Part two of my series of evaluations of the Patriots roster heading into Training camp concentrates on the OL and TEs.
Inside Offensive Linemen – Garrett Bradbury (C), Jared Wilson (C), Ben Brown (C), Mike Onwenu, Cole Strange, Sidy Sow, Layden Robinson, Tyrese Robinson, Jack Conley, Mekhi Butler
According to Mike Giardi of Boston Sports Journal, Center Garrett Bradbury is the most important player on the offense. His play can determine whether this offense improves or struggles. This is what Giardi stated “Despite being undersized, he’s always been a feisty run blocker. He’ll struggle with the likes of Quinnen Williams, just as David Andrews before him (and everyone else). But it’s the pass pro that has me worried. I’ve mentioned it before, but Bradbury gave up the highest 1-on-1 pressure rate of all centers in the league. A whopping 12.7%”. The Patriots identified the Center position as a position of need before the Free Agency period, and I was hoping they would sign Drew Dalman. After Free Agency they were open to a trade but couldn’t pull anything off, even though Garrett Bradbury was available from the Vikings. The Patriots waited until Bradbury was released before they signed him.
Jared Wilson was considered a great selection after trading down twice and still getting Wilson at pick # 95 in the Third Round He is a more stout than Bradbury but a very good athlete. He ran a 4.84 40-yard dash at 6’3” 310-pounds at the Combine. For the 1st two years at Georgia he played OG and had to wait his turn to break into the starting lineup. As a Red Shirt Senior, Wilson switched to Center last year and was awarded All-SEC Second Team. If Bradbury were to have the same problems with the pass rush, don’t be surprised to see Wilson inserted. Wilson missed most of the pre-season workouts with an undisclosed issue. His progress should be monitored in Training Camp. Mike Vrabel has already stated that Wilson will not be asked to learn the Guard position this year.
Mike Onwenu Did not play up to the level of his contract he signed in the off-season last year. He showed up out of shape and missed several OTA practices last season. In his defense he was bounced between RG and RT. He started 5 games at RT and 12 at RG. His PFF Grade was 65.2, 51st of 136 Guards. His Pass Blocking grade was good at 71.9 which was 31st and his run blocking grade was a disappointing 57.5 (95th). Run Blocking was what Onwenu was known for and that’s why they signed him to that three-year, $57 million deal with $38 million guaranteed. Onwenu received a $22.5 million signing bonus. The Patriots need Onwenu to be better. Entering his 6thyear, Onwenu will turn 28 before the season ends. If he wants another contract from the Patriots, his play needs to improve. Greg Bedard has noted in his observations from the OTAs and Mini Camp that Onwenu showed up out of shape again. This needs to be monitored.
Sidy Sow started 13 games as a rookie in 2023 and played 772 snaps. His PFF Rating was 64.4 was 34th amongst all Guards. In the final Pre-Season game Sow suffered a severe ankle injury and he never really recovered from the injury. He was limited to 155 snaps and had an abysmal 29.8 rating from PFF. He was next to last amongst guards. The left Guard position is wide open although Sow has appeared mostly on the right side.
Cole Strange, is a former first-rounder that has never lived up to that billing. He was considered a major reach by Bill Belichick when drafted and just might be a bust! In Strange’s defense he was coming off a knee injury from 2023, that was mis-diagnosed and caused him to delay surgery. His surgery was late in the season in 2023, and he was not cleared to play until late in the season last year. The Patriots asked him to move to Center where he started the last two games. His PFF Rating was 48.6, 61st among 64 Centers. However, his Pas Blocking Grade was 79, which is pretty good. Strange played just 117 snaps. Entering the 2025 season Strange is the leader in the clubhouse for winning the starting job at Left Guard. This competition is the most important to watch in camp. It’s worth noting that the Patriots did not exercise the 5th year option on Strange’s contract.
Tyrese Robinson appeared to have some non-padded momentum before missing mini-camp following his sister’s passing. This from Mike Giradi “Like Bradbury, Robinson is a Vikings castoff. He was signed off their practice squad in November of last year and appeared to have jumped ahead of Strange before the necessary absence. He’s a strong man, though he has never been known for his footwork, even dating back to his days at Oklahoma (he played as much tackle as guard there, but don’t even think about the former at this level)”. He has as much of a chance at starting as he does of making the final 53 man roster.
Layden Robinson was selected in last year’s draft. The 6’4” 315-pound Guard had 11 starts last year for 662 snaps. His PFF grade was 43.6 with a 41.9 Pass Block grade and a 46.5 Run Blocking grade. His standing amongst guards was 128 of 136. Not Good. In the OTAs and Mini Camp he was way down on the pecking order like he was a forgotten man. Caeden Wallace got more of an opportunity at left guard ahead of Layden this spring which is telling. Robinson is going to need to impress in Training Camp if he is even going to make this team.
