The New England Patriots selected consecutive guards in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
New England grabbed Michael Onwenu with the No. 182 pick and they selected Wake Forest guard Justin Herron with pick No. 195. Herron is 6-foot-5, 290 pounds and is projected to be a guard, despite playing at tackle in college. Herron was a team captain last year and is a cerebral player who earned All-ACC Academic Team.
Because of his monstrous size, Herron had difficulties in college when it came to blocking players in space. He does have quick feet and intriguing athletic ability at his size, making him a solid developmental player. Herron lacks play strength and times and his biggest weakness is the accuracy of his hand placement while blocking.
Here’s what NFL.com had to say about Herron.
Herron is flexible and athletic with the foot quickness to compete in a camp as a zone-blocking guard. However, he’s often in a state of flux and having to fight for survival due to suspect hand usage and body control. He may not have enough play strength to withstand NFL defensive tackles in one-on-one situations, but he does have intriguing athletic traits and may be looked at as a developmental prospect.
The Patriots tagged Joe Thuney and it’s still very possible they trade him, which would leave the team with nearly $15 million in extra cap space. Selecting two guards in the draft makes it seem more possible for them get rid of Thuney. New England did lose Ted Karras in free agency, so it’s also possible they’re just bolstering their depth at the position.
New England has addressed the offensive line, tight end, linebacker and kicker position in the draft — leaving quarterback as the main priority now.
