Heading into the offseason, the New England Patriots had the most salary cap space of any team in the NFL, and they certainly made use of it during free agency. The team was aggressive in acquiring talent, adding 10 new players to their roster for the 2025 season. However, one critical position remains unaddressed—left tackle. Although the Patriots signed veteran offensive lineman Morgan Moses, he is in the latter stages of his career and is unlikely to be a long-term solution. New England still needs a left tackle who can anchor the line for years to come.
According to NBC Sports Boston’s Phil Perry, the Patriots could address this need by selecting Oregon offensive tackle Josh Conerly Jr. with the 24th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Perry predicts that New England will execute a trade with the Minnesota Vikings to move back into the first round, ensuring they land a premier offensive lineman. Conerly was among the top tackles in college football, earning third-team All-American honors and being nominated for the prestigious Joe Moore Award, which is presented to the nation’s best offensive lineman. Throughout his collegiate career, Conerly allowed just two sacks, a statistic that will undoubtedly make him an appealing prospect for the Patriots.
Protecting their quarterback was a major issue for New England last season. The Patriots struggled significantly in pass protection, allowing a staggering 52 sacks between then-rookie Drake Maye and veteran Jacoby Brissett. With Maye entering his second season and expected to take on a larger role as the team’s franchise quarterback, it is imperative that the Patriots bolster their offensive line to keep him upright and maximize his development.
Bringing in a young, high-caliber left tackle like Conerly would not only provide immediate protection for Maye but also solidify a key position for the future. Trading back into the first round to acquire a top-tier offensive lineman would demonstrate the kind of aggressive approach that new head coach Mike Vrabel wants to implement in his first year at the helm. Ensuring stability along the offensive line is a crucial step in building a competitive team, and with the Patriots’ wealth of cap space and newfound urgency, making a bold move in the draft could set them up for success in 2025 and beyond.
