The New England Patriots have reshaped their interior offensive line during the offseason. After trading starting center Garrett Bradbury, the team added Alijah Vera-Tucker and reorganized the line heading into the upcoming season.
While the starting group now appears stable, the Patriots are continuing to evaluate depth options through training camp and the upcoming NFL Draft.
Patriots Interior Offensive Line for the New Season
New England’s starting interior line is expected to feature a new look in the upcoming season. Alijah Vera-Tucker will take over at left guard, Jared Wilson moves into the center position, and Mike Onwenu continues to hold the right guard role.
This trio is projected to start in Week 1 and will be responsible for anchoring the middle of the Patriots’ offensive line.
| Position | Player | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Left Guard | Alijah Vera-Tucker | New addition to starting lineup |
| Center | Jared Wilson | Moving from guard to center |
| Right Guard | Mike Onwenu | Returning starter |
The combination gives New England a balanced interior unit with experience and versatility.
Immediate Backup Options
Behind the starting three, the Patriots have several players who could step in if needed during the season.
Ben Brown provides valuable flexibility, as he has experience playing both guard and center. Meanwhile, Caedan Wallace has transitioned from tackle to guard and is expected to serve as a depth option along the interior line.
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Ben Brown | Backup at guard and center |
| Caedan Wallace | Converted from tackle to guard |
Both players could see snaps during the season if injuries affect the starting lineup.
Practice Squad Players and Training Camp Competition
The Patriots have also retained a few developmental players who will compete for roster spots during training camp.
Mehki Butler and Andrew Rupcich returned to the team on futures contracts after spending time on the practice squad during the 2025 season. Their goal will be to impress coaches during the offseason and earn a more permanent role on the roster.
| Player | Situation |
|---|---|
| Mehki Butler | Returned on futures contract |
| Andrew Rupcich | Also back after practice-squad role in 2025 |
For now, most of the remaining interior linemen are expected to compete for practice-squad or reserve positions.
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Possible Draft Targets for Interior Line Depth
The Patriots are expected to add depth through the NFL Draft, but the team may wait until the later rounds to select interior linemen. The current starting lineup reduces the urgency to spend an early pick at guard or center.
Several prospects have already drawn attention from New England’s scouting staff.
Logan Taylor from Boston College is one name to watch. The 6-foot-7, 315-pound lineman met with head coach Mike Vrabel during his pro day in March and impressed evaluators with his performance at both the Senior Bowl and the NFL Combine.
Michigan center Greg Crippen is another potential target. He was invited to the Patriots’ local pro day scheduled for April 7 and earned All-Big Ten honors during his college career.
| Prospect | College | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Logan Taylor | Boston College | Met Mike Vrabel at pro day |
| Greg Crippen | Michigan | All-Big Ten center |
Other Late-Round Prospects to Watch
The Patriots may also explore several additional prospects later in the draft or as undrafted free agents.
These players are viewed as developmental options who could compete for roster spots during training camp.
| Player | College |
|---|---|
| Gennings Dunker | Iowa |
| Monroe Freeling | Georgia |
| Jake Slaughter | Florida |
| Pat Coogan | Indiana |
| Parker Brailsford | Alabama |
| Matt Gulbin | Michigan State |
| Micah Morris | Georgia |
Many of these prospects are projected to move between guard and center roles, which could give New England additional flexibility along the offensive line.
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What the Strategy Means for New England
The Patriots appear comfortable with their starting interior offensive line after the offseason changes. The focus now shifts toward building reliable depth behind those starters.
By targeting later-round draft picks or undrafted players, New England can strengthen its roster without using valuable early selections.
If the team finds the right developmental lineman, it could secure long-term depth while keeping the starting unit intact for the upcoming season.
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