Coming off an ugly 4-13 season, it’s no secret the New England Patriots need a dramatic roster overhaul.
In particular, the offensive line stands out as the team’s biggest weakness, which isn’t exactly a great situation when you have a young quarterback dripping with All-Pro potential.
But just how bad is the state of affairs when it comes to Drake Maye’s protection squad?
Let’s just say you should expect to see plenty of unfamiliar faces lining up in front of the second-year signal-caller.
In fact, don’t be shocked if there’s just one holdover from last year’s much-maligned offensive line.
"Talent evaluators aren’t bullish on the Patriots returning players. One league source predicted the only starter at the end of last season who will start next fall is Michael Onwenu," MassLive's Mark Daniels wrote on Tuesday.
Like many members of the 2024 team, Onwenu didn’t live up to expectations. Between showing up to training camp out of shape and shuffling between guard and tackle, the highly paid lineman didn’t dominate like he did in previous years.
However, there’s no doubt the 27-year-old is far and away the team’s most talented offensive lineman.
The problem?
The cupboard is bare elsewhere, at least when it comes to proven commodities.
Can 2024 third-round pick Caedan Wallace stay healthy and earn a starting job at either tackle position?
Will fellow second-year pro Layden Robinson clean up his pass-protection issues under new position coach Doug Marrone?
What future does 2022 first-rounder Cole Strange have in Foxborough?
Daniels’ report underscores the fact that the Patriots are in dire need of better talent and depth along the offensive line. The franchise can’t afford to do Maye what it did to Mac Jones: fail to surround him with an adequate supporting cast.
Whether it’s pursuing a big-ticket free agent like Ronnie Stanley, taking a talented young tackle like Armand Membou or Will Campbell, or perhaps a combination of both, you can bet the Patriots will aggressively pursue upgrades in the trenches.
Only time will tell just how many new faces will be in the starting lineup when Maye calls the huddle in the season opener.
