– My big-picture takeaway on the offensive line: the unit seems improved in the run game while pass protection remains a work in progress. They should have an athletic left side and a people-moving right side. As long as they eliminate mental errors in pass protection, this group should be better than last year. It’s massive that first-rounder Will Campbell and third-rounder Jared Wilson appear to be on the starter track. Drafting two starters on the O-Line in one draft would be a huge win for this regime.
– LT Will Campbell’s run-blocking reps are a pleasure to watch. Campbell has excellent feet, balance, grip strength and finishing ability to be a true mauler in the run game. He’s lightning quick up to the second level, caves in the defensive line on his down blocks and can execute frontside reach blocks – it’s really great stuff. That said, the pass protection element is a work in progress, which we knew, especially when he’s tested by speed. Overall, Campbell is on his way to being a solid rookie starter at left tackle. Who will be his backup at LT? That’s an unknown.
– Third-round G/C Jared Wilson’s rapid ascension is huge for the Patriots offensive line. We already knew Campbell would start, but drafting two starters? That would be a home run. Wilson is a terrific athlete with excellent initial movement skills to reach landmarks and generate power. He blocks with a sturdy base, quick and strong hands, and recovers well with his feet while refitting his hands quickly. On Wednesday, Wilson might’ve taken over at left guard for good.
– Free-agent addition Morgan Moses has been in-and-out of practice as he eases into his 12th NFL season. Moses can move the line of scrimmage, forming a formidable power duo with RG Mike Onwenu. His edge gets tested at times by speed, though, and his availability for what’s hopefully 17-plus games will be something that bears watching for this team. He’s the top right tackle when available without question.
– RG Mike Onwenu’s had a quiet start to camp in a good way. He’s settled in at right guard, his double teams with Moses are a fun watch and there aren’t many moments where Onwenu stands out for bad reasons. Quiet is good for an offensive lineman.
– C Garrett Bradbury has experience and athleticism, but he missed Wednesday’s practice after leaving Tuesday’s session early. We know who Bradbury is at this point in his career, and if the Pats are more comfortable with a rookie left side than with Wilson at center, it feels like a given that Bradbury will be the starting center.
– G/C Cole Strange worked with the top unit at left guard until he repped at center behind Ben Brown later in the week. It seems notable that Wilson has been at left guard for a few practices now, while Brown got the first crack at center without Bradbury. Brown’s size and experience at center could also make him a useful backup at the pivot.
– Second-year OL Caedan Wallace has exclusively worked at guard this summer, primarily at left guard. Wallace’s girthy build and good raw power gave guard vibes at Penn State, so it’s not surprising that this coaching staff has moved him inside. Wallace is being given a chance to compete at left guard, but as the summer wears on, it’ll be interesting to see if they try him out on the right side to see if he has swing/backup value.
– OT Demontrey Jacobs has been the second right tackle behind Moses. It’s worth noting that Wallace has moved inside, and OT Vederian Lowe remains on the PUP list, but it’s been Jacobs’s opportunity. From this perspective, it’s been a mixed bag for Jacobs, but to his credit, there have been some signs of improvement from last season. Seventh-rounder Marcus Bryant has been backing up Campbell at left tackle without Lowe.
– G Tyrese Robinson hasn’t looked out of place. Robinson has solid reps at both guard spots under his belt, including a decisive win over Keion White in 1-on-1s.
– Recent draft picks Sidy Sow and Layden Robinson are mostly repping at right guard, which is interesting given that left guard is an open competition. Sow had a standout 1-on-1 rep where he put the rusher on the ground. Overall, it’s unclear where these two fit into the coaching staff’s plan.
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