The New England Patriots currently have three of the ideal five starting offensive line positions filled in, with a vacancy at left guard and center, as well as an important backup role remaining.

Given Morgan Moses’s age and ongoing knee issues, the team needs a high-quality backup in case he or Will Campbell misses time in 2025. Three players will vie for the swing tackle role, including a seventh-round pick.

The New England Patriots drafted an SEC standout

Missouri Tigers, Marcus Bryant
Oct 12, 2024; Amherst, Massachusetts, USA; Missouri Tigers offensive lineman Marcus Bryant (52) at the line of scrimmage during the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Warren McGuirk Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-Imagn Images

He will compete against Demontrey Jacobs and Vederian Lowe.

New England Patriots’ late-round steal primed for crucial role in 2025

New England Patriots, Marcus Bryant

So far, Marcus Bryant has impressed throughout training camp and the preseason, splitting reps at both left and right tackle. He even earned the starting nod at right tackle in both preseason games, including last week’s game against the Minnesota Vikings, where he did not allow a pressure, a hurry, a quarterback hit, or a sack.

According to Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, Bryant is the Patriots’ third-best tackle and is expected to handle swing tackle duties during his rookie season over Demontrey Jacobs and Vederian Lowe.

“One of the surprises of camp has been the seventh-round rookie tackle out of Missouri. In college, he flew under the radar playing opposite teammate Armand Membou (taken in the first round by the Jets), but the Patriots look like they may have gotten a steal late on Day 3 of the NFL Draft,” Perry said.
“The 6-foot-7, 320-pounder moved smoothly in practices this week, standing out with three wins and just one loss on 1-on-1 periods this week. Right now he looks like the team’s third-best tackle, and the Patriots seem to be preparing him to be the swing tackle in the regular season since they’re getting him reps on the left and right sides.”

Marcus Bryant has impressed Mike Vrabel

New England Patriots, Marcus Bryant
“He earned it,” Vrabel said of Bryant starting vs. Washington, via the team’s website. “Moving him over to the right, I thought he did well, especially in the joint practices. [He] earned that opportunity and continues to improve. He’ll have to play both sides for us. He’s a young player that is taking the coaching.”