The New England Patriots’ decision to take Eastern Michigan offensive guard Sidy Sow with the No. 117 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft came with mixed reviews.
On one hand, there were people still trying to make sense of the fact that the team appeared to be blatantly neglecting offensive tackle and adding more help at the skilled positions. How was another interior offensive lineman going to help the Patriots keep pace in a crowded AFC East division with some of the league’s most explosive offenses?
It’s no doubt a fair question.
However, on the other hand, some viewed the Sow pick through the lens of the actual player the Patriots were getting on the football field—a large and powerful offensive guard with the size and abilities to kick outside to tackle.
That kind of versatility doesn’t grow on trees, and the Patriots wanted to make use of it in their offensive system. Here’s what media members were saying about the draft pick: