Patriots Training Camp Battle Preview: Left Tackle

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xttDAxpJNY

Remember when Nate Solder signed with the Giants this offseason? It was probably the most significant (and depressing) football move of the offseason as far as the Patriots were concerned, yet by now it’s faded to a distant memory behind all the superficial bullshit that was talked about in the months since.

But the impact of having not set succession plan at the important left tackle spot is the first and easiest place to start as I dive into breaking down the Pats’ training camp battles. Tom Brady‘s only had two starters protecting his blind side — Matt Light, then Solder, and that transition was about as seamless as they come. Solder was drafted in the first round of 2011, got plenty of experience as a backup and spot starter at right tackle as a rookie, then Light retired and Solder stepped in the next season.

There will be no such easy transition this time and the Patriots have taken a throw it all against the wall approach that featured a lot of rotation in OTAs. Dante Scarnecchia is one of the best offensive line coaches in the history of football and with plenty of bodies to work with he should be able to craft a new-look offensive line at 70 years old.

Let’s break down the contenders and how things might look when the 2018 Patriots take the field opening weekend against the Texans.

The Returners

The only thing I’m pretty sure of is that Marcus Cannon should be back locking down the right side of the line. Cannon’s season was cut short with an ankle injury after just seven games in 2017, coming off of a dominant 2016. If he returns to that form it should make what happens on the left side a little easier to manage.

Also returning is LaAdrian Waddle, who signed a one-year deal this offseason. Waddle was a promising starter at left tackle for the Lions prior to arriving in New England, but has played both sides with the Patriots. I was surprised as it seemed like Cameron Fleming, who departed this offseason along with Solder, was used at left tackle over the more athletic Waddle last season.

The lower end returners include Cole Croston, who made the team as an undrafted rookie and stuck on the roster all of 2017. That kind of experience certainly can’t be discounted given the Patriots’ track record of developing unheralded linemen. Croston will be in the fight of his life to make the roster again, but could be a developmental dark horse.

Andrew Jelks also spent his undrafted rookie season behind the scenes, on the non-football injury list. Jelks missed back-to-back seasons with torn ACLs his final two years of college at Vanderbilt, making it three years since he was healthy, but perhaps now with a full two years of recovery, he’ll be ready to step back in and compete. He has a long way to go, but after being named to the SEC coaches all-freshmen team then starting 14 games at left tackle as a sophomore, Jelks has some upside.

The Free Agents

The biggest name (and acquisition at 6’8″, 355) of the tackle group is Trent Brown. The Patriots traded the 95th overall pick for Brown who has started 28 games at right tackle with the 49ers and is highly regarded as a pass blocker. Brown played left tackle in college and had some spot starts there in the pros and that could make him an early favorite to take over for Solder.

The Patriots also signed Ulrick John, a journeyman tackle who has started three career games in stints with four teams, along with Matt Tobin, who has started 21 career games with the Eagles and Seahawks. Neither John nor Tobin would appear to be destined for a starting role, but are experienced veterans who will add depth and competition.

The Rookie

The most intriguing player of this group is rookie Isaiah Wynn, an undersized but uber-athletic tackle from Georgia that the Pats drafted in the first round, 23rd overall. Despite being a good three inches shorter than an ideal tackle (he’s 6’3″) Wynn was almost universally praised for being a tough technician who could always get the job done despite his size limitations.

Shaq Mason had similar concerns and he’s turned into one of the most promising young guards in the league. The Pats were working Wynn inside in OTAs, but he should get a look at tackle this summer. I’m excited to see how he does. Given the way he plays it will only be a matter of time until he’s starting somewhere on the line.

The Favorite

Who wins the left tackle spot will have a major impact on the complexion of the Patriots’ offense. There’s Brown, who isn’t ideally fitted for the athletic screen games the Pats like to run but has the right size and pass protection ability to make him the easiest choice. There’s Wynn, who can do those athletic things, but could be overwhelmed by NFL pass rushers, especially the elite ones that come off the left edge. Then there’s Waddle, who might be the safest choice, but with the lowest ceiling.

All things considered, Brown has to be the favorite, as much as I love the idea of Wynn stepping in and just dominating as a rookie despite his size. That’s the story I’d most enjoy with my heart, but my head tells me Wynn is going to need to be brought along slowly in his first year, just as Mason was. Mason could leave via free agency next year which could necessitate Wynn sliding inside anyway.

Brown’s size and injury history are a concern though, and I’d really like to see Brown out there healthy and passing the conditioning test before I truly pencil him in as the Solder replacement. Brown is just 25 years old and is in the last year of his contract, so if he does emerge to start at left tackle he’ll be in line for a big raise next offseason. Again, that’s why Wynn at left tackle would be better long-term, but at this point it’s only about this 2018 season of protecting Tom Brady.

There isn’t an obvious choice, but the Patriots have done well adding veterans and young players to cushion the transition. Someone will emerge, especially considering the quality of the coaching they’re receiving. In Dante We Trust.