The New England Patriots have multiple holes that they need to fill on both sides of the ball. However, the left tackle position has been one of the most glaring holes on the roster throughout the season.
That paves the way for Bills three-time Pro Bowl tackle Dion Dawkins as my pick for this week’s “Gimme Him.”
Dawkins has played in 128 games over his eight-year career and started in 122 of them. That experience combined with his availability would be huge for the Patriots. He has played in nearly every game since he was drafted, and he has played in at least 95 percent of offensive snaps in six of the last eight seasons.
The left tackle position has been a revolving door of players this season for the Patriots with the team settling in on Vederian Lowe as its best option. However, Lowe has struggled throughout the year with pass protection and penalties.
Lowe has an overall Pro Football Focus grade of 54.9. His pass-blocking grade sits at a 66.9, while his run-blocking grade is at a lowly 46.3 mark, which ranks 128th out of 137 tackles.
He has played in 782 offensive snaps and allowed five sacks on the year. That is enough for 108th out of 137 total tackles. On top of this, he has allowed 31 pressures on the year.
Meanwhile, Dawkins has a 72.9 overall grade. That includes an 81.2 pass-blocking grade and a 68.7 run-blocking grade. He has only allowed three sacks out of 959 total snaps and 22 total pressures on the season.
A stable left tackle would go a long way in fixing the Patriots’ offensive line. New England would be wise to protect their young quarterback as well as build around him. Dawkins helps check both of those boxes.
