Offensive Line Reinforcement? Patriots Reportedly Work Out Tackle

The New England Patriots apparently are on the lookout for reinforcements to their questionable offensive line.

Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston reported Thursday night that the Patriots worked out offensive tackle Kellen Diesch. Diesch, who went undrafted out of Arizona State in 2022, has never played in an NFL game.

Diesch signed with the Miami Dolphins as an undrafted free agent but was released prior to the start of that season. Diesch has bounced around practice squads in his career, first with the Chicago Bears as a rookie before joining the Pittsburgh Steelers in that role last season.

The Steelers waived Diesch in May and it looked like he would catch on with the Cleveland Browns. But the Browns quickly waived the 24-year-old due to a failed physical just days after signing him.

Diesch has tremendous height for the position at 6-foot-7 but lacks the overall size most at the position have with him being listed at 300 pounds.

New England's offensive line hasn't inspired a ton of confidence heading into training camp. The Patriots have reliable options in David Andrews and Mike Onwenu, who New England signed to a three-year, $57 million contract this offseason, but much of the rest of the line is unproven.

The Patriots could have free-agent signee Chukwuma Okorafor at right tackle while possibly having to rely immediately on rookies Caeden Wallace, who was drafted in the third round, and Layden Robinson, a fourth-round selection.

Bringing in Diesch for the rest of training camp would add depth to the unit and give the Patriots a chance to see what Diesch can offer. It also could give New England a leg up on other teams if the Patriots decide they want Diesch on the practice squad at the end of training camp.