Arguably the biggest hole on the New England Patriots' current roster is at the left offensive tackle spot. With Nate Solder leaving via free agency, the team lost Tom Brady's blindside protector of the last seven years and is now in dire need for a new starter at the position. While players currently under contract could help fill the void – LaAdrian Waddle appears to be the frontrunner right now –, the Patriots will likely also look at the draft to add depth.
New England already met some potential targets like UCLA's Kolton Miller and Florida State's Rick Leonard at the combine. With pro day season now underway, the team also heads out to talk to other prospects like North Carolina A&T's Brandon Parker: According to NFL Draft Bible's Christian Shanafelt, Patriots offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia had a meeting with the 22-year old yesterday.
Parker would be an intriguing addition in one of the later rounds: After serving as the Aggies’ starting left tackle for the last four years, the redshirt senior enters the draft as a high-upside developmental option. Offering ideal size at 6'7, 305 lbs and an impressive physical skill set – an intriguing combination similar to Solder's –, Parker has the tools to become a starting player at the next level.
However, he would still need to add some more bulk to his frame and work to improve his strength and technique. Because of that, Parker would likely not come in as a day-one starter – unlike, possibly, a player of Kolton Miller's caliber – but instead benefit from learning behind the scenes before getting elevated to a starting role.
New England would therefore appear to be a good landing spot for Parker: He would be able to enjoy top-notch coaching by Scarnecchia and continue to grow as a player while for example Waddle holds down the fort.