The New England Patriots' offensive line is a work in progress, with a mix of established talent and promising newcomers. The team's recent moves aim to build on last season's improvements, but there are still challenges to overcome.
The Patriots' offensive line made significant strides in 2025, rising from the bottom of the league to 12th in Pro Football Network's offensive line impact score. They also improved in run-blocking win rate (12th) and pass-blocking win rate (13th), a testament to the unit's growth. However, the postseason revealed lingering issues, prompting the team to make strategic additions.
One key move was the signing of free-agent Alijah Vera-Tucker, a former Jets first-round pick, to play left guard. This move allows the Patriots to move Jared Wilson, a second-year pro, to center, his natural position, and place a veteran guard between starting left tackle Will Campbell and Wilson. The theory is that Vera-Tucker's presence could enhance three positions (left tackle, left guard, and center), but his injury history is a concern. He has missed almost as many games as he has started, including the entire 2025 season due to a torn triceps injury. Despite this, when healthy, Vera-Tucker is a plus-starter, as evidenced by his 77.7 Pro Football Focus grade in 2024.
The Patriots also addressed the left tackle position by drafting Caleb Lomu in the first round. Before his MCL injury in Week 12, Campbell was a solid starter, earning a 71.4 PFF grade. However, his performance dropped to 50.1 during the playoffs, highlighting the need for him to stay healthy and improve his strength and pass sets in his second year.
Jared Wilson, a Georgia product, is another key addition. His athletic abilities and experience at center make him a potential plus-starter. The Patriots' decision to move Wilson to center was facilitated by the trade of C Garrett Bradbury, which provides a solid interior trio with Vera-Tucker and veteran RG Mike Onwenu.
The right side of the line features Onwenu and 35-year-old Morgan Moses, who is expected to return. The starting five along the offensive line is projected to be Campbell, Vera-Tucker, Wilson, Onwenu, and Moses. The depth options include Caleb Lomu, who can be groomed as Moses's successor, and the day-three picks Marcus Bryant and Dametrious Crownover, who are both hulking tackle prospects.
On the interior, Ben Brown is a reliable depth option, capable of starting at both left guard and center. Caedan Wallace and Andrew Rupcich also competed for backup reps during the spring. The flexibility of Caleb Lomu, who can play guard, adds another layer of depth.
The Patriots' offensive line is a mix of established talent and promising newcomers. While there are concerns about injury and development, the team's recent moves aim to build on last season's improvements. The key to success will be keeping key players healthy and developing the younger talent, ensuring the line can protect QB Drake Maye for the foreseeable future.
