How NFL experts graded the Patriots’ selection of OT Caedan Wallace

The New England Patriots waited until the third round in the NFL draft to address the offensive tackle position, and the player they ultimately decided to go with was Penn State’s Caedan Wallace.

It’s an interesting pick that’s currently being met with mass criticism.

Wallace played right tackle at Penn State, and the thinking was that the Patriots would be looking for a legitimate left tackle to fill the void after losing Trent Brown. One of the biggest frustrations with former coach Bill Belichick was his tendency to plug players into places that weren’t their natural positions.

So it’s understandable why there are some serious concerns with the Wallace pick. With that said, Wallace is a four-year starter with the athleticism to play every spot on the offensive line. He was one of the most experienced offensive linemen on the entire draft board, and he’s clearly one of the most versatile. Perhaps his biggest problem is that he was overshadowed by Olu Fashanu at Penn State.

Make no mistake, Wallace played incredibly well in the role given to him, and that’s really all he could do as a player. Here’s how NFL experts are grading the Patriots’ third-round pick:

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Penn State offensive lineman Caedan Wallace (OL70) during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

From Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz:

Eliot Wolf’s mission to reconfigure New England’s offense continues, as he turns his attention to the Patriots’ front. Wallace can handle some kind of role along the line, but serving as Drake Maye’s blindside protector seems like a stretch.

Penn State offensive lineman Caedan Wallace (73) prepares for a play during a White Out football game against Iowa Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, in State College, Pa. The Nittany Lions shut out the Hawkeyes, 31-0.

From Nick Baumgardner:

The right tackle opposite Olu Fashanu at Penn State, Wallace is a huge man (10 3/4-inch hands and 34-inch arms). He also plays with great explosion and good speed into the second level as a road-grading blocker. Wallace is 24 years old, and there are some technique inconsistencies that might just be part of life, but he’s a powerful run blocker who moves people at the point of attack.

Oct 21, 2023; Columbus, Ohio, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes defensive end JT Tuimoloau (44) gets up against Penn State Nittany…