Like the receiver position, offensive tackle has been a weak spot for the Patriots for several seasons.<\/p>\n
Despite a lack of consistency from recent starters Trent Brown and Isaiah Wynn, the team hasn’t drafted a tackle in the first three rounds since 2018. Instead, they’ve attempted to supplement the position with career backups and late-round picks.<\/p>\n
Mike Onwenu’s return to right tackle last season offered much-needed stability, and he is expected to remain there<\/a> into 2025. But unless he makes significant strides with a full offseason to train in the role, it’s hard to shake the feeling he’d be better at his natural guard spot.<\/p>\n Former Steeler Chukwuma Okorafor was signed to a one-year deal and would start opposite Onwenu if the season started today<\/a>, but he’s not a long-term answer.<\/p>\n With those deficiencies in mind, particularly the more glaring need at left tackle, I put together a big board of my favorite offensive tackle prospects and where they will likely be taken in the draft. This list is based on a combination of skill set, scheme fit, and team interest.<\/p>\n Unlike in previous big boards, this list will feature the position each prospect played for most of their college career for better context. With New England unlikely to take a tackle in the early-mid-1st round due to their needs at quarterback, I did not include premier blindside prospects like Joe Alt, Oly Fashanu, and Troy Fautanu.<\/p>\n Special thanks to Brandon Thorn<\/a> and Dane Brugler<\/a> for their tremendous work and invaluable insights, which helped me formulate many of these scouting reports. \u201cKey measurables\u201d courtesy of Mockdraftable.<\/p>\n In case you missed my two previous big board installments:<\/p>\n Background:<\/strong> 6’8″, 340 lbs, 21 years old, Junior, 7 career starts at RT<\/p>\n Accolades:\u00a0<\/strong>National Champion (2022, 2021)<\/p>\n Key Measurements:<\/strong> 86 3\/4″ wingspan (97th %tile), 11 1\/4″ hands (97th %tile), 25 1\/2″ vert (19th %tile)<\/p>\n Strengths:<\/strong> Size, length, mobility, power, strong hands, pass sets, second-level blocking<\/p>\n Weaknesses:\u00a0<\/strong>Inexperience, leverage, lunging, inside counters<\/p>\n Patriots Connections:\u00a0<\/strong>None reported<\/p>\n Two minutes of Amarius Mims (#65) flashing his insane size and strength \ud83d\udcaa\ud83d\udee1\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/SYCwxqApZf<\/a> https:\/\/t.co\/6pMacZ6EGv<\/a><\/p>\n — The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) April 10, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n
ROUND 1\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n
RT Amarius Mims<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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