Seven for the 2019 Draft: Interior o-line – Early, middle and late prospects for Patriots – Depth needed

As we count down to the 2019 NFL draft, we’ll take the measure of the Patriots by position and offer up six prospects at each spot that should be available early (first round), middle (second day) and late (third day). Time to continue with our favorite position group — offensive line — with the big boys on the interior.

Previous positions

Corners
Receivers
Edge
Quarterbacks
Tight ends
Running backs
Special teams
Offensive tackles
Linebackers

THE SKINNY

Since many of these prospects have inside/outside versatility, we'll go over the whole line, which was one of the best units in the league by the end of last season. Obviously, there's a lot of unknown at left tackle with Trent Brown moving on and Isaiah Wynn returning from surgery. Could use some depth at both tackle spots besides Cole Croston. Joe Thuney is coming off a very good campaign, but is in a contract year at left guard. David Andrews and Shaq Mason are entrenched at center and right guard, respectively. Marcus Cannon could be a cap casualty at some point. Interior backups Brian Schwenke, James Ferentz and Ted Karras are all in contract years.

So, to recap, the Patriots could use some help at tackle (perhaps competition for Wynn), and some youth/options for Thuney transition on the interior.

POSSIBLE EARLY TARGETS

Garrett Bradbury, North Carolina State (6-3, 305, 4.93)

Former high school tight end is the prototype at center in the NFL. Perfect size, very smart, huge hands, and great technique. Wouldn't say he's the greatest athlete in the world at the position, but his hand placement is excellent and he knows leverage. If he falls to 32, he'd have to be the highest graded player on the Patriots' board.



Dalton Risner, Kansas State (6-5, 311, 5.32)

Also noted in tackles as a middle pick because he'd need development there. Another inside/outside player without the left tackle potential. He can play guard, but likely projects to right tackle due to his height and arm length (34 inches). One of the best run blockers in college and can get down the field on pulls. Physical and nasty at the point of attack. Got the best of Montez Sweat this season as you'll see below (right tackle). Stiff in the hips, but a really good player.



POSSIBLE MIDDLE TARGETS

Nate Davis, UNC-Charlotte (6-3, 315, 5.22)

Was a right guard before moving to right tackle last season. Will play guard in the pros, but could spot at tackle. Dominated in the game below against Tennessee. Looks the part. Really well built in the legs and rear end. Very quick with really good feet. Looks like a younger version of Shaq Mason with more polish in pass blocking. Can be a punishing finisher. Just needs to be cleaned up a little bit.


Michael Deiter, Wisconsin (6-5, 310, 5.25)

Can play all five positions on the line, which will endear him to a lot of teams, especially the Patriots. Not the greatest of athletes, but makes up for it with smarts and technique. More than held his own against the likes of Nick Bosa and Rashan Gary. Had a rough Senior Bowl week, which dropped him. Needs to revamp his body and develop more strength to have a long career.



POSSIBLE LATE TARGETS

Hjalte Froholdt, Arkansas (6-4, 306, 5.20)

Converted defensive lineman from Denmark who has a lot of upside as a center/guard. Built low to the ground and strong. Does a good job against bull rushers. Can stand up to bigger interior linemen. One of the top pass blockers this season. Struggles a bit in space -- footwork needs to be improved.

Tyler Jones, North Carolina State (6-3, 306)

Played left tackle well for the Wolfpack, but he's a guard at the next level due to his size. Mirrored well on the outside. Lacks strength and will need to bulk up to transition to guard. Will need time to develop.

Ross Pierschbacher, Alabama (6-3 ½, 307, 5.22)

Started every game (57) at guard and center for the Crimson Tide. Really big, especially in the lower body. Far from elite feet, but is smart and knows how to play. Well-taught. Played against a lot of top-flight competition and showed well. Just not flashy and limited as an athlete.