Ben Brown did a commendable job at Center after being plucked from the Raiders’ practice squad. He was thrust into the starting job immediately and did a good job in 8 of his 10 starts. However, he played very poorly against Tennessee and Arizona. The 6’ 5”, 315-pound went Undrafted out of Mississippi. Brown was replaced by Strange for the last two games. His PFF rating was 52.8 with Pass Blocking grade of 47.3 and Run Blocking Grade of 59.7. Overall, he ranked 55th of 65 Centers in the league. He was better than Strange at Center. If Wilson remains limited in the summer, Brown might be able to secure a spot, otherwise he will be a candidate for the Practice Squad if he is not claimed by another team.
Jack Conley is a UDFA out of Boston College, he tied a school record by playing 60 games over his career. Safe to say he’s seen a whole bunch of looks in the ACC. Conley is a large human – 6’7″, 333 lbs – and played multiple spots for the Eagles. Don’t underestimate the ties to Doug Marrone, who consulted at BC last year, and Bill O’Brien, one of Vrabel’s best friends. I have seen some 53-man projections that have Conley making that last spot on the roster. I don’t have him making the team but being a Practice Squad player. His versatility is something that attracts the Patriots.
Mehki Butler An UDFA made an impression at Rookie Camp as an invitee He is a 6’3” 310-pound Guard from Arkansas State. Butler came from the JUCO route playing 2 years at Iowa Western Community College and was a Two Time JUCO All-American. The left Guard had 38 starts in college but unless he has a great camp, he has little chance of making the team.
The retirement of Wes Schweitzer threw a monkey wrench into the team’s plans. Schweitzer, signed as a low-cost Free Agent, was taking reps with the starting group
Will Campbell
(PHOTO: Eric Canha-Imagn Images)
Tackles – Will Campbell. Morgan Moses, Vederian Lowe, Caedan Wallace (G/T), Demontrey Jacobs and Marcus Bryant, Yasir Durant
It all starts with Will Campbell at Left Tackle. How he performs will make a huge difference on this team. Can the rookie handle the pressure of NFL pass rushers and will he be able to run block at the NFL level. Will his short arms be a factor? More importantly, who will be playing next to him at Left Guard. I think we should lower our expectations for Campbell. Looking at last year’s draft class, Campbell should be in the middle of the pack, slightly better than what Vederian Lowe did last year.
Having Vederian Lowe as a backup is a luxury most teams don’t have. Remember that Lowe is only in his 4th season. He had 8 starts and 447 snaps in 2023 after only participating in one game in 2022. In 2024 he missed 4 games due to injury and had 12 starts for 803 starts. His PFF rating was 54th with a 64.9 True Pass Blocking grade was 55thamongst all Tackles. Let’s put this in perspective, only three rookies had better grades than Lowe. Joe Alt and Roger Rosengarten played Right Tackle. The only Left Tackle that did better than Lowe was JC Latham and his rank was 59th.
Morgan Moses brings that veteran leadership and locker room presence to the Offensive Line room. He struggled a bit last season as his rating went down slightly. How much does he have left in the tank at age 34? The 6’6” 320-pound enters his 12th year in the league. If Moses can lock down the right side, it will allow Josh McDaniels and Doug Marrone to help out the rookie Campbell on the other side. Moses had a 66.3 Grade from PFF last year but had an 80.4 rating in 2023.
Caedan Wallace had an up and down year, mostly down. He suffered an ankle injury and never really recovered from it. Wallace’s injury was a High Ankle Sprain and Broken Fibula. He had two starts, one at LT and one at RT. His RT start was in week 18. The team penciled him in to play at Left Tackle, having never played the position in college. It was a disaster. Wallace was taking reps at Left Guard in the Mini-Camp, so this is something to watch in camp. At the least he is the backup to Moses at RT.
Demontrey Jacobs was signed off waivers at the final cutdowns. In 2023, he was signed as an Undrafted Free Agent by Denver and after the final cutdown was signed back to the Practice Squad. The 6’6” 315-pound Tackle was pressed into service last year. He played 887 snaps and had a Grade of 38.4 for 122 of 136 tackles in the league. He will be in a battle to make the roster out of camp otherwise he will be a candidate for the Practice Squad.
Marcus Bryant is an interesting player drafted in the 7th Round. He is the reason that Armand Membou the #7 pick of the Jets never switched to Left Tackle. Missouri was able to sign Bryant from the Transfer Portal from SMU where he was a 1st Team All AAC player. The 6’7” 320-pound big man, has a very skinny lower body. He will be battling for a Practice Squad spot.
Yasir Durant was signed this week. The Patriots must be unsatisfied with the progress of players at the Tackle position to bring in another player a month before camp. See below for his write up on the transaction.
