The New England Patriots made some big and necessary investments in free agency, but the offensive tackle position — particularly the left side — remain a work in progress.

New England taking to the draft to pick address the position is therefore expected to happen with one of their earlier selections. But, if they pass on the position atop the draft there is talent to be found in the later rounds as well.

They would not have to look far, either, as just up the road at Boston College is one of those options in Ozzy Trapilo.

Hard facts

Name: Ozzy Trapilo

Position: Offensive tackle

School: Boston College

Opening day age: 23 (10/17/2001)

Measurements: 6’8”, 316 pounds, 10 3/8” hand size, 33” arm length, 81” wingspan, 5.21 40-yard dash, Broad Jump 106”, Cone Drill 7.71s, 20 Yard Shuttle 4.7s, 8.88 Relative Athletic Score

Experience

Colleges: Boston College (2020-24)

Career statistics: 44 games (36 starts) | 2,349 offensive snaps, 118 special teams snaps | 7 sacks allowed, 56 pressures (39 hurries) | 5 penalties

Accolades: First team All-ACC (2024), Second team All-ACC (2023)

The son of former NFL lineman Steve Trapilo, who died of a heart attack in May 2004, Ozzy followed his father’s footsteps to BC High where he was named first-team all-state at left tackle and also led his team to a league championship in basketball. Trapilo then decided to stay home attending his father’s alma mater Boston College.

After redshirting his freshman year and drawing two starts at guard in 2021, Trapilo served as the Eagles starting left tackle where he started 10 games — missing two due to a knee injury.

Flipping to the right side the following season, Trapilo started 12 games and did not allow a sack on 363 drop backs — surrounding just 11 total pressures in the process. His performance earned him All-ACC Second Team honors.

Returning as a team captain under Bill O’Brien in 2024, Trapilo stuck at right tackle and started all 12 regular season games for the Eagles. He allowed just two total sacks and 15 pressures en route to earning All-ACC First Team honors. Trapilo then accepted his invitation to the Senior Bowl as he entered the NFL Draft.

Draft profile

Expected round: 3-4 | Consensus big board: No. 93 | Patriots meeting: Senior Bowl + Pro Day + Local Pro Day

Strengths: It’s not hard to tell Trapilo is an offensive tackle as he stands 6-foot-8, 316 pounds. Despite his size, Trapilo moves well out of his stance (1.76 second 10-yard split) which benefits him both in pass protection and the run game.

As a pass protector — where he allowed just two sacks over his final two collegiate seasons at right tackle — Trapilo has good footwork and quickness to handle rushers on the edge. In the ground game, he has the ability to both get out in space and work to the second level off double teams.

Trapilo also has very good hands at tackle and natural grip strength — a large reason to him not committing a penalty all of last season (five total in his career). His smarts also show up on the field as he’s quick to diagnose line games and pick up stunts.

“Ozzy is the type of guy who is the same guy every day. Never misses practice. Very tough. Very talented. Very smart — got a masters degree from Boston College,” Bill O’Brien said at the BC Pro Day.

“Excellent in the locker room, he’ll do whatever the coach asks him to do — play right tackle, left tackle, he’ll play guard if you want him to. He’ll do whatever you ask him to do He’ll always put the team first… I don’t think [Vrabel] can go wrong with Ozzy Trapilo. [He’ll] be a great pro.”

Weaknesses: At 6-foot-8, Trapilo can play upright at times — as he needs to play with better bend moving forward — and can be beaten by power. He could potentially benefit from adding mass at the next level to better handle power.

Patriots preview

What would be his role? With prior experience at both left and right tackle, Trapilo has the makings on a NFL swing tackle immediately out of the gate. More comfortable on the right side, however, he could start at the position early in his career. In New England, if Trapilo is the first tackle the Patriots add in the draft he likely would compete for starting duties on the left side due to need as Morgan Moses is set to start at right tackle.

What is his growth potential? Trapilo has the size and skill needed to become a starting right tackle at the next level due to his pass pro ability. He should begin his career on the right side but has the potential to develop into a left tackle as well if needed.

Does he have positional versatility? Trapilo ended his Boston College career with starts at every position but center up front. He logged one start at both left and right guard in 2021 before starting 10 games at left tackle in 2022. Trapilo then became the full-time starter at right tackle over his final two seasons where his game reached another level.

Why the Patriots? The Patriots continue to search for help at the tackle position and their staff is extremely familiar with the Massachusetts native. Beyond Mike Vrabel, Eliot Wolf, and co. attending the BC Pro Day, New England held Trapilo on their local Pro Day. Offensive line coach Doug Marrone was also on the Eagles’ staff with Bill O’Brien last year.

Why not the Patriots? If the Patriots use their first selection on a highly-touted left tackle prospect, they may not feel it’s worthwhile to make another day two investment at the position with Moses and Caedan Wallace still on the roster.

One-sentence verdict: Trapilo has the makings of a NFL starting tackle and the need for the position and connections with the player should firmly put him on the Patriots radar.