of the Patriots, depending upon who you ask. To that end, I am looking for them to take skill position talent earlier on, but if they didn’t, there are some quality offense guys in this year’s draft.
I thought I’d have a look at two levels. We have the early round, they’d have to use their top pick on, and then there’s a later round kid.
If Bill looks at an early round O-line guy there’s a smorgasbord of talent to go in the first round, I think I have one favourite, I think…
There’s the huge 6 foot 7 inches of Trevor Penning out of Northern Iowa, an epic run blocker, but with a possible drop in skill when it comes to pass protection. PFF have him projected around 35, and whilst I am but a mere fan, I think this is possibly crazy, and can’t imagine this guy dropping into the second round. He is a certifiable beast.
A serious athlete at the offensive tackle position going into the 2022 draft is Bernhard Raimann from Central Michigan. Austrian born this 6’6” kid commenced his football career as a tight end (additional brownie points for him!) but added weight, and progressed into an athletic tackle. He’s said to have a smaller arm length than preferred at this position, but I’m pretty sure his athleticism can make up for that as he can seriously move for a big guy.
When you’re looking at the later rounds there may be a few names to have a look at even though you aren’t getting that top of the crop talent.
Cam Jurgens of Nebraska is a top athlete, but with a few areas he needs to develop. Plays center predominantly, but with the leaps and bounds he took recently relocating him on the line could be considered. And let’s face it, the Patriots don’t have much in the way of back up center now that Steady Teddy Karras has gone. And with his lightening speed off the snap, Jurgens could be an interior offensive lineman the Patriots might get some benefit from.
Another late round pick out of Chattanooga is the tackle Cole Strange. He has high-end explosiveness out of his stance, and gets on defenders quickly but a lean lower half. Projected in the third round, he could definitely be someone the Patriots would have a spot to pick him up.
