No Patriot has received more flack this offseason than Rex Burkhead. The latest buzz on Rex is he will be the odd man out this summer in the runningback rotation. Yet, I am here to pump the breaks on that belief.
Uncertainty Creates Opportunity
There are large uncertainties at both receiver and tight end. This makes it likely the Patriots will start the season with a few more runningbacks than normal.
Ben Watson’s suspension, Julian Edelman’s age, N’Keal Harry’s inexperience, and the current uncertainty the public has with who will be the number three receiver should all indicate that the Patriots might be grounded to start off the season. Then, once Ben Watson comes back and things start to make sense and click, things should open up more.
Losing Gronk, and Watson to start the season, the Patriots start 2019 with a less than stellar tight end group. This group does have guys like Ryan Izzo and Andrew Beck, who were very strong blockers in college, however, both have not played a regular season game yet.
Matt LaCosse looks like the front runner for the starting job and also has shown that he is a good blocker. However, he has never seen a role of this magnitude in the NFL before.
Not to mention, the tackle spots remain a question mark. Marcus Cannon may have come off a very strong campaign last season, but struggles to remain consistent in the NFL. And the even bigger issue continues to be the health of Isaiah Wynn, who so far has been forced to hand the lion share of left tackle reps to Joe Thuney, due to his inability to be at full go so far.
With all this uncertainty with the offense to start the season, the Patriots could use a back that can hit the hole fast and hard, embrace the contact, and run with excellent vision. No one on the Patriots does those things better than Rex Burkhead.
Familiar Spot for Rex
Not to mention, Rex has pretty much been fighting for his job his whole NFL career. In a season where everyone believes he is on the outside looking in, he has a lot to prove.
The biggest thing holding Rex’s roster spot in place has to be his contract. Cutting Rex Burkhead would cost the Patriots more money than keeping him on the team for the season.
Economic Fallout Would Be Unbelichickian
Trading him would do the same. Also, the trade market for runningbacks is ridiculously low at the moment. Several quality runningbacks like Jay Ajayi, Marshawn Lynch, and Alex Collins are yet to be signed this offseason.
Rex Will Survive
Giving all this evidence, the number of runningbacks the Patriots currently have might not matter. Rex Burkhead will survive the crowded backfield .
Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports for cover image
Sources tell Boston Sports Extra that recently released Gerald McCoy is open to the Patriots because of a potential reunion with Michael Bennett, and money isn’t an issue.
Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times mentioned this as a possibility yesterday, but it has been confirmed.
Adam Schefter also mentioned the Patriots when he reported the news of McCoy’s desire to play for a playoff team.
Former Buccaneers' DT Gerald McCoy wants to sign with a playoff contender, and of course make money. But he wants to win. Spots that would make sense include the Browns, the Patriots, the Chargers, the Jaguars, and the Cowboys amongst others.
Adding Gerald McCoy to the Patriots would break the NFL. McCoy would be the last piece to a defense that already has more it’s fair share of talent. With a top tier secondary and a scary front seven, McCoy would help make this defense top five in the league.
Adding to an already loaded defense
Running the ball against this front seven with Gerald McCoy included would be next to impossible, and he would provide some outstanding pressure on the inside.
Much like the run game, passing against a secondary spearheaded by Stephon Gilmore is no easy task either. Then add an improved pass rush this offseason, and not only will it be hard for opposing quarterbacks to find open receivers, but it will be hard to find them in a finite amount of time.
Mutual interest
Point being, without Gerald McCoy, this defense is pretty good. With Gerald McCoy, this defense is great. Some could argue that the one hole we have remaining on this defense is Defensive Tackle. The need is there for him, and the Patriots were interested in him earlier this offseason.
McCoy, now on the tail end of his career, may still have plenty left in the tank, yet he has never had a chance to win in Tampa Bay. Now a free agent, he would like to sign with a contender for a trophy.
