Patriots draft Antonio Garcia OT @ No. 85

[DaBruinz]

I'll admit it, I never put much thought into Garcia after the Cooks trade, because I thought he'd go in the top 40 - 50 picks. Incredible athlete. He might end up being our best left tackle we've ever had, once Scar coaches him up. Supremely happy with this pick!

Considering that the Pats have had Bruce Armstrong, that's saying A LOT..

 

[DaBruinz]

It will be interesting to see whether there's a plan at LT for McDermott and Garcia. Garcia was clearly drafted ahead of McDermott but McDermott fits the Solder profile better. Will there be a battle to replace or backup Solder between the two or do they perceive McDermott as the future LT, either as replacement or backup with a different role envisioned for Garcia? Or is Garcia the heir apparent and McDermott protection? Will be interesting to track.

With Solder, Waddle and Flemming all being UFA at the end of the year, the Pats brought in protection for that. When you look back, I think for BBs first 9 or 10 years, they NEEDED 4 OTs every year because of injuries..

The other concern is that, despite McDermott earning Second Team Pac-12 honors, he struggled during the Senior Bowl practices..

From NFLDraftScout.com: "Unfortunately, McDermott struggled against speed and power, alike, in Mobile, "heightening" concerns that the big man may be a big project as an NFL tackle."

Only time will tell which one of them takes the reins to be the heir apparent behind Solder and which ends up as the swing tackle,though it would be nice if both could swing.. Really give the team flexibility..

 

[Huckleberry1]

If Garcia is said to be undersized for LT and McDermott is the prototype because of his size could we see Garcia play another position on the OL?

I get that Garcia has more athleticism and more skill hence why he went far about McDermott in the draft. I'm glad we drafted both but is there a future where they both play on the OL for the Pats?

What other position could McDermott play on the OL?

Right tackle, but I don't have much faith that McDermott will even make this team. IMO Garcia is their future LT.