How many young offensive linemen stick?
If there was any position after quarterback the Pats wished could have experienced a full offseason, it would unquestionably have been the offensive line.
Co-position coaches Carmen Bricillo and Cole Popovich worked to replace franchise legend Dante Scarnecchia in a brief window this summer, blessed with a veteran starting group and a bounty of inexperienced reserves. The task was towering from the start.
Particularly because it’s impossible to develop any player within three to four weeks of practice, let alone a young offensive lineman. Naturally, there is still no clear answer to who will be the team’s next swing tackle.
Offensive tackles Korey Cunningham and Justin Herron, a sixthround rookie, flipped constantly between the left and right side in training camp. Both had their moments and proved healthier than Yodny Cajuste, a 2019 third-round pick who essentially redshirted last year. If the Pats view Cajuste as trailing the other two, he could be left out in the cold or perhaps catching one; Foxboro Flu season is about to hit and likely send a few players to injured reserve.
Inside, another sixthround rookie, mountainous guard Michael
Onwenu, surged late in camp in a competition with Hjalte Froholdt. Smart money says both will stay, with Froholdt serving as the backup to center David Andrews and right guard Shaq Mason and Onwenu providing depth at left guard and, in emergency cases, at tackle.
Which brings us back to the original question: Cunningham, Herron or Cajuste? Will it be one, two or none?