The Patriots specialize in signing players of his description. Ones who are willing to take less money than they could in order to go for a ring.
Money
So what’s the holdup? Well, money is the holdup.
McCoy is expected to demand a price tag close to $6 million per year. The Patriots have near $3.4 million in total cap space, and that does not include the signing of Danny Shelton and the contract extension of Brandon King. Those deals are undisclosed to this point, perhaps in an effort to find the money to sign McCoy.
Creating space is possible
Coming up with that money should not be difficult. Some people have painted it up to be impossible. It really is quite simple.
Let’s go through all the ways that the Patriots could clear some cap space for Gerald McCoy, or just clear out some money in general.
1 . Trade Marcus Cannon
As was mentioned in a previous article, trading Cannon is a distinct possibility after the draft. And it would free up a little over $4 million in cap space alone. Getting a pick in compensation for a player with a diminishing role, with an expensive contract, while he just came off one of his strongest seasons in his career seems to make too much sense.
Proposed trade: Marcus Cannon for a 2020 fourth round pick and a 2020 conditional seventh rounder
2. Rework and craft new deals
Tom Brady, Dont’a Hightower, Devin McCourty and Kyle Van Noy could all see their contracts restructured. This is assuming that Brady, McCourty, and Van Noy all sign on for at least another year, as they are all in contract years.
Hightower makes the most sense for a restructured contract. To clarify, a restructured contract does not mean the Patriots are taking money out of his contract. It simply means that some of the money gets pushed to another year in the deal to count against that year’s cap space, opposed to this year’s.
3. Potential Cuts and Trades
Three players that could be on the bubble are Maurice Harris, Elandon Roberts, and Jonathan Jones.
In this loaded receiving group, Harris is certainly on the outside looking in. Unless he impresses during camp, he may find his roster spot get turned back into money that Belichick can spend. In other words, get cut.
Roberts and Jones both played well during the playoffs last year, however, turned in largely inconsistent and poor play during the regular season.
Roberts does not seem like a Mayo-type Linebacker. And the addition of Jamie Collins makes Roberts redundant.
Jones finds himself stuck in a competitive Cornerback group. With Gilmore and Jason McCourty both being veterans, Jones’ veteran presence becomes less significant. Joejuan Williams and JC Jackson should also take on a big role in this group. With Jones competing with them, and the special teams unit looking all filled out, his cap hit may not make sense. Releasing him would create $3 million in cap space.
If the Patriots are truly interested in Gerald McCoy they should make it happen. McCoy has interest in joining them, and his presence would be a disruptive force on the Defensive Line. Seems about time to book those tickets to Miami for February 2, 2020.
It goes without saying that the Patriots currently have a large surplus at the tackle position on their offensive line. Funny enough, this strong group is the same group that had plenty of question marks on the first day of free agency when Trent Brown left for Oakland.
With all that being said, with all the Patriots’ additions to their tackle posistions, the loss of Trent Brown now seems somewhat insignificant. This is of course making two key assumptions; Jared Veldheer has the ability to start, and Isaiah Wynn has properly healed from his egregious Achilles injury last August.
Patriots Tackle Outlook
The Patriots currently have Isaiah Wynn, Marcus Cannon, Jared Veldheer, Dan Skipper, Cole Croston, Yondy Cajuste, Calvin Anderson, Cedrick Lang, and Tyree St. Louis all listed at the tackle spot. Their influx of tackles provides a lot of flexibility for coaches Dante Scarnecchia, Josh McDaniels, and de facto GM Bill Belichick.
Coach Scar Has Plenty of Options
Scarnecchia will obviously benefit the most from all these moves, as he will be the closest to these players. Coach Scar will now have to make the decision on where Isaiah Wynn plays this season and decide the roles of Jared Veldheer, Marcus Cannon, Yondy Cajuste.
