Patriots hosting free agent guard Shelley Smith on a visit


We all knew going into free agency that the Patriots would make some changes on the interior of their offensive line. According to CSNNE's Tom E. Curran, they're getting that process started today.


Smith has undeniable upside as a run blocker. The 26 year old has only made 8 starts in his two year career, all with St. Louis. In that short time, he's earned a league-wide reputation as a tremendous run blocker, with a +12.3 run blocking grade on ProFootballFocus this year. He's also excellent at pulling, which would seemingly make him a nice fit in the Patriots scheme.

However, Smith hasn't established himself as a starter because of his struggles in pass blocking. His cumulative career pass blocking grade is a -10.1 on Profootballfocus, a number that needs to go way up for Smith to reach his potential.

Prior to meeting the Patriots, Smith will be in East Rutherford to meet with the Giants, who are looking to build a new offensive line.

If the Patriots do add Smith, it could actually save Dan Connolly's job. Ryan Wendell is good as gone, leaving a void at center that Connolly could conceivably fill. Remember, Connolly initially established himself at center before moving to guard in 2012. Connolly's cap number is still too high, but could easily be reduced by spreading that money out over a two year extension.

While I understand the Patriots being interested in Smith's potential as a "value" signing, I wouldn't spend much to get him. With pressure up the middle clearly Tom Brady's kryptonite, I just can't justify spending money on a guard who struggles in pass protection. Furthermore, the Patriots could easily fill the void at guard in-house by converting Marcus Canon there, saving money to spend on other needs.


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