Finalizing Patriots draft fits, targets and needs

What is this obsession everyone has with the arm length of offensive tackles? Is it really that critical? If so, why? Does anyone know what the arm length was of some of the great tackles of the past? Doubtful. I get the feeling this is the latest scam, like the importance of “gluten-free” foods. – James Loveland

Welp, let’s kick things off with this very specific question from James that is likely related somewhat to Peter Skoronski, the most experience left tackle in the class but one who doesn’t quite check the length boxes as far as measurables. Funny enough, we were in Indianapolis for the Scouting Combine with former Patriots tackle Sebastian Vollmer who was doing some work as part of our burgeoning team of content producers for Germany, and we had some fun side conversations about playing tackle in the NFL. As far as Seabass cared, arm length was never really an issue except in the rare instances when lining up across from an extremely long player like Jason Pierre-Paul, who famously gave the Patriots fits in Super Bowl 46. Does it matter week-to-week, down-to-down? Not really, but anyone along the offensive or defensive lines can help themselves hold off blockers when their arms are 34 inches or longer. As with everything else, it’s something to consider but probably not as important as some may make it out to be.

It is often mentioned that having a cheap QB (on a rookie contract) is a great way to build a contender. I’d like to take this theory even further, kind of a money ball theory. I think QB (of course) LT, #1WR and shut down CB are the most important positions and acquiring these players in FA is expensive and very competitive. I looked at some recent draft choices Mac Jones (2.3M) in the draft is crucial to the success of a team. So it really behooves teams, especially the Patriots to draft wisely, but they should really focus on these money ball type positions. NOTE Our drafting over the past 3-4 years has been horrible.

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