Mike Lockhart: Building the Offensive Line after round 1
With New England going 4-13 this past season, it landed them the number three pick overall in the NFL draft this April. They have a lot of holes to fill on offense. Everyone expects the top three picks to be quarterbacks. If the Patriots stay at three and take a QB, they will have to address the offensive line at some point. That could potentially be in the second round and beyond. Left Tackle is open. David Andrews may come back. Even if he does, he’s on the back nine of his career. Cole Strange isn’t anything special, and depth is severely lacking on this unit. Let’s take a look at some linemen whom the Patriots could value after round 1.
Jordan Morgan, University of Arizona
![Jordan Morgan](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/02/GettyImages-1721791896.jpg)
TUCSON, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 30: Offensive lineman Jordan Morgan #77 of the Arizona Wildcats during the second half of the NCAAF game at Arizona Stadium on September 30, 2023 in Tucson, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Jordan Morgan was a starter at left tackle for the Wildcats, despite missing time in 2022 with an ACL injury. He returned fully healthy for a tremendous 2023 season and was a team captain, winning awards for team community service. Morgan stands at 6’5” and weighs 315 lbs, boasting very long arms. His long arms aid him in pass protection, which is his biggest strength. Throughout his career at Arizona, he surrendered ten sacks in total, with only one this past season. He needs to work on his strength and power as a run blocker. However, Morgan is prepared to step in and play from day one. He should develop into a consistent and effective pass blocker in the NFL. While a team could potentially take him late in the first round, there’s a possibility he’ll still be available for New England in the second round.
Patrick Paul, University of Houston
![paul](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/02/GettyImages-1748992067.jpg)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 21: Patrick Paul #76 of the Houston Cougars congratulates Matthew Golden #2 after a touchdown reception in the first half against the Texas Longhorns at TDECU Stadium on October 21, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
Patrick Paul is a large left tackle prospect at 6’7” and 330 lbs. He’s a three-year starter and a two-time team captain for the Cougars. Once Paul locks onto a pass rusher, it’s usually over for them. Patrick doesn’t give up on plays and finishes to the whistle. He was rated as one of the top pass protectors in the country this year. Athletic pass rushers could give him some trouble in the NFL. Houston ran a passing offense, so he doesn’t have the experience in the run game as a blocker. But the tape I’ve seen shows a player who is willing and able to block in the run game. If Patrick Paul commits himself, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t, he’ll be a very good left tackle on Sundays.
Dominick Puni, University of Kansas
![paul](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/02/GettyImages-1653972662.jpg)
LAWRENCE, KANSAS – SEPTEMBER 01: Devin Neal #4 of the Kansas Jayhawks is lifted into the air by Dominick Puni #67 after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Missouri State Bears at David Booth Kansas Memorial Stadium on September 01, 2023 in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
Dominick Puni transferred to Kansas from Central Missouri this past year. He’s a large tackle prospect at 6’5” and 320 lbs. Puni has experience at both right and left tackle. He had an excellent year at left tackle for the Jayhawks and showed very well at the Senior Bowl. Scouts think he has the versatility to play any position on the offensive line, with left tackle not out of the question. Puni would be a steal in the third round.
Andrew Raym, University of Oklahoma
![Raym](https://985thesportshub.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/88/2024/02/GettyImages-1242926810.jpg)
NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 3: Center Andrew Raym #73 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the UTEP Miners at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium in the third quarter on September 3, 2022 in Norman, Oklahoma. Oklahoma won 45-13. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
It’s not every day a center jumps out at you in a football game, but watching the Senior Bowl, Raym was sealing off running lanes and getting to the second level to make blocks. He’s an athletic blocker who would be a great fit for a zone blocking scheme. Raym has the size for the NFL at 6’3” and 315 lbs. He could develop into a starter as an early Day 3 pick.