Patriots draft profile: Tyler Guyton has the makings of a high-end starting offensive tackle

New England hosted Guyton on a 30 visit.

The New England Patriots’ hunt to upgrade their offensive tackle position continues as the top of the left tackle depth chart currently consists of Chukwuma Okorafor, Calvin Anderson and Conor McDermott.

New England investing in the position during this year’s draft therefore makes plenty of sense and they have been intrigued by the high-end potential in Tyler Guyton, as they held him on a pre-draft visit. Barring a small slip down boards, the Patriots would likely have to get creative to draft Guyton as a projected mid-to-late first-round pick. But if they do, let’s take a closer look to see what he would bring to the table.

Hard facts

Name: Tyler Guyton

Position: Offensive tackle

School: University of Oklahoma (via transfer of TCU)

Opening day age: 23 (6/11/2001)

Measurements: 6’7 3/4”, 322 pounds, 10 1/4” hand size, 34. 1/8” arm length, 84 1/4” wingspan, 9.71 Relative Athletic Score

Experience

Career statistics: 29 games (15 starts) | 1,095 offensive snaps, 135 special teams snaps | 17 quarterback pressure (12 hurries, 3 hits, 2 sacks), 7 penalties

Accolades: Honorable mention All-Big 12 (2023)

Guyton’s football journey got off to a slow start as he grew up a basketball star in Texas. After joining his high school football team, Guyton played mostly on the defensive line and eventually committed to TCU as an “athlete.”

Arriving at TCU, Guyton redshirted in 2020 as he moved to the offensive line. He made eight appearances the following year along the offensive line and as a H-back/tight end — including his first career start against Oklahoma. He then finished the year catching a six-yard touchdown pass.

Following the 2021 season, Guyton entered the transfer portal and eventually signed with Oklahoma. He became a starter at offensive tackle after the move where he mainly protected Dillion Gabriel’s blindside at right tackle after opening the year on the left side. An injury cost him three games, however.

As a redshirt junior, Guyton started nine games at right tackle for the Sooners where he did not allow a sack in 355 pass blocking snaps. He missed two additional games to injury but earned honorable mention All-Big 12 acclaim. After sitting out of Oklahoma’s bowl game, Guyton declared for the NFL Draft and accepted his invitation to the Senior Bowl.

Draft profile

Expected round: 1-2 | Consensus big board: No. 20 | Patriots meeting: 30 visit

Strengths: As a former basketball star, Guyton’s athleticism is his carrying trait at the tackle position. He is explosive out of his stance in pass protection where he should have no issues handling the corner against NFL edge rushers. Guyton’s athleticism also allows him to easily work up to the second level and take on more athletic linebackers.

Beyond his athletic traits, Guyton also possess elite physical tools at the tackle position. He has a long frame at 6’7” with 34-plus inch arms and the power to anchor against a bull rush. He surrendered just two total sacks in 546 pass blocking snaps over his Oklahoma career.

Weaknesses: While Guyton has all the traits, his technique is still a bit raw. That should not be a major surprise for someone who started just 14 games at tackle over his college career after barely playing the position growing up. Guyton must improve his hand work and play with more consistent leverage moving forward.

Most of Guyton’s playing experience has also come at right tackle as he struggled at times playing the left side at the Senior Bowl. With his physical tools, however, he may just need more opportunities to become more comfortable. Guyton also missed five games over the last two years with injuries.

Patriots preview

What would be his role? Entering the league with just 14 starts at tackle, Guyton may need to be eased into things to begin his career. With that being said, his athleticism and physical tools could open the door for him earning a starting job right out of the gate as well.

What is his growth potential? While things might get off to a slower start for Guyton with his lack of experience, he has all the tools to become a high-end starting tackle. Based off the flashes of dominance for a player relatively new to the position, the arrow remains pointing up.

Does he have positional versatility? Guyton is most comfortable at the right tackle position as roughly 92 percent of his collegiate snaps came on that side. But Guyton did see one start and 52 total snaps over on the left side of the line at Oklahoma, while also playing some left tackle during the Senior Bowl. He has the talent to play either position, but may just need more experience on the left side.

Why the Patriots? Offensive tackle remains one of New England’s biggest needs and Guyton may be the top available option if they spend their first pick elsewhere. If he starts to slide due to his overall lack of experience, getting someone with his athleticism and physical traits would be a wise addition to the room.

Why not the Patriots? To start, Guyton may hear his name called in the middle of the first round due to his high-end potential. If that’s the case, New England would be out of range barring a trade up from No. 34 or back from No. 3. Additionally, if the team views Guyton as strictly a right tackle they may opt for someone more comfortable on the left side as Michael Onwenu projects to remain as the starting right tackle after receiving his new contract.

One-sentence verdict: An inexperienced tackle, Guyton has the talent to become a high-end starting tackle at the next level.

What do you think about Tyler Guyton as a potential Patriots target? Will he be in a position to get picked by New England? Will he even be a candidate to move to the left side? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.