Overlooked Patriots rookie could quietly become a preseason player to watch

The New England Patriots made a conscious effort this offseason to rework their offensive line after the unit allowed 21 sacks across four playoff games last season. Alijah Vera-Tucker was the marquee free agent signing, while Jared Wilson will move back to his preferred center position, which he played in college. Caleb Lomu was also selected in the first round following the Patriots' trading up.

Beyond their starters, the Patriots signed Ben Brown to a two-year extension last season, but saw Vederian Lowe sign with the 49ers in free agency. Thayer Munford, who operated as an extra tight end in jumbo packages, was not re-signed.

Lomu is expected to fill the role of Lowe as a swing tackle, and given his athleticism, he also could be used in Munford's role. While the first-round pick is a hyped prospect for good reason, there's a second draft pick the Patriots made back in April that could be a steal.

Dametrious Crownover could be a preseason star for the Patriots

The Patriots' depth along the offensive line was solid last season, and this year, they'll look to continue that trend. Brown remains the top interior backup, while Lomu will replace Lowe as the swing tackle. Marcus Bryant and Caedan Wallace each played minimal roles last season, mostly on special teams.

The pair combined for 26 offensive snaps all season.

In the sixth round, the Patriots added competition for Bryant and Wallace: Texas A&M's Dametrious Crownover. The 6-foot-7 former Aggie will be 25 the weekend after the Patriots' first game, making him an older prospect. Nonetheless, his 86-inch wingspan makes him a top candidate to make the roster based on measurables alone.

Last season was a penalty-ridden one for Crownover. He was flagged 11 times in 13 games, four of which came during Week 3 against Notre Dame. He had six penalties from 2022-2024 and allowed only three sacks during his entire college career.

If Doug Marrone can get Crownover's penalties in check, there's an intriguing athlete to work with.

Crownover will compete with the aforementioned Bryant and Wallace, as well as veteran James Hudson, to make the roster. Sebastian Gutierrez and the International Pathway Program's Lorenz Metz will also try to work their way onto the roster.

It won't be an easy battle for Crownover, but if he can develop into a player who can utilize his incredible measurables, he could become a preseason star and key member of the offensive line for years to come.

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This article was originally published on musketfire.com as Overlooked Patriots rookie could quietly become a preseason player to watch.