New England Patriots 2019 roster breakdown: #TBD OT Tyree St. Louis

The New England Patriots, who will return to work when they open their training camp next week, currently have 89 players on their active roster. However, only 53 of them will be able to survive the cutdowns on August 31 and ultimately make the team. Over the course of the summer, we will take a look at the players fighting for those spots to find out who has the best chances of helping the Patriots defend their Super Bowl title.

Today, the series continues with one New England’s undrafted rookie additions.

Name: Tyree St. Louis

Position: Offensive tackle/guard

Jersey number: TBD (offseason #71)

Age: 21

Experience: Rookie

Size: 6’5, 315 lbs.

2018 review: After spending his sophomore and junior campaigns as Miami’s starting right tackle, Tyree St. Louis was moved to the left end of the offensive line for his senior season. There, he appeared in all thirteen of his team’s games and earned recognition as an honorable mention on the All-Atlantic Coast Conference team. St. Louis’ performance, however, did have its fair share of ups and downs.

While his statistics show a relatively reliable presence as a pass blocker — St. Louis surrendered 4 sacks, 6 quarterback hits, and 11 hurries, according to Pro Football Focus’ charting — he was inconsistent when it came to properly applying his technique. The same also held true in run blocking: St. Louis used his frame well to hold his ground against defenders but was at times sloppy and too hectic, leasing to occasional breakdowns.

As a result of all this, he entered the pre-draft cycle as an under-the-radar prospect and was not invited to the scouting combine. St. Louis did appear in the East-West Shrine Game, though, and was able to showcase his versatility: he played six snaps at left guard before leaving the game because of a minor knee injury. Despite the solid showing, however, the offensive lineman did not hear his name called on draft day.

2019 preview: The Patriots brought St. Louis on board with their first wave of undrafted rookie signings. He is far from guaranteed a spot on New England’s roster or practice squad this year, though, despite the team facing questions at left tackle after Trent Brown and LaAdrian Waddle both left via free agency. After all, it will be tough for St. Louis to crack the regular practice and preseason rotation — and not just because of his draft status.

After all, Isaiah Wynn and Yodny Cajuste are both roster locks with Cole Croston an experienced and equally versatile depth option still eligible for the 10-man practice squad. Putting this into account, it appears that St. Louis is at best fighting for a scout team spot this summer. In order to get it, he will primarily need to a) improve his technique and learn how to apply it on a consistent basis as both a pass protector and a run blocker, and b) build on the versatility he showed in college.

Ultimately, St. Louis needs to impress both during training camp sessions and in the preseason to earn a spot on New England’s payroll as a developmental option at either tackle spots and potentially guard as well. As things stand right now, however, the odds seem to be stacked against him — unless he can display his upside and show continuous growth.