8 replies to this topic

[SeoulSoxFan]

This unit is in a transition, with Light retiring, and perhaps Waters to follow. Some still peg the unit as top 5 (even #2: http://www.rotoworld...e-line-rankings), but I have my doubts. Per previous link, here's the current depth chart:

• LT: Nate Solder
• LG: Logan Mankins
• C: Dan Connolly
• RG: Brian Waters
• RT: Sebastian Vollmer
• Top reserves: C Dan Koppen, OG Robert Gallery, T/G Marcus Cannon, G/C Ryan Wendell, C/G Nick McDonald, G/T Donald Thomas
• Plus: Matt Kopa, Markus Zusevic, Kyle Hicks

Although solid in depth, there's a bunch of question marks everywhere.

• Solder: starting LT as a 2nd year - sure, no worries there, ahem
• Mankins: when is he coming back? Week 1? Week 4?
• Connolly: Top backup, but thought he was pushed back too often against bigger NTs
• Waters: Pats have a history of end of the line linemen quitting in the middle of a training camp - that's if he comes back
• Vollmer: a back problem for a big man is never good news
• Koppen: coming back after a lost year
• Gallery: don't care about the "bust" as a LT, but by all accounts had an at-best average year in '11
• Cannon: essentially a rookie, even if the affects of chemo are completely gone
• Wendell: known commodity - hope he stays on the sidelines
• McDonald, Thomas, Hicks, et al - same as above

Now there's Matt Kopa, that apparently is a favorite of Scarnecchia, and this year's trainee-in-waiting in Markus Zusevic, another Kirk Ferentz graduate from Iowa (6-5, 300lbs).

But still, I can't remember going into a season with so many question marks at the OL. Not worried (this isn't the Jets OL after all), but definitely uneasy.

Edited by SeoulSoxFan, 08 May 2012 - 01:23 AM.

[Saints Rest]

I think yours is the "glass is half-empty' view. I can also see it thus:

• Solder -- finally takes his natural (and experienced) position at LT after an outstanding rookie year playing RT and 3rd TE (really a 3rd TE). Exceptional athleticism. Huge upside.
• Mankins -- Top 3 LG in the NFL. COntract issues behind him. Will take over as leader of the group.
• Connolly -- stepped in at C in Game 1 (2?) without seeing the slightest hint of drop-off. If anything, there was improvement (I disagree with you, Seoul, that there was push-back -- I remember that issue being far worse in 2010 with Koppen).
• Waters -- Moved from a career at LG to RG but continued at a Pro-Bowl level (I'm pretty sure he got multiple votes). Clearly the established Respected Veteran .
• Vollmer -- Should be fully recovered from his back injury and ready to resume his role as a top 3 RT in the NFL (as he pretty much was in 2010).
• Koppen/Gallery -- Hugely experienced veteran backups. Both are capable of starting roles.
• Cannon -- a year removed from chemo, time to see his top round talent shine thru.
• Wendell, etc -- experienced deep depth (likely game-day inactives) with plenty of game day experience

[gammoseditor]

There were some very positive reports on Logan Mankins after he showed up at Matt Light's retirement ceremony. He showed up with no brace and no limp.

http://www.cbssports...s/post/18984327

[redsoxstiff]

With another year in Dante's Inferno...we will find true happiness...

[SeoulSoxFan]

http://profootballta...ay-this-season/

Something a lot of us suspected. Waters plan to play this season.

[dbn]

The Patriots have reached a contract agreement with free-agent center/guard Jamey Richard, a source confirms.

Considered long shot for a roster spot.

[Ed Hillel]

Ummmmm, shit?

http://m.espn.go.com...iots&id=4723663

[Shelterdog]

Ummmmm, shit?

Waters has a long history of skipping off-season stuff. I wouldn't read into it. Here's a crappy article stating that he missed a bunch of OTAs when in KC.

http://kansascity.sb...ematic-with-new

Edited by Shelterdog, 12 June 2012 - 02:27 PM.

[Ed Hillel]

Ok, makes me feel better. The ESPN headline is a lot scarier.