Like most teams, there are a number of concerns for the New England Patriots heading into the 2023 regular season, most notably at right tackle.
The position was a weakness for the Patriots last season. It was clear that it was one of many reasons the offense struggled with them allowing 41 sacks.
New England made it a point to address the line in the draft by selecting Jake Andrews, Atonio Mafi and Sidy Sow. They also signed veteran offensive tackle Riley Reiff in free agency. The only rookie with legitimate tackle experience is Sow. Andrews is expected to work in at center and guard, while Mafi has been playing at guard.
There are options for the Patriots on the line. Patriots Wire’s Cam Garrity recently suggested a trade for Cincinnati Bengals offensive tackle Jonah Williams.
Nevertheless, the right tackle position remains a hot topic of discussion. ESPN’s Mike Reiss dove into that discussion a little further in a recent article:
The Patriots didn’t select a tackle until the fourth round of the draft (Sidy Sow) despite the position ranking among the team’s top needs. Veteran free agent signing Riley Reiff is the likely starter, but former practice-squad player Conor McDermott has rotated in at times. Meanwhile, free agent signee Calvin Anderson has opened training camp on the non-football illness list.
This will undoubtedly be a unit worth watching with the Patriots looking to protect quarterback Mac Jones. Inconsistency plagued the unit last season, and things are off to a rocky start with a 34-year-old Reiff and the oft-injured Trent Brown as the primary offensive tackles.
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