Georgia Rookies Fit, Concerns and Predictions: Offense

Isaiah Wynn

Pick: Round 1, Pick 23

Team: New England Patriots

Fit:

Isaiah Wynn returned for his senior season as the veteran leader of a Georgia offensive line desperate for improvement. With Wynn protecting Jacob Eason and Jake Fromm’s blindsides all season long, the Bulldogs offense thrived.

Wynn played left guard and left tackle for the Bulldogs. He was initially recruited as a guard and his body type projects as a guard at the pro level.

However a New England team that lost its starting left tackle in free agency will give Wynn a look at tackle. His athleticism and ability to pass protect allow the Patriots the option to try him at both positions during training camp.

He spent two seasons protecting freshman quarterbacks, both of whom spent too much time holding the ball early in their careers. With a quarterback like Tom Brady behind him, Wynn won’t have to worry about a hesitant quarterback.

Having spent each of his seasons opening holes for some of the best backs in college football history bolsters his appeal on the interior of the line.

The Patriots found a drafted a player who can help them in multiple positions across the line. He can plug in as a tackle or guard and contribute immediately.

Concerns:

Wynn is short for a tackle, so he won’t get the leverage tackles typically have on the edge. He’ll have to depend on speed and athleticism to block edge rushers. Because of his short height, arm length is also a question mark he faces on the outside.

On the interior Wynn is more athletic than the typical guard. For all the speed and fantastic footwork Wynn possesses, he lacks lower body strength he’ll need against Muhammad Wilkerson and defensive linemen of his ilk.

Power moves could give him problems early on. While Wynn is an asset blocking down field, he’ll need to be able to move down field to show his true value as a run blocker. Unfortunately, he won’t get too far down field as an interior linemen.

Because of Wynn’s unique ability to play both inside and outside, his specific set of concerns depends most on whether the Patriots like him better as a guard or as a tackle.

Prediction:

Because of the lack of options, Wynn will start the season at left tackle for the Patriots. He will give up his share of sacks and busted runs early in the season.

Once he settles into his role, which will be a move to guard either later in the season or early in his second year, Wynn will grow to be one of the most reliable starting guards in the NFL with versatility to fill in at tackle if injuries or lack of talent require.