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Patriots select Georgia OL Isaiah Wynn with 23rd overall pick

Wynn could play tackle or guard in the NFL, and could be in the mix at the team's left tackle position.
Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2017; Jacksonville, FL, USA;Georgia Bulldogs offensive tackle Isaiah Wynn (77) blocks against the Florida Gators during the first half at EverBank Field.

(Patriots Wire) — The New England Patriots have selected Georgia Bulldogs offensive lineman Isaiah Wynn with the 23rd overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Wynn could play tackle or guard in the NFL, and could be in the mix at the team’s left tackle position, which will be up for grabs after Nate Solder departed in free agency. Wynn played left tackle at times for Georgia.

Wynn will join a group of tackles which includes Marcus Cannon, LaAdrian Waddle, Antonio Garcia and Cole Croston, among others. If Wynn can’t find a starting role at tackle in 2018 or beyond, he could kick inside and compete with guard Joe Thuney. Shaq Mason is also in a contract year. If Wynn can’t win a job in 2018, he could also end up taking over for Mason in 2019. The guard position is where he got positive attention during the Senior Bowl.

“I thought Wynn, the Georgia tackle who played guard this week, was the most intriguing guy here,” Mayock wrote. “He had a dominant week of practice. He’s helped himself a great deal.”

From an efficiency standpoint, Wynn was excellent in college at tackle and guard. Since 2014, Wynn allowed four sacks, two hits and 20 quarterback hurries in 1,104 pass-blocking snaps at both guard and tackle, according to scouting service Pro Football Focus.

There’s one interesting dynamic with the selection of Wynn. The Tennessee Titans jumped past the Patriots in a trade for the No. 22 pick, where they selected Alabama linebacker Rashaan Evans. The Patriots have a need at linebacker, and typically adore Nick Saban’s players. Did the Titans, whose general manager Jon Robinson once worked for Bill Belichick, steal the player the Patriots wanted?

Regardless, New England landed a versatile offensive lineman, who could fill their biggest need: left tackle.

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