Patriots Draft Preview: Interior OL Could Use Depth

The New England Patriots had all five of their starting offensive linemen under contract last season. That didn't stop them from finding a way to improve the unit in the offseason, trading away starting center Garrett Bradbury and signing Alijah Vera-Tucker to be their next left guard.

Looking at the interior of the line, it's a strong group that doesn't warrant any changes ahead of Week 1. Last year's left guard, Jared Wilson, will be sliding in to play center, while Mike Onwenu continues to hold down the right guard position.

But it's always good to have a strong reserve unit, especially with a position that could get struck with the injury bug.

Here's the fifth installment of the Patriots On SI Positional Draft Preview, taking a look at some potential players that could earn a role as a backup at either center or guard next season for New England.

Current Depth Chart:

The starting trio of Vera-Tucker (LG), Wilson (C) and Onwenu (RG) is locked in. Right behind them are Ben Brown -- who has game experience at both guard and center -- and Caedan Wallace, who switched from tackle to guard.

The rest of the depth chart is filled with players who, at this point in time, project to be nothing more than practice squadders or training camp bodies. Mehki Butler and Andrew Rupcich, who both had stints on the practice squad in 2025, returned on futures contracts and will compete for an extended summer role this season.

New York Jets guard Alijah Vera-Tucker — Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws the ball as guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (75) defends against the Minnesota Vikings in the second half at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Top Prospects:

The interior class this year is fairly top-loaded. Unless the Patriots move up to grab Olaivavega Ioane (Penn State) in the first round, there's not many true guards that would be going in round one. Iowa's Gennings Dunker has most of his experience at tackle, but projects to be a guard at the next level. Other potential prospects that are athletic enough to move positions include Georgia's Monroe Freeling (second round) or Florida's Jake Slaughter.

One name to keep an eye on is Boston College's Logan Taylor, who met with Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel at his pro day in March. The massive lineman (six-foot-seven, 315 pounds) had a strong showing at both the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine, and will likely be taken on day three.

Nov 1, 2025; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Florida Gators offensive lineman Jake Slaughter (66) looks on during warm ups before the game against the Georgia Bulldogs at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images | Matt Pendleton-Imagn Images

But because guard and center isn't a pressing need that would require an overspending of draft capital, it's OK if the Patriots just use a later round pick to bolster the line. Indiana's Pat Coogan, Alabama's Parker Brailsford and Michigan State's Matt Gulbin offer productive playstyles that can earn them roster spots come September.

Final Pick Prediction:

There's not many premier guards that New England could grab, so a late-round selection of Taylor or Georgia's Micah Morris could be in play. At center, a source told Patriots On SI that the team has invited Michigan's Greg Crippen to their local pro day on April 7, an All-Big Ten player who could slip through the cracks on draft night.

Make sure you bookmark New England Patriots on SI for the latest news, exclusive interviews, film breakdowns, and so much more!