New England Patriots vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden stated at his press conference on Saturday that the team isn’t opposed to having a crowded offensive tackle room, according to the Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi, after New England added two offensive tackles to their roster in the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Patriots traded up from the No. 31 overall pick to select Utah left tackle Caleb Lomu with the No. 28 overall pick in the first round of the draft. New England also selected Texas A&M offensive tackle Dametrious Crownover with the No. 196 overall pick in the sixth round of the draft.
The Patriots were coordinated in their approach toward adding depth to their offensive line by drafting a pair of swing tackles capable of playing on both sides of the ball.
They now have players who can not only be coached up to replace starting right tackle Morgan Moses after his imminent retirement, but also spell for starting left tackle Will Campbell beginning in 2026.
“If there’s one room that I’ll take as crowded, I’ll take that room,” said Cowden.
The Patriots drafted more offensive tackles than any other position in this year’s draft, save edge rushers, which they also drafted two of with their selection of Gabe Jacas (Illinois) at No. 55 overall in the second round, and Quintavious Hutchins (Boston College) at No. 247 overall in the seventh round.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots executive reacts to team drafting multiple offensive tackles