Expect Cajuste to Be a Sponge This Year
In all likelihood, Yondy Cajuste, the fourth round selection out of West Virginia, will play a LaAdrian Waddle type role and mostly sit back in his first year. Although, he can potentially play the game a lot like Trent Brown did in his one season with the Patriots. Asking him to do what Trent did however, will take time.
…And Then There Were Three
Now, narrowing down the two starters on this line gets tricky. All three players (Wynn, Cannon, and Veldheer) could merit the distinction of being a starter on this team. However, it seems like Isaiah Wynn’s Achilles could answer the whole question.
Assuming Wynn is not completely ready to preform, the answer will be that Marcus Cannon starts at right tackle and Jared Veldheer at left.
Wynn with a healthy Achilles muddies the waters, and could potentially ship Marcus Cannon out of Foxboro.
Why Veldheer’s Job Seems Safe
Simply based off the money he received, it seems very plausible that he should be carved into one of the starting tackle spots. Although the exact details of his contract remain undisclosed, we know that he could earn a max value of 6.5 million dollars this season. Bill Belichick and Nick Casiero do not pay camp bodies, or even backup tackles, 6.5 million dollars. The Patriots must like this guy, therefore, his job seems pretty safe for now. Veldheer also primarily played right tackle for the Cardinals and Broncos. This puts him primarily in competition with Marcus Cannon.
A Healthy Wynn Could Place Cannon on the Trade Block
Remember when the Patriots traded Logan Mankins to the Buccaneers before the season started a few years back? Belichick could make another big trade of an offensive tackle before the season starts this year too.
Cannon just came off one of his better seasons in a while. A season where his health was better than normal, and he was a very solid right tackle last season.
If Coach Scarnecchia decides that Isaiah Wynn is ready to make a big impact in essentially his rookie season, Cannon might be in trouble and sold for his highest value.
Cannon could become obsolete with Wynn, Veldheer, and Cajuste in the picture. And his contract and age might be too hefty for Belichick and the Patriots.
An aging player with a decreasing role and a contract north of 7.4 million dollars each of the next two seasons normally gets floated in trade talks by teams. With Bill Belichick, a hit to Cannon’s role and value on this team will have the Patriots’ GM making phone calls off the hook.
Cannon better hope Wynn does not upstage him, otherwise Cannon may not be blocking for Tom Brady too much longer.
My Prediction
I believe in Wynn’s abilities and so do the Patriots. Thus, Wynn plays left tackle and Jared Veldheer plays right tackle.
Veldheer played right tackle in Arizona and in Denver. With his contract and Wynn impressing like I believe he will, it currently is very hard to see Cannon keeping his job here in New England.
Furthermore, Cannon gets traded for a defensive lineman, safety, or maybe even another target for Brady.
Injuries always happen in training camp and preseason. If a tackle goes down for an extended period of time, expect Belichick to welch off another team’s desperation and get his highest value for Cannon. Assuming he did not already trade him
Now let’s take a look at some of the later round picks by the Patriots. These picks, although not as flashy, solidified some positions with question marks.
The Patriots certainly solidified the offensive line, at least for now. With Cajuste and Frohodlt, the Patriots now could very well contend for one of the best offensive lines in the league. Even with Trent Brown leaving for Oakland.
101. YONDY CAJUSTE, OT
WEST VIRGINIA
Yondy Cajuste said in interviews that West Virginia ran some Patriots plays in their offense. That might be one reason Belichick liked him so much. With Marcus Cannon getting older by the day, Trent Brown leaving, and Isaiah Wynn rehabbing from a gruesome achilles injury, it is no secret the Patriots needed to address the tackle position early. Cajuste is the quintessential Trent Brown replacement pick. He is a large man who will play the swing tackle role that we saw Trent play last year. This pick and the selection of Hjalte Froholdt indicates to me that if Isaiah Wynn’s achilles looks good to go, the Patriots will trade Joe Thuney or Marcus Cannon with no hesitation. Thuney is in the last year of his contract and Cannon is probably in the last year the Patriots could trade him. If Cajuste is solid and Wynn impresses, Patriots could flip either one at their max value for a defensive lineman or tight end.
