The left tackle position for the 2023 New England Patriots was a revolving door throughout the season, with Trent Brown, Vederian Lowe, and Conor McDermott taking turns starting on the offensive line. The team finished with a 4-13 record with various names rotating in at the position. However, a new addition, Chukwuma Okorafor, is now projected to be the starting left tackle for the team in the upcoming season.
Okorafor, who was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, signed a one-year contract with the Patriots before the start of free agency. The deal includes a $4 million cap hit, with a fully guaranteed base salary and signing bonus. Okorafor, who played primarily at right tackle for the Steelers, will have a chance to transition back to the left side, where he played during his college career at Western Michigan.
The 26-year-old Okorafor was a third-round pick in the 2018 draft and spent six seasons with the Steelers, starting 59 games during his time there. He has experience playing at left tackle in college and is known for his athleticism and size. The Patriots’ director of scouting, Eliot Wolf, expressed confidence in Okorafor’s ability to make the transition back to playing on the left side, citing his past success in college and the NFL.
Last season, Okorafor started half of the games he played for the Steelers, allowing nine hurries, no hits, and two sacks in pass protection. With the Patriots, he will be tasked with stabilizing the left tackle position and providing protection for the quarterback. The team is also preparing for the upcoming draft, where tackle is one of the key positions they will be monitoring.
The Patriots currently hold eight selections in the draft, starting at No. 3 overall, with additional picks in the second and third rounds. The team will be looking to add depth and talent to their roster, particularly at the offensive line position. With Okorafor projected to start at left tackle, the Patriots are hoping to solidify the position and improve their performance in the upcoming season.
