Patriots have another potential emerging starter from 2024 NFL Draft class

Posted by Admin August 20, 2024 NFL

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FOXBORO — The Patriots could have multiple Week 1 starters from their eight-man 2024 NFL Draft class.

Ja’Lynn Polk, a 2024 second-round pick, has earned a starting job in the Patriots’ crowded wide receiver room. Polk has been a regular in the Patriots’ top offensive unit this week.

Two other rookies earned roles in the starting offense this week, as well, in third-round pick Caedan Wallace at right tackle and fourth-round pick Layden Robinson at left guard.

Wallace and Robinson rotated into the Patriots’ top offensive line on Saturday and Sunday. The two rookie offensive linemen started the Patriots’ final set of 11-on-11s during Monday’s practice with veteran Jacoby Brissett at quarterback.

“That tells me that I’m doing good, but I’ve still gotta maintain that thing of doing my job every single day, never get comfortable. They’re just throwing me in there to see what I can do, see how I can adjust with the ones and how I can be of help if I’m needed. That’s just my job to be ready.”

Robinson primarily played right guard in college at Texas A&M, so they started him out at left guard in training camp. They moved him back out to right guard with the second-team offense before giving him reps at left guard with the starters.

Head coach Jerod Mayo stressed the importance of getting Wallace and Robinson snaps, since they’re inexperienced.

“(Wallace is) one of those guys – he’s going to be a very good player in this league,” Mayo said. “Once again, going back to he’s a rookie; he needs to see more football. I think it’s important for him to get out there, not just Caedan, but also Layden. I think he’s done a good job as well, and (center David Andrews has) been really helping those guys out.”

The Patriots’ top offensive line remains Vederian Lowe at left tackle, Sidy Sow at left guard, David Andrews at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard and Chukwuma Okorafor at right tackle. But Wallace and Robinson are pushing Okorafor and Sow for starting spots. The Patriots also could bump Onwenu out to tackle if Robinson has earned a starting job at guard. Wallace and Okorafor both have taken snaps at left tackle, as well.

Robinson leads qualified Patriots offensive linemen with a 75.6 PFF grade through two preseason games. He’s allowed just two hurries in 44 pass-blocking snaps. Wallace has a 71.7 pass-blocking grade and 48.5 run-blocking grade. He’s also let up just two hurries.