The Patriots offensive line has seen its share of turnover this offseason. Starters Joe Thuney and Marcus Cannon are out. Center David Andrews was presumably out after the team signed familiar face Ted Karras, but is also back on a very team-friendly four-year contract. Trent Brown is back after a brief stint with the Las Vegas Raiders.
After the dust settles, the team’s starting five – Isaiah Wynn, Michael Onwenu, Andrews, Shaq Mason and Brown – is among the best in the league. Add in Karras and second-year swing tackle Justin Herron, who played admirably in a reserve role in 2020, and the depth up front is solid.
One thing that is apparent with this group is its versatility. Wynn can play either tackle spot and might be an option to kick inside to guard. Brown, who started at left tackle for the team in place of Wynn in 2018, is an option on both sides as well. Onwenu, drafted as a guard a year ago, figures to take over for the departed Thuney but was one of the league’s best right tackles in his rookie season a year ago.
The interior of the line is set for the foreseeable future. However, with Brown only on a one-year deal, Wynn’s durability concerns, and Korey Cunningham and Jermaine Eluemenor currently free agents, the Patriots could be in the market for tackle depth.
But with bigger holes than offensive line, it would be a bit surprising to see the team address the unit early on in the draft. History does show, however, its highly plausible they will look to continue to build depth in the middle to late rounds.
Nebraska’s Brenden Jaimes is a dependable and versatile option for day 3.
Brenden Jaimes – Nebraska
Week 1 Age: 22
Size: 6’6” 300 lbs
Projected Round: 6
Jaimes made an immediate impact for Nebraska during his freshman season, earning Honorable Mention Big Ten All-Freshman honors at right tackle. He switched to left tackle heading into his sophomore season, where he stayed for the remainder of his college career. After four years, a program record 40 consecutive starts and three straight Honorable-Mention All-Big Ten honors, Jaimes is one of the more experienced tackles in this year’s deep class.
Jaimes has enough strength and athleticism in pass protection, as evident below against 2020 rookie and former Iowa Hawkeye standout AJ Epenesa.
Big 4th and 6 conversion - Martinez to @KadeWarner. Second huge catch in the half for Kade. Fantastic job by #Huskers OL in pass protection. @BrendenJaimes really locked up AJ Epenesa on this key play. pic.twitter.com/4t0lzvU3iv
— Chaz in SoCal ❄️ (@Chaz_in_Socal) February 2, 2020
In the run game, he is also stout at the point of attack and can quickly get to his block, which he showed off during January’s Senior Bowl.
So, why isn’t Jaimes getting as much recognition ahead of the draft? He may not have the quickness to handle speed rushers at the next level, which may result in a move to right tackle or even inside to guard. Pittsburgh’s Rashad Weaver, a presumed day two pick, easily gets by Jaimes here.
Nonetheless, Jaimes had a strong week in Mobile, AL, where he also lined up at guard, showing off his versatility.
Is he a fit for the Patriots? At his best, Jaimes could be a strong, durable lineman with the versatility of moving all over the offensive line. At worst, he projects as a sturdy backup with enough athleticism to handle inside pressure. He is probably best suited for a power-running offense.
The Patriots have not been shy at drafting tackles who might project better at guard. Wynn and Herron are two recent examples. Perhaps Jaimes is a guy who can come in on day three, sit behind Wynn, Brown and Herron, and develop into a formidable option down the road.
