New England Patriots Host Notre Dame Offensive Lineman: Left Tackle Option?

In an effort to fill a notable void at offensive tackle, the New England Patriots are hosting Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher for a pre-Draft visit at Gillette Stadium.

Sep 30, 2023; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish offensive lineman Blake Fisher (54) / Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

While the New England Patriots may be hosting their next franchise quarterback for a top-30 visit at Gillette Stadium on Friday, they are also doing their due diligence to fill a large void along their offensive line. 

In addition to their meeting with UNC’s Drake Maye, the Pats are also welcoming Notre Dame offensive tackle Blake Fisher, as confirmed by a Patriots Country source. 

Since 2021, Fisher has played a key role in both protecting and facilitating some of the most productive offenses in Notre Dame’s storied history. Playing opposite top left tackle prospect Joe Alt, the 6-6, 312-pound right tackle played and started 12 games last season, while helping to comprise a unit which qualified as a semi finalist for the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the best offensive line in college football. 

Mar 3, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame offensive lineman Blake Fisher (OL20) during the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine / Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Friday’s meeting with Fisher will not be New England’s first experience with the talented right tackle. During Notre Dame’s pro day on March 21, Patriots offensive line coach Scott Peters worked with him, studying both his technique and versatility. Though his prowess is most evident on the right, New England may find that Fisher’s intangibles may permit a move to the left side — the offensive line’s biggest void. 

At his best, Fisher is capable of mirroring his opponent while holding up against the bull rush. Due to his size and complementary strength, he can create leverage when driving his blocks. Still, he will need to show more consistency on finishing his blocks to be an everyday starter at the pro level. 

Acknowledging the team’s struggles at quarterback, a large portion of the blame for the Patriots’ anemic output in 2023 can be attributed to the porous nature of their offensive line. Ranking in the lower third of the NFL in nearly every measurable metric, it should come as no surprise that New England may be eager to invest prime draft capital to repair a severely fractured unit. In that vein, he will likely remain a solid Day 2 prospect for the Patriots, or any tackle-needy team on Draft weekend. 

If selected by the Patriots, Fisher would likely have the chance to earn the top spot on the depth chart at left tackle — a position which currently features newly-acquired Chukwuma Okorafor, and veterans Conor McDermott, Vederian Lowe and Andrew Stueber.