What he does right:
-Wins with his length
-Balanced, well-framed stance
-Good hand technique
-Very powerful player, overwhelms rushers at times
-Good body awareness
-Does little things really well
-Displays strong football IQ
-Good functional athleticism
-Scrappy, angry player, is a bully on the line
-Strong effort and hustle
Some nuances in his game:
-Can look flat-footed against faster rushers on the edge
-Too many gaps of time of sliding feet in protection
-Not bendy, not flexible
-Struggles immensely at lateral redirection
-Has been ejected for some fights
Pro comparison: Jermon Bushrod
Instant impact: Will fight for starting tackle job, depends on Wynn’s health
Grade: B
118, HJALTE FROHOLDT, OG
ARKANSAS
This pick spells out Joe Thuney insurance. As mentioned before, Joe Thuney is in the last year of his contract and he will get paid big bucks. Hjalte is by no mistake one of the better guards in this year’s draft. Belichick figures he will draft Thuney’s replacement now and then get another third round comp pick for letting Joe leave. Hjalte will not have an immediate impact on this team unless one of our guards or David Andrews gets hurt. He will spend year one mostly learning from his colleagues and coach Scar. He will probably compete with Ted Karras for that swing guard role.
What he does right:
-Very solid in pass protection
-Good footwork, suitable for both guard and center
-Sturdy, wide base
-Can anchor vs power
-Sees twists and blitzes from mile away
-Under control on the move
-Effective puller
-Flexibility
-Moves well at 6’5, 300
-Good athlete
Some nuances in his game:
-Hand placement needs lots of work
-Leverage and drive can improve
-Not overly physical
-Never creates movement at point of attack
-Lacks power and tenacity
-Poor mental processing
Pro comparison: Sean Harlow
Instant impact: Will compete with Ted Karras for swing guard spot
Grade: B
133. JARRETT STIDHAM, QB
AUBURN
Well, I personally wanted the Patriots to draft Brett Rypien, but after doing some more investigating Jarrett Stidham’s game grew on me a little more. A very solid quarterback when he has the time to throw, he throws a great ball. Jarrett received a bad rap at Auburn for their terrible offense, but the people he had around him were really to fault for their poor performance and production. If Jarrett had some better guys around him, he would have been in the conversation with Haskins, Jones, and Grier. While I do not think Stidham is the answer in a post-Brady world, he might be able to develop himself into a starting quarterback in the NFL. This, however, would take a lot of work.
What he does right:
-Good decision-maker when given the opportunity
-One of the best in class at going through progressions
-Can run the option game, RPOs
-Nice display of anticipation, more at Baylor than Auburn (was previously at Baylor)
-Great touch on his footballs
-Looks off safeties, pump fakes
–Low interception numbers, safe with football
-Good footwork
-Strong in play-action game
Some nuances in his game:
–Ran a very prototypical college offensive scheme, will need to adjust to Patriots scheme and make more complex reads at next level. Year one might just be studying film and the playbook.
-Never asked to throw into tight windows, all routes and plays were simplified under offensive scheme
-Struggled when throwing into those tight windows, which was every blue moon
-He folds under pressure, which was frequent at Auburn
-Had limited opportunities to impress scouts, failed when had the opportunities
-Average arm
-Not prepared for NFL, although sitting behind Brady is exactly what he needs, according to scouts
-Hard evaluation because both offenses (Baylor and Auburn) did not put all his skills on display
-Loses accuracy when putting any force on his balls
-Not great poise
Pro comparison: Matthew Stafford
Instant impact: A year or two learning playbook, watching film, listening, and intense 1 on 1 work
Grade: C
159. BYRON COWART, DL
MARYLAND
Byron could play either play defensive end or defensive tackle, which is why he is listed as a DL. Many evaluators believe he will play more on the interior than on the edge at the pro level. Belichick loves defensive lineman who can move all over. Trey Flowers moved all over the line, Michael Bennett does that as well. Cowart by no means appears to be an answer to any big questions surrounding this line but he does posses some skills and flashes of ability that would indicate that he can be a contributor to this line. Much like Stidham, Cowart is another player who requires a lot more coaching and being placed into this system is the best news for him.
