With starting right tackle Sebastian Vollmer and swing tackle Marcus Cannon entering the final year of their contracts, the New England Patriots layered the depth chart with the future in mind by selecting versatile offensive lineman Joe Thuney at No. 78, who finished his career at left tackle but played all five positions with the Wolfpack.
My take: Thuney wasn't on my radar entering the draft, as I had projected him more to an interior position and felt the Patriots' greater need was at tackle. But with this pick, my strong sense is that while the Patriots will value his versatility, they likely project him primarily to tackle. If he was more of an interior player, this pick wouldn't have the same level of value to me. A hat tip to draft analyst Nolan Nawrocki, who wrote this of Thuney before the draft: "Smart, tough, versatile and more concerned about production than appearance, Thuney looks destined for a role with a zone-blocking team such as the Patriots."
OT depth chart: For now, let's slot Thuney into the offensive tackle mix and his presence would seem to most directly affect swing tackle Cannon, who is on the books to earn a $3.4 million base salary, which might be viewed as too rich by the team's brass. Starters Nate Solder (left) and Vollmer (right) return, while LaAdrian Waddle, Cameron Fleming and Keavon Milton round out the depth chart.
Will be part of Chandler Jones trade analysis: This selection, along with the 112th overall pick (fourth round), is a big part of what will be analyzed when assessing the Patriots' trade of Jones to Arizona. The Patriots had initially acquired the No. 61 overall pick from the Cardinals for Jones, but traded that for No. 78 and 112.
What's next: The Patriots have two more picks in the third round, 91 and 96. The 96th is a compensatory pick and can't be traded. Running back, receiver and defensive tackle are positions that stand out as possibilities.
