The New England Patriots selected one of the most athletic offensive linemen in the 2016 NFL Draft 78th overall Friday night.
The Patriots drafted North Carolina State’s Joe Thuney. The 6-foot-5, 304-pound offensive lineman ran a 4.95-second 40-yard dash and also posted a 7.47-second three-cone drill, 4.54-second short shuttle, 9-foot, 2-inch broad jump, 28.5-inch vertical leap and 28 bench-press reps of 225 pounds.
Thuney played guard and offensive tackle in college. He allowed just two sacks, one quarterback hit and four hurries as a senior at left tackle, according to Pro Football Focus.
Thuney could play swing tackle, replacing Marcus Cannon at the position, in 2016. Thuney also could be the heir apparent to Sebastian Vollmer at right tackle in 2017.
Thumbnail photo via Jeremy Brevard/USA TODAY Sports Images