What he does right:
–Explosive for a man of his dimensions
-Powerful
-High ceiling
-Shows promise as a 3-technique player
-Good lateral ability, nice quick movement for a big man
-Violent tackler
-Powerhouse, stout
-Sheds blocks well
-Has potential to be a solid bull-rusher
-Good pad level
Some nuances in his game:
-Consistency, flash in the pan type player, technique holds him back from more consistent play
-Technique is very weak
-Football IQ is lacking
-Low floor
-Needs a lot more coaching
-Struggles at coming hard off the edge
-Attacking with hands can become more consistent
-Underachiever, was a number one prospect coming out of high school
-Has had it rough, apparently had off the field family issues during time at Auburn, ugly transfer
So, fans were infuriated with this pick. The reality is that Ryan Allen is a pricey punter on a one year deal, and any opportunity to save some money for close to the same production is something Belichick jumps on. Will Bailey beat Allen out for the job? Eh, we don’t really know. However, this right footed punter is very talented and could very well take Allen’s place next year.
What he does right:
-Very strong leg, had an 84 yard punt last year
-Flips the field
-Great hang time, lead NCAA with hang time in 2018
-Good direction
-Can handle kickoff duties as well
Some nuances in his game:
-Touch
-Can sometimes put too much on his kicks, high number of touchbacks
Pro comparison: Andy Lee
Instant impact: Practice squad for year one
Grade: B
252. KEN WEBSTER, CB
OLE MISS
This pick is very much similar to the selection of Keion Crossen last year. Similar skill set, falling down draft boards for similar reasons, and getting drafted in a similar spot to the same team. Webster got off to a great start at Ole Miss, but injuries plagued his college career. He never really was the same player at Ole Miss, but if he could encompass some of what he had there in the pros, he can be a solid contributor in the NFL that much like Crossen is put in for different specific assignments. He will certainly be someone to keep your eyes on during camp.
What he does right:
-Great speed and explosiveness
-Physical
-Redirects receivers in man and zone coverage
-Handsy player
-Great at coming up and covering the run
-Athletic
-Recovery speed
-Aggressive, gritty
-Upper body strength
Some nuances in his game:
-He is impatient in press coverage, press is not a strong suit
-Spacing
-Field awareness
-Football IQ is below average, pays price for mistakes rooted out of lack of awareness and understanding
-Inconsistent technique, especially at line of scrimmage
-Struggles to stay square
Pro comparison: Keion Crossen
Instant impact: Will battle to make team, could contend with Crossen for last cornerback spot
With the uncertainty of roster cut day behind us, we now turn towards prepping for Week 1. The Patriots are a team that believes in churning the bottom of the roster. The cuts and the signings are all about improving the team. There are several reasons for this. They have certain needs that change from week to week. Players don’t progress as expected. Injuries cause vulnerabilities at various positions. Players become available that the coaching staff views as an upgrade.
With the Texans game coming up in a few short days the coaching staff is working furiously to quickly evaluate all the names that have become available across the NFL. Taking a quick look at the New England roster I noticed one major need. The offensive line has just seven members remaining. Marcus Cannon, Trent Brown and LaAdrian Waddle are the tackles and Joe Thuney, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, and Ted Karras fill up the interior. This is slightly thin given past history. The Patriots normally carry 8 on the roster and activate 6 or 7 for game day. An injury or two to this group will compromise the offense and endanger Tom Brady.
