The New England Patriots held two first-round draft picks in 2018, and the first of them was invested an offensive tackle. Following the departure of long-time starter Nate Solder in free agency, the Patriots opted to pick Georgia’s Isaiah Wynn with the 23rd overall selection. Wynn was not asked to take on a starting role just yet due to the trade acquisition of Trent Brown on the very next day, but the rookie still was expected to see considerable snaps.
Serving as a developmental backup option behind Brown and Marcus Cannon, he was to gain valuable experience on both sides of the line before likely taking over a starting role in 2019.