Patriots Draft Offensive Lineman Isaiah Wynn With 23rd Overall Pick
BOSTON (CBS) -- With the 23rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots addressed a need on the offensive line.
The Patriots drafted Georgia guard/tackle Isaiah Wynn with the pick acquired from the L.A. Rams in the Brandin Cooks trade. The 6-foot-3, 330-pound Wynn moved from guard to left tackle his senior year at Georgia, starting 15 games at the position for the Bulldogs. He may eventually take over for the departed Nate Solder in New England.
Though he's a little undersized to play tackle in the NFL, Wynn thrived at both guard and tackle in the college ranks. He was named first-team All-SEC during his senior year, and according to Pro Football Focus, gave up just four sacks and 20 quarterback hurries in 1,104 pass-blocking snaps with the Bulldogs. He underwent surgery on his labrum in January, but believes he'll be ready for New England's minicamp in June.
Wynn called himself a "relentless finisher" and said he can handle whatever position the Patriots ask him to play along the offensive line.
"I really like any spot on the line," he told reporters on Thursday night. "Whatever spot I can contribute to the team that's the best spot for me. I'm pretty confident the coach is going to put me in the spot I need to be at."
Left tackle was one of the Patriots' biggest needs entering the draft, and they added a high-upside player to their depth chart with Wynn. He joins LaAdrian Waddle, Matt Tobin, Cole Croston, Antonio Garcia and Ulrick John as those vying to protect Tom Brady's blindside.
The Patriots drafted Wynn's teammate, running back Sony Michel, with the 31st overall pick on Thursday night.
