So one option instead of (or in addition to) the draft would be to sign a top OT free agent. The Pats will have the cap space, but besides Orlando Brown (and maybe Lewan), the top FAs are all RTs. Are we willing to give the Trent Brown at LT experiment another try with a more competent coaching staff? Or should the target be someone who can play LT?
Orlando Brown (26): young, above average NFL LT. Top free agent in the class. Very good pass protector but not elite due to athletic limitations, and is looking to be paid like an elite LT. Is it worth giving Brown close to Trent Williams money to be able to just forget about the position?
Mike McGlinchy (28): young, excellent run blocker, not as good in pass pro but not bad. I don’t think he’s ever played LT in the NFL.
Kaleb McGary (28): my take is he’s a worse version of McGlinchy. Great run blocker, but poor in pass pro. Had a career year playing on the most run heavy team. Plays RT.
Other options:
Taylor Lewan (31): was an elite LT as recently as a couple years ago, but is recovering from his 2nd ACL. Almost a certain cap casualty since TEN can cut his $14M salary for zero dead cap.
Jawaan Taylor (25): had a pretty good year in pass protection. PFF rates him as a poor run blocker. Mostly played RT, very limited experience at LT.
Isaiah Wynn (27): outside of this season, he’s actually been a pretty decent LT. but he’s not reliable and has dealt with a ton of injuries. Maybe his poor performance in ‘22 was due to the positional change and you could run it back for a year with Brown/Wynn playing their preferred positions on the cheap while you take a shot on a developmental tackle in the draft.