In addition to the reaction videos for the Felger & Mazz Big Board this year, we’re also going to introduce a written element. The day after each big board picks, be sure to come to the website for both video and written analysis of the picks.
The Big Board got started on Monday with offensive linemen. Whether it’s a need or not, it’s a position the Patriots will target. They’ve taken at least one lineman in each of their last nine drafts, and taken more than one in seven of those nine.
OT Darnell Wright, Tennessee
Sep 10, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Tennessee Volunteers offensive lineman Darnell Wright (58) blocks at the line of scrimmage against Pittsburgh Panthers defensive lineman Calijah Kancey (8) in overtime at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Lindy’s has Wright listed as an interior offensive lineman, and I’m not sure why. He played just 56 total snaps at guard in his college career – all coming in his freshman year – compared to 934 at left tackle and 1,752 at right tackle. He’s a tackle, and one of the best in this class. His ceiling as a pro is probably at right tackle at 6-foot-5, 333 pounds, but his college experience at left tackle suggests he could play on that side in the NFL as well. He’s a Patriots kind of tackle – he’s big, mean, and can move well for his size. If the Patriots trade down in the first round, or he falls and moves up in the second, he’d likely be towards the top of their board.
OT Blake Freeland
PROVO UT- OCTOBER 15: Blake Freeland #71 of the Brigham Young Cougars blocks against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first half of their game on October 15, 2022 at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. (Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)
Freeland’s best NFL comp might be former Patriots tackle Nate Solder. Also a converted tight end, Freeland has an impressive frame at 6-foot-8, 302 pounds but will need to put on significant muscle at the next level in order to be able to out-power defenders when he loses leverage – which will happen at his height. Still, with his experience (four-year starter an team captain) and more than functional mobility there’s plenty to like about his upside. It will just be up to whatever team drafts him to maximize that upside. Given the Patriots are historically good at developing offensive linemen – especially linemen like Freeland – he’d be a logical pickup on Day 2.
IOL Emil Ekiyor Jr., Alabama
Alabama offensive lineman Emil Ekiyor, Jr., (55) against Duke in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game at Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga., on Saturday August 31, 2019. (Mickey Welsh/Advertiser/USA Today Network)
The Patriots will like Ekiyor’s experience – he was a three year starter at Alabama with two of those seasons coming under Bill O’Brien. He’s also technically sound, and was called for just six penalties in 2,743 career college snaps. He’s not a great mover at 6-foot-2, 314 pounds so that could be an issue if the Patriots hope to stick with a zone running scheme. If they’re going back to power though, he’d make sense as a Day 3 addition to add depth at guard, and as a potential replacement for Michael Onwenu in 2024 if he doesn’t re-sign after this year.
