Patriots Legend Urges Team to Prioritize Offensive Line to Protect QB Drake Maye

Rob Gronkowski says New England must bolster its young O-line to keep its star QB comfortable in the pocket.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:37am

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New England Patriots legend Rob Gronkowski has called on his former team to focus on improving its offensive line in the upcoming NFL Draft, emphasizing the need to protect young quarterback Drake Maye. Gronkowski believes that shoring up the offensive line, which struggled at times during the Patriots' playoff run last season, will be crucial for Maye's continued development and the team's Super Bowl aspirations.

Why it matters

The Patriots' offensive line was exposed as a weakness in the playoffs, allowing 21 total sacks over four games against top defenses. With Maye entering his second season as the team's starting QB, Gronkowski argues that investing in the offensive line is essential to keeping the young signal-caller protected and comfortable in the pocket.

The details

The Patriots' offensive line was anchored by 2025 first-round pick Will Campbell at left tackle and third-round selection Jared Wilson at left guard. However, both players missed time due to injuries, and the unit struggled as a whole, particularly in the Super Bowl loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Veteran right tackle Morgan Moses is also 35 years old, necessitating a youth movement on the offensive line.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is just a couple of weeks away.
  • The Patriots' offensive line issues were exposed during their playoff run, allowing 21 sacks over four games.

The players

Rob Gronkowski

A former New England Patriots tight end and legend who is now weighing in on the team's draft needs.

Drake Maye

The Patriots' young starting quarterback who Gronkowski believes needs better protection from the offensive line.

Will Campbell

The Patriots' 2025 first-round pick at left tackle who missed time due to injury.

Jared Wilson

The Patriots' 2025 third-round pick at left guard who also missed time due to injury.

Morgan Moses

The Patriots' 35-year-old veteran right tackle who the team may need to replace.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely go out and get another offensive lineman or two just to protect Drake Maye, because that's where it all starts. If you got a dominant offensive line that can run block and also pass block, then you know you're going to move that ball down the field and you're going to have Drake Maye, your star quarterback, comfortable in the pocket at all times. That's what you want as a football team, absolutely.”

— Rob Gronkowski, Former Patriots Tight End

What’s next

The Patriots will have the opportunity to address their offensive line needs in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, which is just a couple of weeks away.

The takeaway

Gronkowski's comments highlight the importance of investing in the offensive line to protect a young, talented quarterback like Drake Maye. The Patriots' struggles up front were exposed in the playoffs, and shoring up that unit will be crucial if the team wants to return to the Super Bowl.