
AP PHOTO/Charles Krupa
The Patriots offensive line will once again be under the microscope heading into this season after a rough performance in Super Bowl LX. The health of left tackle Will Campbell will be closely scrutinized after he suffered an MCL tear down the stretch last season.
The move of Jared Wilson will also be closely watched as will the addition of free agent left guard Alijah Vera Tucker who is expected to solidify this unit and make the left side better.
Rookie first round pick Caleb Lomu will also be closely watched. Especially where he reps, guard or tackle.
Here is our offensive line preview heading into training camp.
Starting Five
Will Campbell, 6-6 319, LSU: After a rough finish to his rookie season thanks to an MCL injury, Campbell is looking to bounce back and prove he can play left tackle. Campbell possesses an ideal blend of athletic footwork and upper-body strength, positioning him as a frontline protector in the passing game.When healthy, he proved at times that he has the physical traits necessary to play left tackle. He will need to show this season that he has what it takes to be the long term answer at the vitally important position.
Alijah Vera-Tucker, 6-4 308, USC: Alijah Vera-Tucker adds a premier talent and high-level starting experience to the interior of the offensive line. The USC product is renowned for his exceptional balance, high football IQ, and ability to completely solidify the pocket. The key is staying healthy. Vera-Tucker has missed a lot of time in his career due to injury and the Patriots need him on the field.
Jared Wilson, 6-3, 310, Georgia: Wilson moves to his natural position of center. His athleticism and short area quickness should pay dividends for him inside. Wilson is a high I.Q player who excels at front identification and getting the offensive line on the same page. He should be much more comfortable playing center this season than he was playing guard.
Mike Onwenu, 6-3, 350, Michigan: Mike Onwenu is the undisputed anchor of this offensive line. He carries a massive 350 pounds frame. The Michigan product has proven to be an elite, versatile lineman who can play guard or tackle. Onwemu is a strong run blocker who gets his hands inside on defensive lineman and gets movement. He is also a solid short area pass blocker who does a terrific job of punching, resetting and keeping defenders in front of him. He is as steady as they come up front for the Patriots and will once again be a key cog for them.
Morgan Moses, 6-6, 320, Virginia: Morgan Moses provides the room with invaluable veteran leadership and a decade-plus of seasoned NFL experience. The Virginia alumnus remains a steady, physical force on the right side, giving the line a dependable anchor. He is strong at the point of attack as a run blocker and he more than holds his own in pass protection. He could potentially be playing his final season so he will be more than motivated to play at a high level.
Tackles
Caleb Lomu, 6-6, 313, Utah: Caleb Lomu comes from a Utah program known for producing tough, technically sound offensive linemen. With an athletic 6-6 frame, he possesses the functional mobility to excel in zone-blocking schemes and transition smoothly to the pro game. Lomu has the footwork to develop into a high end pass blocker. Question is, does he do it at guard or tackle? The Patriots will cross train him at both.
Marcus Bryant, 6-7, 320, Missouri: Bryant enters the mix bringing massive size to the tackle position. Standing at 6-7, the Missouri product has the prototypical length required to compete at the NFL level, making him an intriguing developmental piece for the edge of the line. He will get every opportunity to make the roster potential as a swing tackle.
Dametrious Crownover, 6-7, 319, Texas A&M: Crownover is another towering tackle prospect who boasts an elite frame. Armed with experience against top-tier pass rushers from his time at Texas A&M, his physical tools give him a high ceiling as he refines his technique. He needs to bend better as a run blocker and get under defenders pads better but once he does that, he has the upside to excel and develop into a starting right tackle.
James Hudson III, 6-5, 313, Cincinnati: Hudson III provides the offensive line with proven NFL snaps and athletic upside. The former Cincinnati Bearcat has the movement skills to handle speedy edge rushers and offers valuable insurance at both tackle spots. He can also play inside in a pinch. He has a good chance of making the team, especially if the Patriots start Crownover on the practice squad.
Lorenz Metz, 6-9, 320, Cincinnati: Metz is an unmissable presence on the practice field, standing at an extraordinary 6-9. The towering Cincinnati alumnus uses his unique extension to keep defenders at bay, serving as a fascinating developmental project on the perimeter. He needs to bend better and sustain blocks as run blocker but he has some upside.
Guards/Centers
Ben Brown, 6-5, 313, Mississippi: Brown offers solid size and interior flexibility for the unit. His 313-pound frame gives him the anchor necessary to handle power rushers while providing dependable depth across the interior spots. His ability to start at guard or center has proven invaluable.
Mehki Butler, 6-3, 310, Arkansas State: Butler is a compact, powerful guard who relies on leverage and a wide base. The Arkansas State alumnus brings a gritty playing style to the interior, looking to carve out a role in the team’s run-blocking schemes. He is also a fundamentally sound short area pass blocker. He will need a strong camp however to make the team.
Sebastian Gutierrez, 6-5, 315 Minot State: Gutierrez represents the small-school contingent on the roster, carrying a well-proportioned 315-pound frame. The Minot State product has professional experience under his belt and looks to maximize his versatile skill set during camp.
JonDarius Morgan, 6-3, 321, UAB: Morgan is built like a true concrete block on the interior, carrying 321 pounds on a 6-3 frame. The UAB product brings a heavy-handed approach to the guard position, looking to push piles in the run game. He needs to be more consistent as a pass blocker.
Jacob Rizy, 6-5, 306, Florida State: The former Harvard standout from Connecticut joins the group as a lighter, more agile interior option after his collegiate career at Florida State. His 306-pound frame allows him to pull effectively and get out into space, offering a nice change of pace for the unit. Rizy could play guard or tackle.
Andrew Rupcich, 6-6, 325, Culver-Stockton: Rupcich brings heavy hands and a broad 325-pound frame to the roster. Emerging from Culver-Stockton, his blend of raw power and frame density makes him a highly competitive depth option for the coaching staff to evaluate.
Caedan Wallace, 6-5, 320, Penn State: Wallace needs a good camp to continue to stick on the roster. He offers a physical, assignment-sound presence on the line. Wallace’s strong frame, size and versatility give him the versatility to factor into multiple spots across the front.