AndyJohnson

Yeah right, the LT will ignore his man to help the LG
We get that you have something against Connolly, if you think you are right why do you need to make things up?

supafly

I agree that there would certainly be a decent learning curve involved with Vollmer at LT, but if that's what it comes down to then I think we will fine. I don't know what everyone thinks, but there's always the possibility that Solder could be thrown into the fire immediately, while keeping Vollmer at RT, as to not upset 2 positions. I'm sure Belichick will adjust accordingly with quicker passes, more runs, keeping a TE or 2 on that side, etc. This isn't his first time dealing with an issue like this, far from it...

Regardless, I do hope that Light stays, just b/c he is the most efficient right now, and has the experience etc. But we all said we'd rather have Mankins sign if it was one or the other, so I'd much rather see that IF indeed it ends up being one or the other (which we have nothing to base that on).

RayClay

Except Vollmer has played left tackle and did not struggle mightily.

You're saying with additional experience he will?

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spacecrime

I think he means that without someone like Ben Watson being used as a sixth Olinesman to Vollmer's left every play, Vollmer might not be so effective.

Nothing wrong with Matt Light. I don't think he'll be back, but there is no reason why a rookie can't start at LT. Light did.

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“When we look at the board, based on everything we want in a football player at that particular time, we evaluate them and take the player that fits best for our football team. That’s what we always do, and I think the last nine years we’ve put a pretty competitive team out there on the field every year. I think that’s how you do it – you get good football players. Sometimes they are not always at the No. 1 position, but I don’t think you pass up good football players to get the guys who aren’t as good just because they’re at a position that somebody feels you need.”
BB on his draft philosophy, April 2010

RayClay

Of course Vollmer was a raw rookie, not having played much football, but i thought he was very surprising.

Hope you're not implying Light didn't have lots of tight end help during his career.

Not saying raw rookie beats seasoned veteran, but to say he would struggle mightily with two years under his belt does a real disservice to the level he played and plays at for someone still learning.

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ay-yo

Regardless of your thoughts on PFF I'd like to hear how some poster think Matt Light ranks among other LT in the League. This isn't meant to be my list I just took the names from the PFF link for discussions sake.

Jake Long MIA
Andrew Whitworth CIN
D'Brickashaw Ferguson NYJ
Joe Thomas CLE
Doug Free DAL
Jordan Gross CAR
Jason Peters PHI
Ryan Clady DEN
Russell Okung SEA
Bryant McKinnie MIN
Chad Clifton GB
Duane Brown HST
Rodger Saffold SL
Jeff Backus DET
Barry Sims SF
Branden Albert KC
Michael Oher BAL
Joe Staley SF
Matt Light NE
Jermon Bushrod NO
Michael Roos TEN

Just looking at the list of names I wouldn't say Light is a top 10 LT any more.

supafly

I agree for sure, but he is still our best present option due to his experience, and knowledge of the system. I think the team is fine either way.

DarrylS

The Soler pick is a replacement for Light, but with this labor situation it is a huge jump for a college LT to jump to a starting LT in the NFL. Soler has not had the opportunity for OTA's, hanging with the other Pat Players to understand the NFL and Patriot Culture and will be a work in progress..

IMO the Soler pick was a pick made with the labor situation in mind, he does not have to step in on day 1... we can make sure he is ready.

If and when this labor situation is over, need to sign Light for a couple of more years.. and he can "bridge" Soler.

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"Being the best doesn't mean you always win. It just means you win more than anyone else".. tweet from Kurt Warner to Tom Brady.

Don Kipines

Wow, Sebastian Vollmer looked pretty damn good handling Dwight Freeney a few years ago. I wouldn't have lost sleep with Vollmer at LT at all. If Solder's that kind of player, I think we're in good shape.

Shelterdog

There's no question that every year a few rookies start at LT and do ok. Will Solder be one of those guys? I have no idea. He is a 6'8" athletic first team all american, the Pats have done pretty well drafting OL high, there are rumors that the Giants and Colts were looking at Solder and they're solid organizations as well, the draftniks gave Solder pretty good ratings, but he's not a perfect LT prospect (he would have gone top five if he were) and until we see him on the field there's really no way to tell.