Bryant emerges as frontrunner for Patriots reserve tackle role
New England’s front office faces a complex calculation as Marcus Bryant’s clean play challenges recent draft selections for the final offensive line spots.
New England Patriots offensive tackle Marcus Bryant has positioned himself as the favourite for a reserve left tackle spot following a decisive performance in the team’s 13-13 preseason tie against the Indianapolis Colts. The 6-foot-7, 320-pound player started on the left side and delivered what analysts described as one of the most effective outings by any Patriots offensive player during the contest.
Pro Football Focus awarded Bryant a 79.6 overall grade, the highest among New England’s offensive players who recorded at least 10 snaps. He also secured a team-leading 85.6 pass-blocking grade and a 73.0 mark in run blocking. During his 23 pass-blocking snaps, Bryant allowed no sacks, contributing to a game in which the Patriots’ quarterbacks, Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton, combined for 35 pass attempts.
Patriots.com analyst Evan Lazar highlighted Bryant’s clean execution across his pass-blocking duties, specifically noting a backside reach block on a 6-yard cutback run. This type of disciplined play aligns with the primary expectation for backup offensive linemen: to avoid drive-destroying mistakes and maintain quarterback protection rather than attempting to dominate every snap.
The result strengthens Bryant’s case amidst a crowded depth chart shaped by significant draft investments. Will Campbell holds the starting left tackle position after being selected fourth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, while veteran Morgan Moses is set to start on the right side. Caleb Lomu, taken 28th overall in the 2026 draft, is viewed as Moses’ eventual successor and a potential swing tackle.
Bryant is now competing for a fourth tackle spot against Lomu and sixth-round pick Dametrious Crownover. Crownover, also 6-foot-7 and weighing approximately 319 pounds, shares similar developmental traits with Bryant. While a single preseason game does not guarantee a place on the 53-man roster, Bryant’s performance has fundamentally altered the perception of the competition for New England’s coaching staff.
