Patriots agree to contract with another key rookie, have three more to sign

The New England Patriots continue to work out rookie contracts for their deep 2023 draft class.

Players at the tip-top of Bill Belichick’s draft board are still working their way to finalizing their first deals as NFL players, but the Patriots are progressing well toward getting all their proverbial ducks in a row on that front. They are now done signing all their new offensive linemen.

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• Center Jake Andrews became the latest Patriots rookie to sign his contract, as reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Andrews has the distinction of being the team’s first day-3 pick in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and first offensive lineman.

  Despite that status, Andrews played center at Troy, where he was a three-year starter and earned First Team All-Sun Belt honors as a senior. But he did transition from right guard before playing center full-time in his final season, and has experience playing all three interior O-line positions.

  Per Reiss, Andrews’ deal is for four years and up to $4.648 million.

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  Jake Andrews at Troy (Courtesy Troy University Athletics)

• But as he enters the league, Andrews is primarily a center, which may make it difficult for him to make a real impact as a rookie. It may take an injury to incumbent starter/captain David Andrews, or something like a surprise retirement, for the younger Andrews to see a lot of the field in 2023.

  However, Patriots right guard Mike Onwenu is missing OTAs as he recovers from off-season ankle surgery, leaving an opening for an interim starter at his spot. Andrews’ experience at RG could give him a chance to slide in there early on, but he’ll have competition in second-year pro Chasen Hines, as well as a pair of fellow rookies, Sidy Sow and Atonio Mafi.

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• The whole offensive line will be worth watching as the Patriots get rolling with OTAs and minicamp over the next few weeks. But as long as David Andrews is healthy and intends to play, Jake Andrews’ impact on the team will be limited.

  After signing Andrews, the Patriots are down to just their top-3 draft picks left to sign: cornerback Christian Gonzalez, defensive lineman Keion White, and linebacker Marte Mapu.

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  Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.