The preseason is a warm-up, but Sunday night’s game against the Washington Commanders was a big warning for the New England Patriots. On August 25, 2024, rookie backup QB Drake Maye showed off his skills, but the Patriots’ offensive line was a major letdown. The abundance of penalties and lack of protection made the whole thing worse, and whatever was good was barely visible on the Landover’s gridiron.

The Patriots offensive line committed a record 10 penalties in the game, disrupting every drive. In the first half, there were 8 penalties on the OL, in which illegal formation and false starts were quite common. These penalties not only stalled drives but also nullified key plays.

Illegal formations and false starts have become a constant nightmare, and one illegal formation caused WR K.J. Osborn‘s 48-yard touchdown run to be wiped off. Both fans and coaches found this frustrating, as the same mistakes were repeated on every drive, making it difficult to establish any offensive rhythm.

However, the rookie backup QB impressed everyone with his performance, yet due to the poor offensive line, his game failed to shine at all. Maye took over the game after QB Jacoby Brissett‘s injury and made impressive plays with his mobility. A 17-yard scramble and a deep crosser pass to WR Ja’Lynn Polk for 29 yards showed his potential, but without the protection of the offensive line, Maye faced repeated pressure. At one point, Maye’s shoe also fell off, highlighting his difficult situation.

As the regular season approaches, the Patriots will need to address their offensive line issues seriously. If these problems continue, both the team’s offense and quarterbacks’ safety will be at risk. 

In the coming days, the Patriots will have to make major changes to address the flaws in their offensive line. If that doesn’t happen, their struggles in the regular season could get even worse. Therefore, in the 2025 draft, they will have to focus on top offensive line players who can solve their problems.

Top OL Players Patriots Should Eye in the NFL Draft 2025

Given the current struggles of the Patriots’ OL, it appears there is a need to find some solid offensive tackle prospects to draft. Some players in the 2025 NFL Draft can boost their OL performance. Let’s take a look at the top OL players the Patriots should keep in mind:

Jonah Savaiinaea

Jonah Savaiinaea, who is from Arizona, has the best footwork. His quick and powerful foot movement, combined with lateral quickness, helps him handle pass-rushers effectively. Despite his shorter arms, his pass-blocking grade is 81.7, which highlights his potential.

Blake Miller 

Clemson’s Blake Miller is known for his hand usage. At 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, his footwork and balance are critical in pass protection. His wrestling background enhances his core strength, helping him engage effectively with pass rushers.

Kelvin Banks Jr.

Texas’s Kelvin Banks Jr. is one of the best athletes. At 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds, his explosive first step and low stance give him an advantage in both pass protection and run blocking. His athleticism makes him an attractive prospect for the Patriots.

Will Campbell

LSU’s Will Campbell, at 6-foot-6 and 320 pounds, is best at man/gap run blocking and is also very solid in pass protection. His run-blocking grade is 78.0 and his pass-blocking grade is 79.1, both of which showcase his blocking skills. Campbell’s compact stance and raw power could boost the Patriots’ running game.

Aireontae Ersery

Minnesota’s Aireontae Ersery is best for zone blocking. At 6 feet 6 inches and 330 pounds, his first step and run-blocking grade of 89.9 highlight his effectiveness. Ersery’s exceptional blocking techniques could elevate the Patriots’ OL.

The unique attributes of these players can significantly improve the Patriots’ offensive line and provide better support to the quarterback. Now all eyes are on the upcoming game with Bengals in Cincinnati, which will be played on September 8, 2024.