Tight Ends
Hunter Henry may be the most valuable player on the offense. He is so dependable as a receiver. Maye depended on Henry, and he delivered last year. The 9-year veteran had a career-high number of receptions in a season with 66. He added 674 yards and 2 TDs. In December Henry turns 31.
Austin Hooper was drafted the same year as Hunter Henry. He will turn 31 in October. Last year he had a very good season for a #2 TE with 45 receptions for 476 yards and 3 TDs. I identified TE as a need before the draft and was disappointed they did not select Mason Taylor. My biggest fear is that both Henry and Hooper are on the wrong side of 30. In my too-early projection, I had Hooper not making the team, only because he will soon to be 31. The Pats will ride these two 30+ TEs for this season. I am leery of having two 30+ TEs because they are more susceptible to injury.
Jaheim Bell The 2nd year TE didn’t do much last season and has not looked good this Spring. He made one spectacular catch but also had a practice with 3 drops. He is in a battle for the 3rd TE spot but has stiff competition.
Jake Westover the Undrafted Free Agent out of Washington was signed by Seattle after the 2024 draft and was released with an injury settlement in November. He signed with the Patriots Practice Squad. He was elevated for the Game versus Miami and signed to the active roster for the final game versus Buffalo. The 6’3”. 248-pound TE had 46 receptions for 433 yards and 4 TDs his senior season. One thought is to go with two TEs and a FB on the 53-man roster and keep 2 TEs on the Practice Squad to protect that position. Any Practice Squad player can be elevated for up to 3 times during the season.
CJ Dippre: he signed one of the highest guaranteed Free Agent contracts of the Undrafted players. He is not much of a pass catcher but is incredibly strong and has a reputation as a good blocker. He hasn’t shown much during OTAs and Mini-Camp. Best bet is Practice Squad.
Gee Scott is a terrific athlete as evident by his RAS score of 9.82 out of 10. The UDFA out of Ohio State is 6’2.5”, 238-pounds, and ran a 4.62 40. He is fighting for a spot on the Practice Squad.
Brock Lampe is the only Fullback on the roster. I have listed him in both the running back position and TE position. In order to keep a fullback they have to sacrifice the 3rd TE. Lampe will play both as well as Special Teams. He was recruited in college as a Linebacker and switched to FB after his Freshman season.
Patriots sign UFL All-Star Lineman
The Patriots have officially announced the signing of OL Yasir Durant. If the name sounds familiar, he played seven games for New England in 2021 after then-head coach Bill Belichick traded a seventh-round pick to the Kansas City Chiefs to land the versatile lineman. Originally a UDFA signed by KC in 2020. In 2021 he played 78 snaps at right tackle that season, and also made a brief appearance at right guard and as a tackle-eligible tight end for the Patriots.
The Patriots cut Durant in 2022 at the end of training camp, and from there he landed on the New Orleans practice squad. Durant played just one game for the Saints that year and then had a brief stint with the Denver Broncos in 2023.
The Missouri product stands 6’6” 330-pounds.
Durant signed with the DC Defenders of the UFL in 2024 and started every game at left tackle over the last two seasons. He was selected as All-UFL this season.
Patriots Release UDFA DT Wilfried Pene
UDFA DT Wilfried Pene was released today. This is the reciprocal transaction to signing Duran. The 24-year-old Pene signed with New England as a rookie free agent out of Virginia Tech on May 12. He played in 34 games for the Hokies and finished with 63 total tackles with 4 sacks. The 6-foot-2, 283-pounder, played in all 13 games last season and finished with 33 total tackles and 3½ sacks. Pene was born in Tours, France. He should have been eligible as an International Pathways Program player because he has born in France. That should have given the Patriots a roster exemption.
Woodson Signs His Contract
Fourth round selection Craig Woodson has signed his rookie contract. Terms were not disclosed. That means that Second round pick TreVeyon Henderson is the lone unsigned rookie. The league overall is having trouble signing 2nd round picks since Houston and Cleveland signed their 2nd round picks to fully guaranteed contracts. Now all the 2nd round picks want fully guaranteed contracts.
Drake Maye Marries
Congrats to Drake Maye and his bride Ann Michael Hudson on their nuptials this past weekend. Hudson is his longtime girlfriend and High School sweetheart.
About Mark Morse
Merrimack Valley native and lifelong fan of the New England Patriots. My earliest memories of the Patriots were attending as a child with my dad, the off-season practice at Phillips Academy. I was at the Patriots game at Harvard Stadium in 1970 where Bob “Harpo” Gladieux was called out of the stands by the stadium announcer over the PA to play in the game. Analyzing the draft since ESPN first started to televise it in 1980 and former writer for the Lowell Sun Newspaper.
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