The offensive tackle position remains one of the biggest needs for the New England Patriots, with the top of the depth chart consisting of Chukwuma Okorafor, Calvin Anderson and Conor McDermott on the left side.

New England investing in the position during this year’s draft therefore makes plenty of sense. But with plenty of other needs elsewhere — specifically at quarterback and wide receiver — they could wait to take a late-round flier (or double-dip at the position) on a prospect with intriguing traits. One name that fits the description that the Patriots have shown plenty of pre-draft interest in: Travis Glover.

Let’s therefore take a closer look at Glover to find out what he would bring to the table.

Hard facts

Name: Travis Glover

Position: Offensive tackle

School: Georgia State

Opening day age: 24 (8/17/2000)

Measurements: 6’6”, 317 pounds, 9 3/4” hand size, 34 3/4” arm length, 84 3/8” wingspan, N/A Relative Athletic Score

Experience

Career statistics: 59 games (57 starts) | 4,164 offensive snaps, 372 special teams snaps | 85 quarterback pressure (57 hurries, 17 hits, 11 sacks), 15 penalties

Accolades: First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference (2023), FWAA-Shaun Alexander Freshman All-America (2019)

Glover’s football journey seriously began his junior season of high school where he quickly drew attention as an offensive and defensive lineman. As a three star recruit, Glover received several Power-5 offers from SEC and Pac-12 schools but stayed close to home with a commitment to Georgia State.

After redshirting in 2018, Glover earned the starting job at right tackle and was named a Freshman All-American. Glover then moved to the left side the following year — a position he held through the 2021 season as he started all 23 of Georgia’s State’s games in that span. The start of the 2022 season saw Glover move inside to left guard for four games before eventually kicking back out to right tackle. A minor injury then costed Glover a Week 10 contest which snapped his streak of 45 consecutive games played.

Returning for his sixth season, Glover was back on the blindside where he earned First-Team All-Sun Belt Conference honors. He then attended the 2024 Hula Bowl and was then a late add to the Senior Bowl roster.

Draft profile

Expected round: 6-7 | Consensus big board: No. 251 | Patriots meeting: Hula Bowl, Pro Day/Private Workout, 30 Visit

Strengths: Glover’s game is built around his 6’6”, 317 pound frame which makes it extremely difficult for defenders to get around. Even when beat, his length, which features 34.75” arms, often helps him buy extra time in protection.

His size truly shows up in the run game as he plays with a mean demeanor to often bury those in his path. His length and grip strength again flash in this department to help open up rushing lanes.

And while he’s not the most explosive athlete with his size, Glover did show the ability to get out in space or to the second level to clear out defenders. His footwork already saw some major improvements in his short amount of time at the Senior Bowl with NFL coaches.

Weaknesses: As mentioned, Glover is not a top tier athlete at the tackle position and may struggle with NFL speed along the edge. His footwork needs improvement in this area to help improve his lateral agility while he could clean up his hand usage as well. More work with NFL coaches will hopefully lead to strides in his overall raw technique.

Time will also tell how Glover is able to hold up against a higher level of competition after playing his collegiate career in the Sun Belt Conference. What was a positive, however, was his work in the Senior Bowl after being a mid-week addition to the roster.

Patriots preview

What would be his role? Despite playing over 4,000 collegiate snaps, Glover is likely not ready to play immediately at the next level. But, with his experience at both tackle and guard he should be a quality depth piece early in his career.

What is his growth potential? Glover has improved each year throughout college from giving up 37 pressures his redshirt freshman season alone to just 24 total pressures the past two seasons. He capped off his collegiate career with impressive performances in the Hula Bowl and then against higher competition in the Senior Bowl. With a continued upwards trajectory Glover could become a top swing tackle with his versatility who can start when needed too.

Does he have positional versatility? As mentioned above, Glover spent his college career alternating between both tackle spots while also starting four games at guard. His versatility should continue to be a factor at the next level.

Why the Patriots? New England has showed a *ton* of interest in Glover in the pre-draft process as offensive tackle remains one of their biggest needs. While he’s a projected Day 3 pick, it’s worth taking a chance on as many options as possible — especially someone with Glover’s size and versatility.

Why not the Patriots? It’s tough to find an argument against taking any project player on Day 3 at a position of need. However, New England might prefer a better athlete at the tackle position in their projected zone run scheme.

One-sentence verdict: For a team that needs offensive tackles, Glover has the traits that make him an intriguing late-round investment.

What do you think about Travis Glover as a potential Patriots target? Is he worth a flier in the late rounds? Please head down to the comment section to share your thoughts.