Patriots could find some tackle depth in the NFL Draft

A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill positions through the NFL Draft, April 23 to 25.

When it comes to the offensive line, you can never have enough depth. That was seen last season when the Patriots cycled through several offensive tackles for varying reasons.

Isaiah Wynn started the seasons on the injured reserve. That happened after projected top backup Jared Veldeer retired and third-round draft pick Yodny Cajuste never made it to the [...]

A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill positions through the NFL Draft, April 23 to 25.

When it comes to the offensive line, you can never have enough depth. That was seen last season when the Patriots cycled through several offensive tackles for varying reasons.

Isaiah Wynn started the seasons on the injured reserve. That happened after projected top backup Jared Veldeer retired and third-round draft pick Yodny Cajuste never made it to the field due to an offseason injury. The Pats signed Marshall Newhouse off the street and he started a handful of games, but he's still a free agent. They also traded for Korey Cunningham.

The Pats have projected starters Wynn and Marcus Cannon on the roster. They lack depth, however, with only Cajuste and Cunningham on the roster. It makes sense for the Patriots to look at the upcoming NFL Draft for help.

Since 2000, Bill Belichick has drafted 15 tackles in New England. The average prospect stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 318 pounds. He runs an average 40 time in 5.22 seconds to go along with a 28-inch vertical, 103-inch broad jump, 7.78 3-cone time and a 4.74 shuttle time. He's a look at five prospects who the Patriots could realistically take next week.

Ezra Cleveland, Boise State

Cleveland is one of the best tackle fits for the Patriots in this draft. He leads all tackles from the Combine with seven of eight target matches – height, vertical, bench, broad jump, 3-cone and shuttle times. Tristan Wirfs and Andrew Thomas were next with six, but both will be long gone by the time the Pats pick.

Cleveland excelled at left tackle for Boise State. He's been a first-team All-Conference selection since his sophomore season. He's athletic and has a background in basketball and wrestling. Cleveland is projected to be drafted somewhere in the first or second round. The Patriots had a predraft virtual interview with Cleveland.

Matt Peart, Connecticut

Peart tied for fourth with five hits on height, weight, 40 time, vertical and broad jump. Peart attended high school at The Governor's Academy in Byfield, Mass. He's projected to go in Round 2 or 3 of the NFL Draft. The Patriots met with Peart at the NFL Combine.

Peart stands 6-foot-7 and has outstanding arm length at 36 5/8 inches, which puts him in the 99 percentile. His 113-inch broad jump put him in the 94 percentile. At UConn, he excelled at both right and left tackle, playing two years at both spots. He finished his collegiate career on the right side where he earned all-conference first-team honors.

Austin Jackson, USC

Jackson also had five hits, matching on weight, vertical, 40 time, bench reps and broad jump. His height (76.875 inches) fell just shy of the Patriots mark (77.33 inches). The Patriots met with Jackson at the NFL Combine. Jackson is projected to go in either the first or second round.

Jackson earned first-team all conference honors as a left tackle last year. He's viewed as a left tackle prospect who's athletic, but raw. He also exceled on special teams, blocking two kicks at USC. Jackson's grandfather, Melvin, was an offensive lineman for the Green Bay Packers.

Joshua Jones, Houston

Jones hit on four targets – height, weight, vertical and broad jump. He didn't participate in the 3-cone or shuttle. Jones was athletic enough to earn a Division 1 scholarship in basketball. He's also viewed as a first or second round pick later this month.

Jones played on the left side at Houston, starting all four years at left tackle. Last season, he was named to the second-team all-conference. He only played nine games due to a knee injury. Jones is said to be a better pass blocker than run blocker, but his athletic traits show a prospect with solid potential.

Alex Taylor, South Carolina State

Taylor also matched on four targets – height, 40 time, broad jump an 3-cone. Athletically, Taylor compares to former Patriots draft pick Conor McDermott. The Patriots met with Taylor at the NFL Combine. Taylor stands at 6-foot-8 and was a standout basketball player in high school.

He started his career at Appalachian State before going to South Carolina State to play basketball. He decided to play football in 2018 and was a third-team all conference selection at right tackle. Last year, he was even better, earning third-team All-American honors and first-team all-conference honors. Taylor's projected to be a late-round prospect.

mdaniels@providencejournal.com

On Twitter: @MarkDanielsPJ