Starting to take a closer look at what the Patriots currently have on the roster, and the top draft prospects at each position.
INTERIOR OL PREVIEW
Current Patriots Roster
OG Ted Karras (Free Agent), OG Shaq Mason (2023 contract expiration), OG Mike Onwenu (2023), OG Will Sherman (2023 ERFA), OC David Andrews (2024).
With Karras a free agent and Mason a possible movement candidate (Bedard doesn't see that happening but you can never say never), the Patriots could be looking at needing two guards, depending on what they think Onwenu's long-term position is. He didn't excel at guard last season, but that doesn't mean he's a lost cause there. That's his body type. They could see him as a right tackle, so they might need interior options — especially if Karras goes elsewhere. He's valuable as a guard/center swing and Patriots don't have another (not named James Ferentz).
Patriots Historical Drafting
Over the last 15 years, the Patriots have made 15 selections (11 guards and 4 centers). When picking they’ve almost always looked at the major conferences. They’ve hit on Joe Thuney, Shaq Mason, and Michael Onwenu. David Andrews was an undrafted free agent.
Draft Expectations for the Position
From a league perspective, over the last 5 years, an average of one center and one guard have been selected in the first round. On average, about 22 iOL prospects are drafted per year. That number has gone as high as 27 players selected. This year, there are a couple of really good guards, instant starters at the top of the draft. It's a relatively deep position, especially with college tackles moving inside for positional fit in the NFL. There’s really one first-rounder at center and then a significant drop-off and not a ton of depth. Eye of the beholder prospects. These are positions that most clubs will add priority free agents for practice squads and future depth. This isn’t expected to be an area of focus for the Patriots, but they really struggled the last time David Andrews was out of the lineup.
Potential First-Rounders
OC Tyler Linderbaum, Iowa (6-foot-3, 292 pounds): The best center in college football. He’s not going to be for everyone because he’s not very big (current Charger, Corey Linsley is a good comparable). He’s a former wrestler and started his career on defense. Uses that experience to play with leverage, athleticism, and toughness. He's gotten stronger and better with his hands. Really battles hard inside and very good on the move. He should excel in a zone scheme. First-round selection.
OG Kenyon Green, Texas A&M (6-4, 325): Played all over the line, including tackle, for the Aggies but his future in the NFL is at guard. I expect him to be the top guard taken. Great core strength and he finishes strong once locked on the defender. He seems to be better against the run than the pass but still good. While he is athletic, he needs to refine technique (hand placement, eyes up) which has led to some penalties. Over 40 consecutive starts against top competition and he was First-team All-SEC.
OG Zion Johnson, Boston College (6-2, 314): Started his career at Davidson before playing the last 3 years at BC. He’s played guard and tackle and BC moved him back inside to guard this year (that serves him better in pass protection). Really smart guy who will be a technician at the next level. His best traits are his footwork, very strong anchor, and low pad level. Teams will love his intangibles as a person, a learner, and a leader. While stout, he's not very big and some teams may see him more as a center, but that versatility helps him.
Potential Fits for the Patriots by Round
Round 1: Not likely a target for the Pats but if they went anywhere, I’d prefer Kenyon Green because of his size and positional flexibility.
Round 2: OG Sean Ryhan, UCLA (6-4, 320): Some believe his best position is at guard because he’s more of a power blocker that can struggle in space, but he's at least worth a look at tackle. While he’s not the biggest guy he gets the job done and he was First-team All-PAC-12. When I was watching tape, I felt Ryhan reminded me a little bit of former Patriot, Matt Light. I also like Jamaree Sayler from Georgia.
Round 3: OG Ed Ingram, LSU (6-3, 317): A seasoned veteran, 3-year starter that saw the field as a freshman for the Tigers. He’s a powerful player and can be dominant at times but isn't always consistent. Above-average athlete that can get to the right spots with his feet and good angles. He could do a better job locking on defenders and dictating. He put on a great performance against Alabama and SEC defensive linemen at the Senior Bowl spoke highly of him.
Round 4: OG Thayer Munford, Ohio State (6-6, 327): A four-year starter that’s played in over 45 games for the Buckeyes, which is pretty impressive. While he played guard this year, his versatility is his best trait, and that flexibility may give him a shot at right tackle. Munford is just an average run blocker and doesn’t have the best footwork but he’s effective when he utilizes his hands and length. I also considered Kentucky OC, Luke Fortner.
Round 5: OG Marquis Hayes, Oklahoma (6-4, 318): He has a combination of size and athleticism which makes him good at run blocking. He does a good job using his long arms and strong hands to gain leverage. One of the better true guards in the draft and he's physical at the point of attack. Needs to be faster off the LOS and clean-up penalties (9 last year). Technique and body control are his biggest issues, but I expect him to test well at the Combine. I also considered UNC’s Joshua Ezeudu who’s a little raw but has some good tape blocking for a few NFL backs.
Round 6: OC Nick Ford, Utah (6-5, 315): A tough kid and has a lot of positional versatility having played all over the line across 40 career starts. Needs more refinement before he’s ready to start but he plays with a nasty demeanor and was three-time All-PAC-12.
Round 7: OC Doug Kramer, Illinois (6-2, 305): He had a distinguished career at Illinois, most recently playing for head coach (and former Patriots staffer) Brett Bielema. He would be small for the NFL but he's a good technician in the run game and pass sets. The type of guy who will be a future coach.