2024 NFL Draft: How the Patriots could tackle depth chart holes after the first round
ESPN analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid identified New England's biggest holes: QB, OT, and WR.
The beginning of NFL free agency didn’t make much of a splash in New England, meaning the roster holes that existed at the start of the offseason are still present. Luckily for the Patriots, the 2024 NFL Draft doesn’t end after the first round. In fact, this year the Patriots are armed with eight total picks.
The highly anticipated No. 3 overall pick will likely address their most glaring need – a young quarterback to develop into their franchise leader (should the Patriots decide not to trade back). But other critical positions demand attention too, even if that means looking beyond the first round.
ESPN analysts Matt Miller and Jordan Reid identified in a column Tuesday the Patriots’ biggest depth chart holes: offensive tackle and wide receiver.
Enter BYU’s Kingsley Suamataia, a skilled left tackle who made an immediate impact during his freshman season.
“With no clear-cut starting left tackle on the depth chart, the Patriots can land the highly aggressive and agile Suamataia,” Miller writes.
The 6-foot-5, 326 pound lineman has experience playing both right and left tackle, making him a versatile asset for whichever team swipes off the board. At the 2024 NFL Combine, Suamataia ranked near the top of his class in production and athleticism. With only two collegiate seasons under his belt, his ceiling likely remains to be seen.
According to Pro Football Focus, Suamataia is the 45th overall prospect in the 2024 class and the 10th-ranked offensive tackle. At just 21-years-old, his age might cause him to slip down the draft board. However, that could mean head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto GM Eliot Wolf have the chance to snag him at Nos. 34 or 68.
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