The New England Patriots enter the week of the NFL Draft needing to make upgrades to their offensive line as that group was one of the worst the league had to offer during the 2024 campaign.
While it remains to be seen what the Patriots do this weekend with their nine selections, New England can continue rework this offensive line by pursuing a veteran interior lineman waived by the Houston Texans on Monday: Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
In signing TE Irv Smith Jr., the #Texans have released G Tremayne Anchrum Jr.
https://twitter.com/jonmalexander/status/1914341439175118980?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Anchrum Jr., a seventh-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Los Angeles Rams, would be a nice addition as a depth piece along the offensive line for the Patriots. After not playing in the regular season during the 2024 campaign, he should be available for a team-friendly contract, but he also has a solid amount of experience to build off of as the 26-year-old has made 31 career appearances at the NFL level.
With Morgan Moses and Garrett Bradbury brought in as free agency additions this offseason, the former Clemson Tigers standout could provide rotational help in the interior. He’d also help restore the championship culture that Mike Vrabel will undoubtedly instill in this group. Anchrum Jr. not only was part of two national championship rosters during his time as a collegiate star, but he was a member of the Rams roster that won Super Bowl LVI as well.
For a player Anchrum Jr.’s age, coupled with the type of experience he has and the contract likely needed to sign him, to come available the week of the draft is something that should pique the interest of New England’s front office.
They say the game is won in the trenches and these are the type of depth pieces you want on your roster to ensure as little of a drop-off as possible whenever your starters do need to leave the field. For a team that needs to make big changes along the offensive line to address what was a glaring issue during the 2024 campaign, this is the type of low-risk, high-reward signing that makes perfect sense for the Patriots to pursue.
Whether it comes in the form of signing Anchrum Jr. or not, expect the offensive line to continue to be a major point of focus for New England’s coaching staff and front office.
