Mehki Butler boasts a rare combination of size and length, with arms ranking in the 94th percentile among interior offensive linemen entering the league since 1999. This dude is a second-year guard for the New England Patriots, and even after they made some serious investments on their O-line last year and again this offseason, he's still in the mix, ready to throw down in what's shaping up to be a wild summer competition.
This Guy's Got That Rare Reach
Let's be real, his physical tools are off the charts. At 6’3” and 310 lbs, his 34 5/8” arm length and 82 1/8” wingspan are what we’re talking about when we say "rare." That wingspan is in the 92nd percentile, too! He’s not just big, he knows how to use it. Butler’s got good hand placement, a knack for timing his punches, and he keeps those hands active. He mirrors pass rushers super well and uses that reach to shut them down, winning reps right at initial contact. In the run game? He’s solid climbing to the next level, quick to disengage from double teams, and gets upfield with purpose. It’s hard not to get hyped about a guy who's built like that.From Undrafted Grinder to Pro Contender
Butler’s journey to the NFL wasn't some red-carpet affair. He was a state champion at Omaha North High, then started his college ball at Iowa Western Community College, playing 12 games and even snagging NJCAA first-team All-American honors in 2020. After that, he transferred to Arkansas State, where he didn't see action in 2021 but then became a fixture, starting all 38 games at left guard from 2022 to 2024 and racking up 2,554 offensive snaps. Despite all that experience and his success blocking for both the run and pass, he went completely undrafted in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Patriots picked him up as a rookie free agent, but he hasn't hit the field outside of preseason yet. This offseason, the Patriots totally reshaped their interior line, bringing in new starters like Alijah Vera-Tucker at left guard and Jared Wilson at center, with Mike Onwenu returning at right guard. That means Butler’s battling for a backup spot, but given his unique attributes, it's a battle worth watching. So, what's next? This summer is huge for Mehki Butler. He’s got to prove that his effort and physical gifts can overcome what some see as less than ideal athleticism. If he can polish up his game, those rare physical traits could make him a vital part of the Patriots’ O-line depth. This healthy competition is going to be fierce, and every rep matters for a guy like Butler trying to make his mark.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.