New England Patriots: Can Isaiah Wynn realize his potential?
Isaiah Wynn was activated from injured reserve this week, and it is likely there will soon be pressure on the shoulders of the 2018 first-round pick.
Isaiah Wynn was activated from injured reserve by the New England Patriots on Tuesday in a move that is more significant than it seems.
Wynn was selected by the Patriots in the first round of the 2018 draft but has played only 82 snaps so far in his pro career, with the former Georgia Bulldog extremely hindered by injuries.
Turf toe has kept Wynn on the sideline since Week 1, and his replacement Marshall Newhouse has been much maligned since stepping in at left tackle. The Patriots offense has struggled in recent weeks, with Tom Brady throwing for just 216 yards and a touchdown in their Week 11 win over the Philadelphia Eagles behind an offensive line that continues to give up regular pressures.
Newhouse is the weak link in the trenches. According to Pro Football Focus (h/t Nick Shook of NFL.com), Newhouse is allowing a pressure on 7.9 percent of snaps.
How quickly Wynn is fast-tracked back into the lineup in place of Newhouse remains to be seen. When he does return, there will be significant pressure on him to realize the potential that was obvious during his time at Georgia.
Wynn was extremely dependable in college, as his combination of power, composure, awareness, and athletic ability saw him excel at both guard and tackle. An Achilles injury prevented him from displaying those traits as a rookie, but the early signs were good in Week 1 this year.
Per PFF, Wynn gave up just one hit on 45 pass-blocking snaps in the Patriots’ opening win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Serious questions are beginning to be asked about the Patriots offense and, though he has precious little experience as a pro, Wynn may be able to provide some kind of answer.
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New England will have a tough time repeating as Super Bowl champions with the 42-year-old Brady under pressure as much as he has been. Wynn has been activated at a time when Brady is being made to look human consistently, and the Patriots need their young left tackle to waste no time in showing why they spent the 23rd overall pick on him.