Patriots Projected To Add 6-Foot-6, 330-Pound Protector This Offseason

The New England Patriots made some key additions to their offensive line last offseason. Will Campbell, Garrett Bradbury, Morgan Moses and Jared Wilson have been key players this season, but there is still work to do.

Moses, 34, signed a three-year deal with the Patriots before the season, but he is clearly closer to the end of his career than the beginning. The Patriots could look to start developing a backup plan, and CBS Sports’ NFL Draft analyst Ryan Wilson predicted they would draft Max Iheanachor out of Arizona State University in the first round this spring.

“When Iheanachor is locked in, he can make pass rushers disappear — he plays with light feet, calm hands and the kind of balance that lets him mirror twitchy edge rushers without panicking,” wrote Wilson on Sunday. “If he gets his hands inside, the rep is basically over; he can absorb power, reset against counters and ride speed rushers right past the quarterback. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, athletic and tough to beat clean — the kind of pass protector coaches trust on an island.”

Moses is still under contract, but Iheanachor could learn as a backup and take over once Moses retires or leaves. He checks in at 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds. He could be a long-term piece for the Patriots, who have found their franchise quarterback in Drake Maye.

With Campbell and Iheanachor protecting him on the outside, the Patriots would have a strong foundation to keep hits off Maye. He was named Second-Team All-Big 12 last season.

The Patriots’ offensive line is in a better spot than it was a couple of years ago. However, picking a player like Iheanachor now will prevent them from being in a bad spot down the line. Even if he won’t project to be a starter right away, selecting him could pay off big-time in the future.

There may be pushback from the fan base, selecting a player who is not guaranteed to start while the Super Bowl window is open. However, with Maye under center, the Patriots’ window figures to be open past just the next few seasons.