Meet the Newest New England Patriot: Jalen McKenzie

The New England Patriots had two open spots on their practice squad after a series of roster moves last week. They filled one of them on Monday. The Patriots signed offensive tackle Jalen McKenzie to their practice squad. McKenzie is the son of 13-year NFL guard Reggie McKenzie, now an executive with the Miami Dolphins. His brother Kahlil McKenzie played in the league with the Bengals and Ravens.

On3.com ranked McKenzie as a consensus three-star recruit out of Clayton Valley High School in Concord, Cal. McKenzie was the No. 50 player from California and the No. 52 offensive tackle prospect nationally in the Class of 2017. He committed to the USC Trojans. He appeared in 42 games, starting 19, playing both left and right tackle for the Trojans. His best season was his final one in 2021. McKenzie allowed nine pressures and no sacks over 273 passing plays.

McKenzie declared for the NFL Draft instead of taking a sixth year of eligibility. However, the 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman was not selected. He signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie free agent.

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NFL Career

Isaiah McKenzie spent the offseason and training camp of 2022 with the Titans. He played well for the first preseason game at right tackle. But Tennessee moved him to left tackle for the next two preseason games and he struggled. Tennessee released McKenzie as part of the final cuts to get down to a 53-man roster. McKenzie signed with the Seattle Seahawks and spent the 2022 season on their practice squad.

McKenzie remained with Seattle through training camp in 2023, playing in all three preseason games. Once again, he had struggles, splitting his time between the right and left side of the line. The Seahawks cut him at the end of August and McKenzie joined the Raiders practice squad, where he would remain for the 2023 regular season.

The 2024 preseason was easily McKenzie’s best in pass protection. Pro Football Focus graded him with a 53.7 in Tennessee and 37.4 in Seattle. He earned a 72.5 with Las Vegas. McKenzie allowed two pressures and no sacks in 59 passing plays. Despite his strong play, he was one of the Raiders’ final cuts at the end of camp.

Isaiah McKenzie joins his fourth NFL franchise, the New England Patriots. He becomes the fourth offensive lineman on the Patriots practice squad, joining Bryan Hudson, Liam Fornadel, and Caleb Jones. New England still has one open practice squad spot remaining.