Patriots Host Massive Oklahoma Tackle: Quarterback Blindside Protector?

The New England Patriots are in need of help on the offensive line. Is Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton the answer to their woes at tackle?

As the eyes of New England Patriots fans continue to be fixed on upgrading high-profile positions on offense, the team is wisely placing an emphasis on strengthening a key position of need: offensive tackle. 

The Patriots, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss, hosted former Oklahoma Sooners tackle Tyler Guyton on a top-30 visit at Gillette Stadium last week. 

Despite playing his first nine college football games at TCU, Guyton transferred to Oklahoma in 2022. He played in 10 games for the Sooners (making nine starts), while allowing zero sacks, three pressures and 12 quarterback hits at right tackle per Pro Football Focus. At 6-8, 322 pounds, Guyton’s impressive build and athleticism have made him a top-25 prospect on many big boards across the NFL Draft media landscape. 

Jan 30, 2024; Mobile, AL, USA; American offensive lineman Tyler Guyton of Oklahoma (60)

Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

However, his impressive showings during Senior Bowl practices and last month’s NFL Scouting Combine have dramatically increased his value heading into the Draft. Having converted from defensive tackle, the massive lineman demonstrated impressive athleticism -- especially his explosiveness off the line. While he primarily played right tackle at Oklahoma, Guyton possesses several traits necessary to successfully play on the left side as well. In addition to his skills on the field, his willingness to play wherever he is most needed will make him a valuable commodity, perhaps as early as Day 1. 

To say the Patriots are in the market for Guyton’s services might be an understatement. In conjunction with their struggles at quarterback, a significant portion of the blame for the Pats’ anemic output in 2023 can be attributed to the porous nature of their offensive line. Ranking in the lower third of the NFL in nearly every measurable metric, it should come as no surprise that New England may be eager to invest prime draft capital to repair a severely fractured unit. In fact, their need at the position was further enhanced by the loss of former starting left tackle Trent Brown, who signed a free agent contract with the Cincinnati Bengals last month. 

With the No. 3 overall selection, New England is widely expected to address the fans’ demand at quarterback. However, there is merit to forging a new foundation with a solid building block at offensive tackle. Fortunately for the Patriots, this year’s draft class is also considered to be rich with talent at the position. Should the Pats entertain the idea of trading down to maximize their draft capital, Guyton could be an option in the latter half of the first round. Based on recent projections, he is likely to have been selected by the time the Pats are scheduled to make their second-round choice at No. 34. 

Having re-signed starting right tackle Mike Onwenu at the start of free agency in March, Guyton (if selected) would assumedly join newly-acquired Chukwuma Okorafor, and veterans Conor McDermott, Calvin Anderson, Vederian Lowe and Andrew Stueber in competing for the starting job at left tackle.