The Patriots will undoubtedly seek to get some of their own cuts onto their practice squad. Cole Croston, Matt Tobin and James Ferentz have provided depth in the past and I expect them to get first look at the beginning of the season. The Patriots may be turning towards veterans that are on the free agent market or waiver pickups.
Interior options
This isn’t as pressing of a need as Thuney, Mason and Andrews seem to be healthy and ready to go this season. Ted Karras has been an intriguing option for previous seasons and seems to have the trust of the coaching staff.
Zane Beadles
Zane Beadles – a 6 ft 4 inch veteran entering his 9th season. He has played for the Broncos, Jaguars, and 49ers. Primarily a guard, he has filled in at tackle and that versatility could intrigue the coaching staff. He last played in San Francisco with Trent Brown and could provide some leadership and familiarity.
Travis Swanson – A center/guard player who last played for the NY Jets. He would be an option to provide depth for Andrews. Being a former member of the Jets can only help as well. He is a little lighter at 6 ft 5 in and 312 pounds and has had trouble staying healthy.
Jeremiah Poutasi – Another guard with tackle experience. He is a little younger so they will have to claim him on waivers or sign him if he makes it through. He spent the offseason with the Denver Broncos and is 6 ft 5 and 330 pounds.
Nico Siragusa – One of my favorite prospects in the 2017 draft. The Ravens selected him in the 4th round and he suffered a knee injury in his rookie season. He’s worked his way back and may still need some time but has good speed and movement at 6 ft 4 in and 330 pounds
Tackle options
Austin Howard
Austin Howard – He should be on everyone’s radar, if only to see why he played so poorly. He was a sought after free agent when he signed with the Colts. He is a big guy at 6 ft 7 in and 330 pounds and could provide depth and competition for Waddle.
Antonio Garcia – Perhaps a year away with another team could have renewed the Patriot’s interest in Garcia. The team has been primarily concerned with his health and weight following his cut after his rookie season. New England could reconsider and see if he has improved with a claim.
Cyrus Kouandjio – Still 25 years young despite having 4 seasons under his belt. He was drafted by the Bills in the 2014 draft. He is 6 ft 7 in and 325 pounds. Cyrus could provide some size and speed behind the starters.
Chad Wheeler – Despite being and undrafted free agent and on the smaller side. He managed to play his way onto a bad NY Giants offensive line last season. The 6 ft 7 in Tackle prospect could get looks despite being sub 310 pounds.
With the Patriots coaching staff scouring the roster cuts and waiver wires they will be looking at more than just these names. Hopefully whoever they pick up will be able to help the team this season and beyond. Championship teams are built many ways, and the Patriots have mastered all of them.
All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.
Be sure to check out other great articles for all of your favorite Boston sports teams on Bostonsportsextra.com
There may not be a more important unit in football than the offensive line. A good and a bad offensive line oftentimes are the difference between wins and losses. The Patriots offensive line is in something of a flux this off-season after Nate Soldersigned with the New York Giants. Fortunately, the Patriots offensive line situation clarified itself after New England re-signed tackle LaAdrian Waddle. With the draft less than a month away, let’s take a look at the state of the New England Patriots offensive line.
Starting right tackle Marcus Cannon has had one of the more interesting careers on the Patriots. Selected in the fifth-round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Cannon played sparingly as a swing tackle until 2015. Injuries forced him into the starting lineup, and he did not play well. His worst game of the season came in the 2015 AFC Championship Game, when Von Miller blew by him on seemingly every snap.
However, despite that poor season, Cannon has gone on to establish himself as one of the better right tackles in football. Thanks to the return of offensive line coach Dante Scarneccia, Cannon had a great 2016 season, culminating in a Super Bowl title.
Cannon began 2017 where his 2016 left off. He played like one of the best right tackles in the league through seven games. Unfortunately, an ankle injury prematurely ended his season. If Cannon can fend off injuries, he’s one of the best right tackles in the league. However, that’s a big if. Throughout Cannon’s career, he’s only played one full 16-game season, and that was when he was a backup. 2016 saw him start in 18 of a possible 19 games, but he’s no guarantee to stay healthy.
