McGovern adds depth in trenches
The way Tom Brady has dominated the free agency news cycle, it’s almost hard to remember the Patriots will be pursuing other players.
That’s why we’re here.
Each day leading up to the NFL’s legal free-agent tampering period, which begins March 16, the Herald will unveil one of 10 potential Patriot targets on the open market. The Pats rank in the bottom half of the league in available cap space, so high-profile free agents like Cowboys wideout Amari Cooper will be omitted from the list. But the Patriots usually hunt in the bargain bin anyways, so that’s where we’ll dig. Some names you’ll recognize, others you won’t. All, however, deserve to be remembered come March 16. Because all could be potential Patriots.
Broncos C/G Connor McGovern
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 308
Age: 26
2019 stats: Allowed one sack in 1013 offensive snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Zero penalties.
Why he’s a fit: Guard Joe Thuney is as good as gone, thanks to being one of the top offensive linemen on the market. Ted Karras, who started at center when David Andrews was lost for the season, is also a free agent, and already generating plenty of interest given his versatility to play guard or center.
Even with the personnel in house, the Patriots would be wise to land a swing man — or perhaps target a new center pending Andrews’ health.
Hjalte Froholdt, a rookie last year, didn’t look ready to step in and play last summer before going on injured reserve. If Isaiah Wynn is moved from left tackle to left guard, which is a big if, that leaves another hole. Is Yodny Cajuste, who spent the entire year on injured reserve after quad surgery, the answer at tackle if Wynn slides over?
Enter McGovern.
He was primarily used at center last season, but there are those who believe he’s better suited at guard. Whatever the case, he would provide much-needed versatility, especially if the Patriots lose Karras. Marshall Newhouse, their swing tackle last season, is also headed to free agency.
And who knows about Andrews? He’s provided some positive reports about his status going forward with respect to the blood clots in his lungs, but there are no guarantees.
As a center, McGovern was graded higher than Karras by Pro Football Focus, with better marks in both pass blocking and run blocking.
McGovern was a fifth-round pick out of Missouri in the 2016 NFL Draft. He’s incredibly strong, as he broke many weight-lifting records at Mizzou. How does a 690-pound squat sound? During his workout at the Scouting Combine four years ago, he led with 33 reps at 225 pounds on the bench press. In college, he played every position on the line.
Reports suggest he has excellent hands and good footwork. The Patriots love having athletic offensive linemen. That’s not his calling card, but his athleticism is adequate. And, there’s room to continue to develop and improve.
If he’s classifying himself as a center, which was his spot last season, he’s not expected to make top-10 money. He’s likely to get $4-5 million a year. If he sells himself as a guard, he figures to get more. He’d probably start at $5 million in that case.
He’s certainly in the ballpark for the Patriots, who need to shore up their depth — and maybe find a new starter — on the line.