After taking Tennessee-Chattanooga guard Cole Strange in the first round, New England returned to the offensive line with its third of three sixth-round draft picks on Saturday to select LSU interior offensive lineman Chasen Hines at No. 210 overall.
The 22-year-old Hines played all three interior line spots for the Tigers, but is projected to move to center in the NFL by some talent evaluators. Hines started 16 games at right guard over the last two seasons at LSU. The 6-3, 327-pound native of Marshall, Texas, originally signed with LSU as a defensive lineman but switched to offensive line prior to his freshman season.
--Hines was highly recruited out of Marshall High School, choosing LSU over Florida, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas A&M and others.
--Hines ran a 5.22 40 at the NFL Combine and did 20 reps of 225 at his pro day.
--Excels pulling to lead the way in the run game, something he showed in reps at all three interior line positions at LSU.
--Reportedly battled weight fluctuation throughout his time at LSU.
--Missed 11 total games to injury over the last two years and had knee surgery after the 2019 season.
--Projected by The Athletic as the 15th best guard prospect in the draft with a grade in the range of the fifth or sixth round.
--Hines took part in both the 2022 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl and the 2022 Senior Bowl.
