We’re running a mailbag every week during the offseason. If you have questions on the Patriots, NFL, or want to gripe about past answers, email cmason@masslive.com or tweet @bychrismason. Now let’s get to this week’s questions!
What is the backup plan if both Chukwuma Okorafor and Caedan Wallace are unable to make the switch to left tackle? — Matt K.
I really appreciated Okorafor’s honesty when asked about flipping to left tackle after Day 1 of OTAs.
In case you’re not up to speed, Okorafor and Wallace are the top two options on the depth chart, and both have spent (at least) the last five years playing right tackle, Okorafor with the Steelers and Wallace at Penn State. While Patriots brass has made it seem like a no-brainer that the tandem can move to the blindside, Okorafor acknowledged that it’s going to be a process.
“I think it takes time, you know?” the veteran said. “Everything is new. I’m trying to learn left. I’m trying to learn a whole new playbook. I’m trying to learn a whole new city, a whole new town. So, I think everything is kind of new to me now… If I knew I couldn’t do it, I wouldn’t have chosen to do it. It’s going to take time, but I know who I am and I know what I can do.
“I’ve taken every single snap that I’ve taken over the last six years at right tackle.”
The Patriots plan here honestly feels like throwing a bunch of darts at the board and hoping one hits a bullseye. If neither Okorafor or Wallace can make the jump successfully, they’ll turn to Calvin Anderson, Vederian Lowe, Tyrone Wheatley Jr. or Andrew Stueber. Mike Onwenu doesn’t anticipate flipping sides in 2024.
Rather than opting for an established left tackle, the Patriots are wagering that (at least) one of these unproven commodities can rise to the occasion. It’s risky business — especially if Drake Maye winds up under center as a rookie.
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What teams may be interested in Bailey Zappe and what would they offer for him? — Conor M.
I don’t think Zappe has any market right now. If he did, he’d probably already be elsewhere. Jerod Mayo has been surprisingly honest when discussing New England’s plan for the quarterback room this summer.
On Monday, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer reported “the plan is to narrow the competition down to three guys by the end of spring” and Mayo essentially confirmed it in his press conference.
“Once we get to training camp, that’s real football. So out here in the spring, we’ll rock with four,” Mayo said. “Bu as soon as we get to training camp, you have to start paring down the roster.”
It’s pretty obvious who the odd man out is here, and it’s not the current starter nor either of the two rookies the Patriots just drafted.
Which possible No. 1 WR trade target would you go after and what would it take to get them? — Michelle F.
A lot of fans won’t like this answer, but I don’t see a logical fit among the No. 1 wideouts that could become available.
San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk is the best wide receiver that might wind up on the trade block, but he’d likely cost a first-round pick, and I don’t think the Patriots should part with their 2025 first-rounder. Staring down an obvious multi-year rebuild, there’s a good chance that’s a Top 10 pick again next year, if not Top 5.
It looks like Tee Higgins is going to play hardball in Cincinnati — he hasn’t signed his franchise tender — but I’d be surprised if he moves for anything less than a first. The Patriots aren’t one player away from being a playoff team. They’re better off biding their time in 2024 than mortgaging their future.
As a longtime Troy Brown fan, what role is he filling this year? — Miller
Replaced by Tyler Hughes as the wide receivers coach, Brown has been moved to what Mayo called “a skills development role.” On the practice field this spring, he’s been working with ballcarriers in some drills and returners during special teams periods. It looks like he’ll be all over the place.
Is there anyone on the offensive line that you’re particularly excited about? That area has been an obvious weakness of ours for a few seasons now and I feel Sidy Sow kind of flew under the radar last season but shows a lot of promise — Jesse O.
I’m pretty curious to see what Layden Robinson can do.
He’s the one pick in New England’s draft that really surprised me given their depth at the position and the veteran signing of Nick Leverett. When teams take a guard early in the fourth round, that’s usually an indication they see a starter; the Patriots clearly believe Robinson can play.
And I agree on your assessment of Sow. He held his ground as a rookie and is primed for a Year 2 leap.
