The New England Patriots had one of their worst seasons in franchise history in 2023, finishing with the second record in the league and earning the third overall pick in the draft.
With all of the problems that the team experienced last year, the offensive line was one of the biggest. Between injuries and poor performances from those who were on the field, the unit was unable to provide push for running backs or protect their quarterbacks.
After an offseason full of changes, let's refamiliarize ourselves with the team's offensive line room before training camp kicks off.
David Andrews
Andrews may be the only offensive lineman in this group to have a solidified spot, as he'll be the team's center again in 2024. Entering his 10th season, he's appeared in 120 games and started 117 in his career, really only missing a long stretch due to a heart condition that almost ended his career. This offseason, the Patriots gave Andrews an extension that will tie him to the team beyond this year.
Mike Onwenu
New England selected Onwenu in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL draft out of Michigan. He appeared in 64 games and started 56 between guard and tackle before the Patriots gave him a monster extension this offseason. It was expected that Onwenu would be the team's starting right tackle in 2024, but considering he's worked at guard again in minicamp, it seems the team isn't decided on where he'll line up this year.
Sidy Sow
This will be Sow's second season in the NFL after, New England took him in the fourth round of last year's draft. He wasn't expected to start as a rookie, but Sow appeared in 15 games and started 13. He's expected to compete for a starting job again in 2024.
Cole Strange
Strange is entering his third season in New England after they selected him in the first round of the 2022 NFL draft. He's started 27 games over his first two seasons, but a torn patellar tendon ended his season in 2023. He's yet to practice, so he might start the year on PUP.
Chukwuma Okorafor
New England signed Okorafor to a one-year deal this offseason after spending the first six seasons of his career with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He appeared in 77 games and started 59 for Pittsburgh. His experience should allow him to compete for an open tackle spot.
Calvin Anderson
Anderson is entering his second season of his second stint with New England after spending time with the New York Jets and Denver Broncos. He appeared in just five games for the Patriots in 2023 due to a battle with malaria and a heart contusion. He should be competing for a starting or backup job in training camp.
Vederian Lowe
Lowe is entering his second season in New England after they traded a sixth-round pick to the Minnesota Vikings for him after his rookie season. Lowe has appeared in 15 games, starting eight at tackle since entering the league. He'll likely compete for a backup role in 2024.
Nick Leverett
Leverett joined the Patriots this offseason on a one-year deal after spending his first four seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Leverett appeared in 16 games and started 10 during his time with Tampa Bay, so he should compete for a starting or backup job this year.
Jake Andrews
Andrews is entering his second season with New England after they selected him in the fourth round of the 2023 draft out of Troy. He appeared in 16 games as a rookie on special teams and started the season finale against the New York Jets. As the team's main backup center, someone would have to unseat Andrews for him to lose his spot.
Atonio Mafi
Mafi was New England's fifth-round selection in 2023. He appeared in all 17 games as a rookie, starting five games at left guard. The 6-foot-3 interior offensive lineman could compete for a starting job, a backup role or a spot on the practice squad.
Michael Jordan
Not to be confused with the NBA great, Jordan joined New England this offseason on a one-year deal after playing for the Cincinnati Bengals, Carolina Panthers and Green Bay Packers. He's started 29 games in his NFL career at guard, giving him enough experience to be a serviceable backup for the Patriots.
Liam Fornadel
New England signed Fornadel this offseason from the XFL. At James Madison, he started 41 games at left tackle, right tackle and right guard. He has plenty of versatility, which should allow him to compete for a depth spot on the roster or a place on the practice squad.
Caedan Wallace
Wallace was New England's third-round pick this year out of Penn State. He started 40 games at right tackle for the Nittany Lions over the last four seasons. He's expected to compete for a starting job this year, and at worst, he'll be a backup in 2024.
Layden Robinson
Robinson was one of New England's two fourth-round picks this year out of Texas A&M. He started 33 games at guard over his last three seasons as an Aggie. He's expected to compete for a starting spot throughout training camp, and his spot on the roster is all but guaranteed.
Zuri Henry
Henry was signed as an undrafted free agent this year out of UTEP. After playing both tackle spots in college, he'll likely be competing for a practice squad spot this year.
Charles Turner III
Turner was also signed as an undrafted free agent this offseason out of LSU. He played both tackle and center in college, so his versatility could help snag a spot on the practice squad.
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