Right guard Shaq Mason has evolved into one of the best guards in the league
Image credit: The Tennessean
While Cannon carries upside with injury risk, right guard Shaq Mason only carries upside. Mason has been a phenomenal run blocker ever since entering the league, and has steadily improved as a pass blocker. Between Cannon and Mason, the Patriots should be able to run to the right with great success. Mason is easily the best guard to enter Foxborough since longtime star Logan Mankins. The right guard position is nothing to worry about so long as Mason stays healthy.
Andrews was one of the best surprises of the 2017 season. He was a league average center his first two years in the league, and earned a modest three-year, 11.7 million dollar contract. The deal clearly made him the Patriots center of the future, and he spent 2017 earning every penny.
Andrews 2017 season was easily the best of his career. The third-year center was one of the best in the league at his position, constantly winning the tough fights in the trenches. New England’s offensive line ranked as the best run blocking unit in the league, and Andrews was a big reason for that.
Additionally, Andrews has stayed remarkably healthy over his career. Andrews has played in all but four games in his career, and only missed two due to injury. Just as with the right guard position, there’s no need to worry about the guy lining up at center.
The weak link on the 2017 offensive line was the left guard, but that says more about the rest of the line than it does Thuney. While the rest of the line was above average to great, Thuney was just solid. That’s not to say he was bad – far from it – but he was only a serviceable player.
However, there’s plenty of reasons to believe Thuney is the long term answer at guard. Thuney has been a starter ever since entering the league in 2016, and has improved in every season. He’s undersized for a guard and probably won’t ever become a top-ten player at his position. However, he’s further along than Andrews was last season, and it’s not unrealistic to expect a similar third-year jump out of Thuney.
Left Tackle: LaAdrian Waddle
LaAdrian Waddle projects as the 2018 starting left tackle
Image credit: MassLive.com
This is where things get interesting. After losing Nate Solder to the Giants, New England turned to his longtime understudy to fill the starting role. While there are worse tackles than Waddle, there’s certainly room for improvement.
He’s below average as both a pass blocker and a run blocker, but he’s not so bad that he’s an active liability. Additionally, there’s reason to believe in his pass blocking. After struggling in 2015 and hardly playing in 2016, Waddle had an encouraging 2017. Filling in for Marcus Cannon, Waddle didn’t allow a single sack all season, per Pro Football Focus. It’s unrealistic to expect him not to allow a sack in 2018, but there is hope that his development as a pass blocker is still improving.
Much like with Cannon, injuries have plagued Waddle’s career. The former Detroit Lion has never played in more than 12 games in a season, either due to injury or being benched. With the injury history of both Waddle and Cannon, the chances of both players starting all 16 games are incredibly slim. The organizational depth will likely be tested.
Tackle Depth
With so many questions with the starting tackles, it goes without saying that the depth is questionable at best. Currently, the only other tackles on the roster are underwhelming options such as Andrew Jelks, Matt Tobin, Cole Croston, and Antonio Garcia.
All the aforementioned players either lack experience or success at the NFL level. However, of this bunch, Garcia has the highest ceiling. The second-year Patriot was drafted in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but lost his entire rookie season to blood clots. He was recently cleared to play, but it’s anyone’s guess how effective he will be.
In summary, the interior of the Patriots offensive line should be one of the best in the league. Mason and Andrews are two of the best at their positions, and Thuney should only get better as his career goes on. If this group can stay healthy, as they have throughout their careers, then New England should have nothing to worry about.
The tackle issue, however, is a problem. Cannon is an above average starter, while Waddle is just serviceable. However, both have injury problems and the depth behind them is less than inspiring. Heading into the draft, the Patriots will need to address this issue.
