Depth Chart: David Andrews (C), Michael Onwenu (G), Cole Strange (G), Trent Brown (T), Isaiah Wynn (T), Justin Herron (T), William Sherman (G), James Ferentz (C/G), Yasir Durant (T), Yodny Cajuste (T), Drew Desjarlais (G), Kody Russey (C), Andrew Stueber (T), Chasen Hines (G), Bill Murray (G)
Player to Watch: Cole Strange
Breakdown: The Patriots offensive offensive line could be a strength once again if they stay healthy. David Andrews anchors the unit at center. When healthy, he is one of the best in the league. He is smart, tough and plays the game at a high level. First round pick Cole Strange has the size (6-4 307) and the physical tools to be a pro bowler. At 24, he is already mature on and off the field. He will step in and solidify the right guard spot from day one. Michael Onwenu was a revelation his rookie season but struggled at times last season. Onwenu is a terrific run blocker who can be a force on single blocks. He is also a good short area pass blocker who is technically sound. He needs to be more consistent. Playing just one position for a season would help with that. The return of Trent Brown is huge literally and figuratively. Brown can play right or left tackle. He played at an elite level last season in his return to New England so it was imperative that the Patriots re-sign him this off-season. Isaiah Wynn is in the last year of his rookie contract. He has had injury and consistency issues during his time in New England. He is penciled in as the starting left tackle but there is no guarantee he holds on to the job. He needs to be better.
Justin Herron is the top returning back up. Herron is versatile. He can play guard or tackle and he can play both at a high level. Second year guard William Sherman offers similar versatility and he will have every opportunity in camp to carve out a role for himself. James Ferentz is also versatile but highly competitive and he finds his way on the roster every year it seems. He knows the system and can play center which gives an advantage in any competition. Yasir Durant struggled at times last season but he provides veteran experience as a swing tackle and that can help him find playing time as a back up. We still don’t know what the Patriots have in Yodny Cajuste. He needs to stay healthy. It is now or never with him.
Rookies Andrew Stueber and Chasen Hines are both big, versatile lineman that are very similar to Onwenu and Herron in terms of where they were drafted and their physical stature. Both are practice squad candidates who fits the team’s long term plans. Same can be said for undrafted free agent center Kody Russey out of Houston and veteran guard Drew Desjarlais. Experimenting with Bill Murray at guard is intriguing. I can see Murray finding his way on the roster somehow.
Final Thoughts: When healthy, this unit can be among the best in the NFL. Staying healthy and getting Cole Strange up to speed are the two biggest keys for this group’s success this season. If those two things happen, the Patriots offense will be really good.