Key Takeaways:
– ESPN analysts urgently request the New England Patriots to engage free agent Donovan Smith.
– Donovan Smith’s potential acquisition could solidify the Patriots’ frail offensive line, notably the left tackle position.
– Smith’s experience as a left tackle proves valuable despite his recent performance decline.
– The protection of rookie quarterback Drake Maye becomes crucial as the Patriots have no player equipped with considerable left tackle experience.
Emerging pressure from ESPN urges the New England Patriots to secure a deal with free agent Donovan Smith. Donovan Smith’s recruitment is gaining ground as various ESPN analysts, including Bill Barnwell and Matt Bowen, propose an undoubted connection between him and the Patriots in a bid to bolster the team’s offense.
Filling the Void in the Offensive Line
Concerning the Patriots’ current state, a certain mystique surrounds the team’s starters, especially the quarterback position. Interestingly, Jacoby Brissett seems to be leading at the team’s OTAs despite conjecture that Drake Maye would emerge as the primary quarterback. This conundrum can be traced back to the Patriots’ offensive line weakness, more so at left tackle.
The left tackle, crucial in shielding a quarterback’s blind side, presents a formidable challenge for the Patriots. The team lacks a player with significant experience in the position – an unsettling prospect for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. As it stands, the likely option for the left tackle position seems to be ex-Steelers lineman Chuks Okorafor. However, uncertainties cloud Okorafor’s anticipated switch from the right side, his playground throughout his Pittsburgh career, to the left.
Both Bowen and Barnwell see Donovan Smith’s signing as a plausible solution to the Patriots’ dilemma. According to Bowen, Smith could bring “good competition and, at worst, depth” for the Patriots’ left tackle spot. Smith shone in the previous season’s Super Bowl as the Chiefs’ starter. His impressive pass block win rate of 90.8% is an attractive prospect for the Patriots, as he could provide much-needed support for young quarterback Drake Maye.
Dealing with Inexperience at Left Tackle
Currently, the Patriots’ left tackle options lack the requisite experience. Okorafor has never played at left tackle, Caedan Wallace did not function as a left tackle in college, and seventh-round 2023 pick Andrew Steuber did not see any action as a rookie. Interestingly, Steuber’s college career was also spent as a right tackle.
However, Donovan Smith’s recruitment is not the perfect fix. Approaching his 31st season, Smith’s recent performance has slid; he remains unattached for a reason. In 2023, he logged a 57.8 score on Pro Football Focus, and his ranking slid to 61 out of 81 NFL tackles.
Yet, Smith’s recruitment could be considered a lesser evil since the Patriots’ pass blocking was ranked 29th last season per Pro Football Focus. Their offensive line this season remains largely unchanged. However, a ray of hope exists in Smith’s unwavering determination, as seen by his elevated performance towards the year’s end and his prior experience winning the Super Bowl title with both the Chiefs and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Considerable drawbacks notwithstanding, Donovan Smith remains capable of playing left tackle.
Adding Smith to the Patriots could be the solution to the team’s desperate need for a reliable high-performing left tackle. Sealing the deal would present the Patriots with a chance to bolster their offensive line and provide much-needed protection for rookie Drake Maye.