With the Patriots off until training camp, we're having a series featuring the 15 most important Patriots players for the upcoming season. The countdown will continue for the next several weeks
No. 13: Isaiah Wynn
Position: Offensive lineman
2018 stats: Did not play due to Achilles injury
Why he's No. 13: A lot is expected of Wynn this year after missing all of last season because of an Achilles injury suffered in the preseason, which still didn't allow him to be a full participant in spring workouts. With him not fully involved, Joe Thuney saw quite a bit of time at left tackle, so perhaps he's an option if Wynn is not ready to start the season. The hope is obviously Wynn is healthy enough to have a full training camp and preseason and be good enough to start the year at left tackle with Thuney at his customary left guard spot. With that being said, Wynn has yet to play a NFL game and may not be ready right away, so the Patriots need to have a backup plan in place.
Tom Brady has only had three players protect his blindside over the course of his career -- Matt Light, Nate Solder and Trent Brown -- all of whom have performed at a high level. Brown did a tremendous job in his first season in New England last year, and the hope is Wynn will be able to do the same. The entire offensive line will be in much better shape if Wynn is ready to start Week 1 with Thuney being able to stay in his typical left guard spot. While the first game he plays in will be his first ever in the NFL, a lot is depending on him.
