New England Patriots HC Says Starting Linemen 'May Not Be On Team Right Now'

The New England Patriots are in a tough spot when it comes to their offensive line and the quarterbacks they have in the building.

On one hand, it does seem like rookie No. 3 overall selection Drake Maye is ready to start his NFL career, but whether Patriots brass will say it or not, the fact that the offensive line seems to be in shambles is playing a factor in whether or not the team throws Maye out there to begin the season.

After things came to a head for the unit during the final preseason game of the year, a loss against the Washington Commanders , head coach Jerod Mayo has said a few things that contradict each other in terms of who is going to start at the most important position. But no matter who wins the job, it's become clear that the team will have major issues protecting the quarterback. During an appearance on The Greg Hill Show on WEEI , Mayo said the team's high position in the waiver claim priority order offers them an advantage and a chance to improve things.

"We have an opportunity to improve our team through the waiver wire, and we're in a very unique situation right now where we're third on the waiver wire, and there'll be some good players that get released, and we're going to try to take advantage of that," Mayo said . "The starting guard or the starting tackle may not be on our team today. But, we’ll see what we’re able to pickup."

Seeing exactly what the team does on the waiver wire will be fascinating to monitor after Tuesday's cutdown day.