During a five-year collegiate career, Caedan Wallace didn’t play a single snap at blindside tackle.
The 6-foot-5, 314-pound mauler started 40 games at Penn State, and every single one came at right tackle. However, at the professional level, the Patriots believe their third-round selection has the athleticism to flip to his left and perhaps fill a hole on New England’s offensive line.
In a video conference call on Friday night after taking Wallace with the No. 68 overall pick, de facto general manager Eliot Wolf said the reason for his time on the right in college was simple.
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“Really, his teammate Olu Fashanu that the Jets drafted (in the first round) was the reason that he played on the right. So athletically there’s no reason why he couldn’t make the switch over there. He’s a really smart, dedicated kid that we feel like can handle that,” Wolf said. “Really good pass protector, really took a huge step forward this year as a four-year starter. Athletic, can bend, strong, powerful, tough. He could possibly play guard. We think he could be a four-position guy, but definitely feel like he can play on the left side.”
Wolf isn’t the only one who believes that.
“Super confident,” Wallace said, when asked about moving to the left side. “I play every position on the line. I’m just excited to get there and learn under some great coaches and just get after it.”
Though it’s been awhile Wallace suited up at left tackle in a normal game, he’s already gotten some reps there this offseason.
“I did a lot of work at the Shrine Bowl at left tackle,” Wallace said. “Super fluid. I’m really able to switch around at any position on the line.”
Though the Patriots and Wallace are confident he can make the move, it’s not always seamless. When Isaiah Wynn was moved to right tackle in 2022 after an extended period of time on the left side, he wasn’t shy about how dramatic the change can be.
“Playing left all that time and then having to flip: That’s like you being right-handed and then you’re trying to write with your left hand,” Wynn said.
Even without swapping spots, third-round picks aren’t often plug-and-play starters at tackle. There are usually some growing pains. However, if it takes some time for Wallace to acclimate, the Patriots have a number of veteran options on the depth chart: Chukwuma Okorafor, Calvin Anderson, Vederian Lowe, and Conor McDermott. They could also consider flipping incumbent right tackle Mike Onwenu over there.
No matter when he cracks the lineup, Wallace is eager to get to Foxborough. The 24-year-old is confident in his abilities and ready to show them off at the highest level.
“I would just describe my game as physical and intelligent,” Wallace said. “I’m a baller and I can’t wait to bring that to the league.”
