OL 2026

[mayoclinic]

NFL-caliber Right Guards can be found throughout the draft as well as the post-draft UDFA period... or on the street...

Sometimes, but usually not top ones, and teams have found reason to invest significant draft capital in very good ones (David DeCastro, Zach Martin, etc).

 

[JoeSixPat]

I’d forgotten about Metz. He’s a big boy too….

Same weight as Bryant and Crownover, slightly taller.

Damn - 6 foot 9 and 320 is definitely worth a PS slot for this guy despite the fact that he's really never made it OFF an NFL practice squad (hence his 1 year of experience at age 29)

But given his late start learning the game of football, I won't be too judgmental. As with Crownover, you can't teach someone to be that big - but you can teach them to play.

I think for he and Crownover they will look at them as backup blocking TEs when they effectively need an extra lineman - that's all they really need to be for their first year as both will be at the end of the bench at best for this year if the rest of the OL can stay healthy

 

[n1997y]

Damn - 6 foot 9 and 320 is definitely worth a PS slot for this guy despite the fact that he's really never made it OFF an NFL practice squad (hence his 1 year of experience at age 29)

But given his late start learning the game of football, I won't be too judgmental. As with Crownover, you can't teach someone to be that big - but you can teach them to play.

I think for he and Crownover they will look at them as backup blocking TEs when they effectively need an extra lineman - that's all they really need to be for their first year as both will be at the end of the bench at best for this year if the rest of the OL can stay healthy

I’m still hoping for a Trent Brown clone. When he was in shape and motivated he was awesome. Loved watching him pull and present CBs with a business decision as they saw 6’8” and 370+ bearing down on them.

Now IIRC we have at least six players on the OL who are listed at 6’6” or taller and 319 pounds or more. Campbell, Crownover, Bryant, Metz, Moses, and Rupcich.

 

[captain stone]

So you think.

On the other hand, Vrabel couldn't get anyone better than Wallace last year and will likely not find 2 replacements better than what we have in Brown, Rupcich and Wallace.

I chalk that up mostly to plain old incompetence, and to the blind purge of many players brought into the building before 2024.

You have to deal with the fact that you are not acquiring these players. I well understand that you think that we could easuly find players better the backup IOLs that we have.

I know; and I do

 

[JoeSixPat]

Now IIRC we have at least six players on the OL who are listed at 6’6” or taller and 319 pounds or more. Campbell, Crownover, Bryant, Metz, Moses, and Rupcich.

I think I'm sensing a trend

Some of these guys move surprisingly well given their size - though the really big guys I tend to view as guards (i.e., immovable objects)

Whereas, despite having T-Rex arms, Campbell's 6'6" 320 at LT is better condensed than if he were 6'9" and the same weight as it gives him a lower center of gravity to work with to his advantage

Lomu is a comparatively lightweight at 313 when drafted, but you can bank on him adding weight and muscle, as his frame can totally handle more.

 

[mayoclinic]

 

[mayoclinic]

Why the Patriots Backup OT Competition Matters More Than Anyone Thinks

The New England Patriots know their starting five, but who will back them up?

sports.yahoo.com

Anyone really think James Hudson will be the swing tackle? I sure hope not.

 

[BTTA]

Whereas, despite having T-Rex arms, Campbell's 6'6" 320 at LT is better condensed than if he were 6'9" and the same weight as it gives him a lower center of gravity to work with to his advantage

I've thought the same. People talk about tall OTs as "massive" but I'd rather have a guy 6'5" at 320 than 6"9" at that weight. The center of gravity location is a big deal, as is the lateral quickness, and shorter is better for both.
On the other hand, I don't really know anything, so FWIW.

 

[Wozzy]

Why the Patriots Backup OT Competition Matters More Than Anyone Thinks

The New England Patriots know their starting five, but who will back them up?

sports.yahoo.com

Anyone really think James Hudson will be the swing tackle? I sure hope not.

No chance… barring catastrophic injury across the board.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

I've thought the same. People talk about tall OTs as "massive" but I'd rather have a guy 6'5" at 320 than 6"9" at that height. The center of gravity location is a big deal, as is the lateral quickness, and shorter is better for both.
On the other hand, I don't really know anything, so FWIW.

The added height might be viewed as desirable because usually taller OTs have longer arms for punching and keeping the defender away from the tackle's body.

 

[Wozzy]

I've thought the same. People talk about tall OTs as "massive" but I'd rather have a guy 6'5" at 320 than 6"9" at that height. The center of gravity location is a big deal, as is the lateral quickness, and shorter is better for both.
On the other hand, I don't really know anything, so FWIW.

Width, quickness and strength all play into the equation.

Campbell might not be wide enough, but he might be quick and strong enough to make up for the lack of width. Said this prior to the draft… it’s still a wait and see situation.

 

[javajunky]

Campbell and Lumo are very young, pudgy players with fantastic athletic traits and football focus hidden underneath that blubber. As some of the fat turns into muscle over the next few years, there is a good chance they will turn into franchise players.

 

[mgteich]

Why the Patriots Backup OT Competition Matters More Than Anyone Thinks

The New England Patriots know their starting five, but who will back them up?

sports.yahoo.com

Anyone really think James Hudson will be the swing tackle? I sure hope not.

Lomu is our swing OT.

Bryant, Crownover and Hudson are competing for the last OT spots on the roster and the Practice Squad.

I certainly expect that Hudson is a reasonable Practice Squad player.

 

[n1997y]

The added height might be viewed as desirable because usually taller OTs have longer arms for punching and keeping the defender away from the tackle's body.

The word is “leverage”. It can work for you or against you. Lower center of gravity helps.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Lower center of gravity helps.

Bend your knees. Squat properly.

 

[mayoclinic]

Patriots Need Will Campbell to Improve for Super Bowl Success in 2026 - AOL

Logan Mankins. Zack Martin. Joe Thuney. Marshal Yanda. Just because the NFL tells you that you need to kick inside to guard despite a collegiate career at offensive tackle doesn't mean you can't be a special player, and the four names above are among the best examples of that reality. College ...

www.aol.com