Patriots Lineman Un-Retires, And Joins Active Roster

The New England Patriots added more power to the active roster. It looks like the retirement of the Patriots’ seven-round draft pick Dustin Woodard was brought to an end. It didn’t even last a full calendar year. Field Yates from ESPN reported that the 6’2″ 291-pound center was reinstated to the Patriots active roster.

Patriots 2020 7th round pick Dustin Woodward – a Center out of Memphis that retired shortly after being drafted – has been reinstated to the active roster.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) April 7, 2021

Woodard retired from the NFL in August 2020. Many related Woodard’s retirement to the pandemic and all the uncertainty it brings. However, this wasn’t the case. Mike Reiss from ESPN reported that Woodard’s decision was in no way linked to the pandemic. It’s all about him. The lineman lost his desire to play football.

As @TomPelissero and @globejimmcbride reported, Patriots seventh-round pick Dustin Woodard (Memphis) has decided to retire. This wasn’t related to COVID-19, according to those familiar with his thinking; simply more a result of losing the desire to keep playing football.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 13, 2020

Patriots add strong player to the active roster

Things like this happen. Luckily, Woodard changed his mind and now he is adding more depth to the Patriots’ offense. This part of the team gets deeper every day. Adding Woodard to the offensive line would give the team great chance to win. The Patriots are literally adding a player without drafting or recruiting him in free agency.

Evan Lazar of CLNS really liked Woodard. Lazar said the lineman fits the mold of players Bill Belichick likes at the center position. The 23-year-old was a great choice for the Patriots. He is pretty similar to David Andrews.

Some Dustin Woodard tape from last year’s draft. #Patriots https://t.co/GF7KV2uqWh

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 7, 2021

Dustin Woodard can play. Similar athletic profile as David Andrews coming out. Undersized, athletic center prospect. This is good news for the #Patriots. https://t.co/hG3vgcJR15

— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 7, 2021

Zack Cox of NESN reported that Woodard had great versatility with 14 or more starts at three different offensive line positions while in college.

This news may be sensational to some of you. Woodard is a seventh-round pick after all. But we all know that great O-linemen are found late in the NFL draft. The Patriots found Mike Onwenu and Justin Herron in the sixth round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Here's my deep dive from last year on center Dustin Woodard, who showed a ton of versatility at Memphis. He's unretiring and rejoining the Patriots roster, per @FieldYates. https://t.co/arZw6xz2Yw

— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) April 7, 2021

Onwenu was one of the most successful offensive linemen in football in 2020 as confirmed by Pro Football Focus. Herron saw tons of snaps in relief at tackle. Woodard won’t hit camp as the starter. Having enough depth at every position is always a great idea. Belichick made strong moves this offseason. He played smart this year, similar to every other season.