Pats go for Wynn
Select Georgia tackle with 23rd overall pick
FOXBORO — Whoever scouted the University of Georgia for the Patriots really liked what he saw.
With their two picks in the first round of the NFL draft last night, the Pats grabbed two Bulldogs: offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn at No. 23 and running back Sony Michel at No. 31.
At the moment, it remains unclear just what the Patriots have in mind for Wynn.
Whether it’s as the much-needed long-term replacement for Nate Solder at left tackle or the less-immediate need at either left or right guard, the Patriots saw some beauty in one of the draft’s big uglies.
The Pats selected the 6-foot-3, 313-pound Wynn, a pick that not many saw coming. A lot of people projected the Patriots to grab an offensive lineman. But Wynn? Not really.
The famously secretive Pats made sure of that. During his post-pick conference call, Wynn said the only pre-draft contact he had with the Patriots was at the NFL combine, and that he only had “a little bit” of conversation with offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.
The real trick for Scarnecchia will be to find where Wynn fits best at the game’s highest level. Certainly, that’s up for debate.
At Georgia this past season, Wynn held down the left tackle position at an elite level. When you’re a first-team All-SEC performer and second-team All-American in that league, you’re doing something right.
At 6-3, Wynn does not fit your prototypical height for the position in the league. He said the Pats did not clue him in on where he’d be used, and with experience at both guard and tackle over his college career, Wynn said he has no preference.
“That doesn’t matter. Wherever the coaches ask me (or) put me, I’m ready to help contribute to this team wherever I can,” Wynn said.
The St. Petersburg, Fla., native checks more boxes than just versatility for the Patriots. He only missed one start in 41 games in his final three years with the Bulldogs, so his durability is not in question. He also was named a team captain as a senior, always a plus in Patriots coach Bill Belichick’s heart.
As far as his personality goes, the affable Wynn broke out into several bouts of laughter during the conference call, describing himself as “a happy person” and “a very lovable guy.”
But the extent of his lovability to Pats fans down the line will be how well he fills whatever role Scarnecchia picks for him. If it is not as Solder’s successor, it could certainly be to supplant left guard Joe Thuney or, eventually, right guard Shaq Mason, as the latter will be a free agent after next season and is in line for a big payday.
Michel’s role is a bit more defined. An explosive back who rushed for 1,227 yards and 16 touchdowns on 156 carries (7.9 yards per carry), the 5-11, 214-pounder split carries with Nick Chubb during his time in Athens.
Although the Pats already have established veterans like Rex Burkhead, James White, Jeremy Hill, Mike Gillislee and Brandon Bolden on the depth chart, the running game needed some extra pop with the loss of Dion Lewis, who left for the Tennessee Titans in free agency.
If Michel works out as well as hoped, he could fill that need right away, at least as an early-down option.