Patriots hoping 1 rookie can make significant change in NFL

Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; A New England Patriots helmet sits on the sideline during the first half against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots had major issues along their offensive line last season, and they are hoping one rookie can step outside his comfort zone to help change that in 2024.

Many were surprised when the Patriots drafted former Penn State offensive lineman Caedan Wallace in the third round last week. New England’s biggest need at the position was a left tackle, and Wallace played almost exclusively on the right side in his 40 college starts. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, the Patriots are hoping Wallace can make the switch to left tackle.

Penn State offensive line coach Phil Trautwein told Reiss that Wallace only took practice reps at left tackle, but Trautwein is fully confident Wallace can make the transition.

“He hasn’t taken any game reps, but he’s taken many practice reps because I always make sure they’re developing on both,” Trautwein said. “I don’t want them to just be a ‘right tackle’ because I want them to have a long career and get on the field as fast as possible. His career kind of was just different, but I would have no hesitation to put him on the left side.”

The Patriots re-signed starting right tackle Mike Onwenu to a 3-year, $57 million deal this offseason. They also signed veteran free agent Chukwuma Okorafor, who played mostly at right tackle with the Pittsburgh Steelers the last six seasons. New England’s coaching staff is hoping Okorafor can also transition to left tackle.

We can think of one positional battle that will draw a lot more attention than anything that happens along the offensive line in New England, but Wallace will be a player to watch in training camp. If he and/or Okorafor struggle to adapt to playing on the left side, the Patriots could have serious depth issues right out of the gate.