FOXBOROUGH — At the moment, the Patriots are slated to make the third overall pick in next spring’s NFL Draft.

The most obvious needs facing the roster are tackle and wide receiver, but one player on the current roster may be playing his way into the team’s future plans. On Friday morning, Jerod Mayo said Vederian Lowe has “absolutely” emerged as a candidate to be New England’s long-term solution at left tackle.

“One word to describe him — I’ve used this word in the past — is steady,” Mayo said. “You don’t want to hear his name called (on the broadcast). That’s a good thing.”

Lowe has battled injuries all season — he’s currently listed with ankle and shoulder issues — but when he’s been on the field, New England’s offensive line play has been markedly better. In five games this season, the third-year tackle has yet to allow a sack, and he’s been strong in the run game as well. Asked what he’s been most pleased with in his game this year, Lowe pointed to the consistency he’s shown.

“I feel like I’ve always shown that I can do it, but am I able to do it down in and down out?“ Lowe said. “That has been something I have worked on a ton in the offseason. Doing technique (work), especially when I’m tired. I think that has probably the thing I’ve hung my hat on the most. Being able to be the same player down in and down out, when times get tough, late in games, two-minute drives, when it’s the hardest to do your job, still being that player. Sticking to my craft. Doing what I do best.

“I know early in my career, there (were) certain guys you go up against, you think you’ve gotta change up what you do — but that’s not at all how you do it. You have to stick to what you do best, and when times get tough, stick to your plan.”