The Patriots are spending the beginning of Day 3 of the 2023 NFL Draft solidifying their offensive line. After starting the day by taking a center 107th overall, the Patriots followed that up 10 picks later by taking a guard.

With their third pick on Day 3, the Patriots took Eastern Michigan guard Sidy Sow. This is the second year in a row the Patriots have drafted multiple offensive linemen, after taking three last year.

• Sow is a big, experienced, athletic blocker. The 6-foot-5, 323-pound Quebec native started 54 games for the Eagles over the last five years. After originally playing left tackle as a freshman, he moved inside to left guard and stuck there the last four seasons.

  At the Combine, Sow tested well earning the second best composite score by a guard from NFL.com. That included running a 5.07-second 40, with a 32-inch vertical, 9-foot-2-inch broad jump, and 7.62-second 3-cone. All of those results ranked top three among guards in this year’s class.

  As he makes the jump to the NFL, Sow will need to improve his technique, especially his footwork, to be able to compete. He’ll also need to adjust to more complex defensive rush concepts.

• At Eastern Michigan, Sow was teammates with fellow Patriots fourth-round pick Chad Ryland. The two were freshman together in 2018, and played four years together before Ryland transferred to Maryland in 2022.

  Although he mainly played left guard at Eastern Michigan, Sow profiles more as a right guard in the Patriots’ system. With Michael Onwenu in a contract year, Sow becomes a potential replacement if the Patriots can’t re-sign Onwenu next spring.

  After Sow, Patriots have one more scheduled fourth round pick. They’ll be back on the clock at 135th overall.

• Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.

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