#PostPulpit Mailbag: How will New England’s starting offensive line look?

The New England Patriots have broke for the summer as OTA’s and mandatory minicamp concluded last week. But with training camp just over a month away, there is still plenty to discuss down at One Patriot Place.

So before we parade around the city to celebrate the Boston Celtics raising Banner 18, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.

Does it make sense to move Onwenu back inside? - Matt1102

The biggest twist to conclude the offseason program came when Mike Onwenu bumped back inside to guard during the final two minicamp practices. For the Patriots, it’s all about finding their best five up front.

“The best players will play,” Jerod Mayo said during minicamp. “That’s how I think about it, it’s all competition and we’re going to try to put the best five out there.”

While Onwenu signed and trained to play tackle this offseason, his best natural position is still guard. That would also allow rookie tackle Caedan Wallace to remain on the right side where he primarily played at Penn State. The two moves lead to the five most talented players seeing the field and less moving parts up front which could lead to increased continuity and production.

On the flip side, the one thing New England’s coaching staff might take into account, however, is the new offensive scheme that is built around the wide-zone run game. This scheme typically features more athletic lineman and not maulers like Onwenu, which could make them view him a better fit at tackle. However, Cleveland also used their fair share of a down-hill run game last season as well.

“You don't have to be the fastest guy you just have to be fast enough,” offensive line coach Scott Peters explained. “And we’re certainly not limited to the wide-zone. We’ll have different schemes featured here all complimentary to each other.”

Watching how New England configures their top-five will be perhaps the main storyline of training camp beyond quarterback Drake Maye.

At this point who is the most likely player (frontrunner) to man the LT spot? Or is it to early to predict and it will become evident once the pads go on? - luckyfukikentucky

Free agent addition Chuks Okorafor is the current frontrunner. Eliot Wolf shared before the draft that he would be the starter if they had a game that day and Okorafor has repped as the top left tackle when on the field during the spring. And as we touched on above, his main competition, Caedan Wallace, is back to mostly playing the right side.

Now, whether or not he can make the transition to a capable left tackle (two career NFL snaps at the position) will be seen more during training camp.

The Patriots were willing to pay Mike Onwenu in the $20 million range to be the starting right tackle.

If Big Mike is moved inside to his natural position, Okorafor plays a decent left tackle, and Caedan Wallace ends up being a solid right tackle, should we be disappointed in the drafting of Wallace in the 3rd round? - coolbeanz

If this is how the line shakes out with everybody back at their natural position, there shouldn't be much disappointment — especially in the Wallace selection. Getting a starting tackle (even a right) in the third-round is good value.

Perhaps you can explain this statement from Mike Reiss...(condensed) “Maye has been aligning with his left foot up in the shotgun, a technique that AVP teaches because he believes it gives the offense the best chance to play in rhythm.”?

How does one foot in front of the other constitute a “technique” and how would it affect the rhythm of an entire offense? - PatsHowYouDoIt

The left foot up technique is one of the biggest changes Maye is undergoing under Van Pelt, as he typically aligned with his right foot up in the shotgun at North Carolina. From Van Pelt’s point of view, as you said, it helps QB’s play more in rhythm and more fluid.

It’s main purpose is to help time up the quarterback’s drops with the passing concept — especially in the quick game (an area Maye struggled at times at UNC) with the common three-step drop. The alignment also will help right handed quarterbacks access the left part of the field as they can just slide their left foot back, plant their right and throw — in addition to their shoulders staying more open in that direction.

As Van Pelt has said in the past, it truly is “quarterback junky talk”, but there is a meaning behind his method.

Aiyuk drama doesn’t seem to be going away. That could present an opportunity for a team to swoop in and trade for Aiyuk for less than his actual value. What realistically could you see the Niners asking price being for Aiyuk, and what could the Pats offer in a trade scenario based on your assumption of asking price? - CPelkey0203

I’m pretty much in the camp of see what you have in Javon Baker and Ja’Lynn Polk at the receiver position for this year. But, Aiyuk remains the one target I would seriously consider adding at this point of the year due to his talent and age (26).

As for the price, San Francisco was reportedly looking for a first-round pick around the draft. I have no interest in dealing New England’s 2025 first, which could end up being another top-10 selection. If they were to listen for a second- and fourth-round pick? I’d have a tough time not pulling the trigger.

Either way, I still have a hard time seeing the 49ers deal him as their championship window remains open this season.

Should the Patriots bring in another RB to bolster the running game to take pressure off the QBs/WRs? - MDCinLA

I’m in the camp of adding a third NFL-caliber back behind Stevenson and Gibson, but it may come mid-way through camp after a better look at Kevin Harris and UDFA’s Terrell Jennings and Deshaun Fenwick once the pads come on.

Kareem Hunt is an obvious fit with his Cleveland connections, but I'm assuming the off-the-field issues would lead New England elsewhere. Matt Breida stands out as a potential scheme fit while Jerick McKinnon has always been a good ball player. Marlon Mack, Josh Kelley, Latavius Murray and Cam Akers are all available.

One other note from the spring on running backs, Ja’Mychl Hasty was impressive as a pass catcher who can also bring special teams value.

Do you ever stealthily explore the comments section and shake your head at us? - GAPatriot

Maybe (yes). But the entertainment and takes are always appreciated.

That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.