PATRIOTS-80

Obviously, Koppen, Mankins, Neal and rookie Dan Stevenson are roster locks, but which one or which two in the title thread do you think will get the last roster spot for the G/C position.

holyredeemer

You know what's extremely funny and sad at the same time? I had this dilemma while trying to update my roster on madden 06. After about 10 minutes of struggle I decide to let Yates go, due to his limited upside. Also, we have a younger and more valuable mauler in O'callaghan to play guard. Atleast, that was my take on the whole thing.
I also had to let Klecko go, in order to make room on the roster for Le Kevin Smith. It was sad. I'm going to go cry now.

pats1

Whoa! How is Stevenson a lock?!?!

I see the line situation shaking out like this (The Pats have no need to carry more than 9.)

Mankins
Koppen
Neal
Hochstein (main interior backup)
Mruczkowski (saw plenty of time at LG when Ashworth went to FB and Mankins to LT. Is also a capable backup C)

Light
Kaczur
Gorin
O'Callaghan

RayClay

Patriots80, I enjoy these threads but you need to really think about what you mean when you say lock.

I'd say Stevenson is a longshot.

A lock is somebody that's a definite starter or high first round pick.

Even if you meant to say O'Callaghan, you should say has a good chance in my opinion.

Saying low round draft picks are locks diminishes the credibility of otherwise refreshing, good posts at this slow time of year.

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RayClay

Ross Tucker is a big threat to Hochstein. Solid, experienced G-C.

Britt and O'Callaghan will threaten Gorins tenure.

Status quo otherwise.

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pats1

And Hochstein isn't...and a much better one at that?

RayClay

Tucker has been a starter at guard and center and lost his job because of a back injury.

I thought Hochstein did a great job filling in for Koppen and has taken advantage of his limited opportunities.

I doubt either one of us has studied both players enough to say one is "much better" than the other.

The fact of the matter is we have more talent than we've had in the Bellichick era at OL and some players that made the team easily before will really have to compete now.

And that's a good thing.

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JR4

I feel there could be unexpected changes on the OLine.
The Only sure starter I see is Mankins.

Light may not have recovered and Kazcur could challenge him for LT.
Callaghan could challenge for RT over any other Tackle.
If Light and Callaghan are the Tackles then Kaczur could challenge Neal
for the Guard position as he can play both positions.
Finally Koppen ... will he return to form? Not much has been said about his
recovery process. One read said he had a big scar from the surgery.
If Koppen can't go ... could there be someone unexpected step to assume
the position?

There are a lot of questions , some health related other competition related.
Just can't see how anyone can make a prediction until reports start coming
out of TC and what is seen in preseason.

PATRIOTS-80

When I say "lock," I mean we are not getting rid of him (even if he doesn't necessarily make the 53. PS for instance, which he has a good chance of. I should not of said "roster locks" in my previous post. The first three are "roster locks," Stevenson is a lock to be kept by the Patriots.

PATRIOTS-80

Agreed. He has "a good chance." I even think has a really good chance, especially if we carry more than 9 OL, which is possible.