Mike Vrabel Leaves Door Open For Patriots To Add Offensive Line Help originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots are not necessarily finished building their offensive line. An injury to Andrew Rupcich has created another question for a position group that already will receive plenty of attention throughout the remainder of the preseason. When asked Monday whether the Patriots might add an experienced lineman, head coach Mike Vrabel left the possibility on the table.
Vrabel first wants to see how New England’s younger players respond to increased opportunities.
“I think we have to be able to evaluate the younger group and see what they do here this week and in a competitive setting and then also in the game,” Vrabel told reporters, according to a team-provided transcript.
Vrabel then added that the Patriots will “always keep our eyes open to what it looks like around the league.”
It was not a promise that another move is coming, but the message was clear. New England will give its current linemen an opportunity to prove themselves while monitoring potential outside reinforcements.
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Patriots’ Young Linemen Face Important Test
The upcoming week should give the Patriots a much better understanding of their offensive line depth. New England will hold two joint practices with the Philadelphia Eagles before the teams meet in Saturday’s preseason game. That creates three competitive environments in which the coaching staff can evaluate the group.
Caleb Lomu is one player who could receive a look at guard. Lomu has primarily worked at tackle, but injuries may force the Patriots to test his versatility. Vrabel acknowledged that moving a young player inside is more complicated than it might appear. New England does not want to interrupt Lomu’s development at tackle before he is ready to handle additional responsibilities.
“I think at some point in time probably have to take a look in there,” Vrabel said.
The Patriots also are evaluating rookie center Jacob Rizy, who was unexpectedly forced into game action because of an injury. Vrabel came away encouraged by how Rizy handled the situation. Vrabel said the moment did not appear too big for the young lineman, who was prepared when his opportunity arrived. Rizy still must adjust to the speed of NFL defenders and improve the angles he takes when attempting to reach linebackers at the second level.
New England’s preference likely would be for its younger linemen to answer the depth questions themselves. That would allow the Patriots to continue developing their current group instead of searching for an outside option late in the preseason.
Vrabel, however, is not ruling anything out. If the young linemen struggle against Philadelphia or the injury situation worsens, the Patriots could have another reason to explore the veteran market before the regular season arrives.