The offensive line has long been a point of pride for the New England Patriots. But recent years have brought transition, and they will be further put to the test with this offseason’s departure of legendary offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia.
The Pats were able to reinforce their line in the draft this year, and with the return of Sebastian Vollmer, the Pats should once again be able to give Tom Brady top-notch protection.
Here’s our preview of the offensive line.
Heading into the draft, I felt it was critical that the Patriots used multiple picks to solidify the interior of their offensive line. Center Ryan Wendell and right guard Dan Connolly had inconsistent years in 2013, casting doubt on whether either of them are long-term solutions at their respective positions.
Wendell was re-signed for a low money deal, further reinforcing that he’ll have to win his starting spot in 2014. Connolly was thought to be a potential cap casualty, with a cap hit in excess of $4 million this season, but so far he’s remained on the roster.
But he shouldn’t get too comfortable, especially with rookie Jon Halapio in the mix. Bryan Stork is another rookie who should compete directly with Wendell for immediate playing time, though he had his fair share of botched snap penalty laps in OTAs.
Stork (6’4", 313) and Halapio (6’3", 323) have better size than Wendell (6’2", 300) and Connolly (6’4", 305). If they don’t see significant time early in the season, they should figure in to the long-term plans of the team.
Of course, the tone-setter of the line is Logan Mankins, who, despite a reputation of being the premiere mauler in the NFL, still had his fair share of bad plays in 2013. He’s due for an $11 million cap hit in 2015, and if he’s not back on top of his game in 2014, he could be a cap casualty next offseason. A restructure might be in his future regardless.
At tackle, the Pats will return bookends Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer, one of the best starting duos in the NFL. Solder battled some inconsistency in his second full year as the starting left tackle, but his size and athleticism are second to none and he should continue to develop.
Marcus Cannon did an admirable job filling in at right tackle after Vollmer, was lost for the 2013 with a broken leg. He also has some versatility to play guard and that helps his roster chances. While there was a time when many thought Cannon’s best fit was at guard, it’s our view that he can simply fill in there if necessary, but he’s best served as a tackle.
Rookie tackle Cameron Fleming adds depth at the position, though the scouting reports felt he was primarily a right tackle. This could be good insurance for Vollmer, who has battled injuries and will account for a $6 million cap hit in 2015. Cannon also is in the last year of his rookie deal, so the selection of Fleming seems very much focused on protecting the Pats for this coming offseason more than it’s about 2014.
Josh Kline is a guard who showed some promise last season in spot duty. Braxton Cave, Chris Barker, Chris Martin and Jordan Devey round out the training camp roster, and will likely need injuries to make the squad.
Projection: Wendell is only a center, while Connolly’s cap hit is certainly not in his favor. Would the Pats be willing to cut loose two of their veteran interior offensive linemen in a move to save money and go with a youth movement? They’d likely take some lumps early if they do.
Perhaps keeping Connolly around, because he started 2011 at center as well, is the safest play while Stork and Halapio develop.
The Pats are well-stocked at tackle and prepared for the future. An extension for Solder would make sense this season, as he’d likely be a hot commodity if he hits free agency next spring.
If Mankins returns to form and Stork/Halapio are able to solidify the interior problems, the Pats could be on track to restore the level of protection Tom Brady was used to for most of the last decade.
And as Brady enters his late-30’s he’ll certainly need it.
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