2012 OL: Brian Waters' decision is the key

[PATSNUTme]

Re: Connolly and Waters

I hope that Waters comes back. If he doesn't Marcus Cannon should be the RG of the future. I also hope the both Koppen and Connolly come back.

If they don't then yes I think targeting Ben Jones in the 2nd round would be smart. I have not looked at the FA's in the center/guard postions but picking up one would be wise if neither comes back.

But I realy think that Koppen will be back, I would not want to enter the season with Wendell as starting center. He is a good back up but not starting material as the #1 center.

 

[VJCPatriot]

Re: Connolly and Waters

I think we signed Waters to a 2 year deal (confirmed). Getting to the Superbowl must make him really hungry. I don't see him retiring before getting another shot at a championship.

Connolly played well but I see him as just an average and therefore replaceable Center.

 

[ATippett56]

Re: Connolly and Waters

Center Ryan Wendell is also a restricted free agent.

2012 New England Patriots Free Agents

 

[patfanken]

Re: Connolly and Waters

I have high hopes for the future of the OL rotation with Volmer takeing over at LT and Soldier setteling in at RT and Light Rotateing in for his final year and spelling Soldier when he rotates out to TE. Mankins at LG and Waters and Cannon in competition for the RG spot with the lesser rotating in to either possition when needed. Lastly Connoly hopefully will be in competion at the center spot with an anticipated draft pick (possibly Brewster picked in the 3rd) with the lesser setteling into a rotation at C/G. This will leave one spot left to compete for as backup, possible T/G for the future Loss due to retireing of Light or Waters. I have no reservations as to the quality of the play with the above OL rotation possibilities. Unfortunately for Wendle he may be the odd man out, and I feel Koppen has seen his better days pass behind him. This line should be solid for the remainder of TB's career.

Normally I would agree with you whole heartedly, though I would keep Volmer on the right side and move Solder to the left side. HOWEVER, Matt Light is coming off one of his best years as a Patriot. I'm not sure I would simply write him off as a role player just yet. True its an embarrassment of riches at OT, but Volmer's back issues make it something that's necessary as well

IIRC Waters is signed for next year, and I doubt this experience would lead him to think about retirement, given he was a first team all pro. He'll be back and having Cannon taking about 20-30% of his snaps over the course of the season, will bode well for performance in the playoffs. I bet he play over 90% of the possible snaps this season. That's a lot of a play of his age.

 

[javajunky]

Re: Connolly and Waters

Center Ryan Wendell is also a restricted free agent.

2012 New England Patriots Free Agents

I think we signed him to a two year contract at the beginning of the year.

 

[MP-Logick]

Re: Connolly and Waters

I think we signed him to a two year contract at the beginning of the year.

You are correct:

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Rap Sheet» Blog Archive » Patriots extended reserve offensive lineman Ryan Wendell through 2013

 

[Schmo]

Re: Connolly and Waters

I'm definitely on the Cannon bandwagon, but the guy hasn't played a down at G, has he? I know he was projected as a G going into the draft, but all he's played is RT. Plus, he has a lot to prove... I know a lot of people think he's "solid," but we have yet to see him move some DT's. I'm rooting for the kid, but to be honest, I didn't see much from him this season that impressed me.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Connolly and Waters

Center Ryan Wendell is also a restricted free agent.

2012 New England Patriots Free Agents

That is incorrect. Wendell was signed to an extension in October.

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Rap Sheet» Blog Archive » Patriots extended reserve offensive lineman Ryan Wendell through 2013

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Connolly and Waters

I'm definitely on the Cannon bandwagon, but the guy hasn't played a down at G, has he? I know he was projected as a G going into the draft, but all he's played is RT. Plus, he has a lot to prove... I know a lot of people think he's "solid," but we have yet to see him move some DT's. I'm rooting for the kid, but to be honest, I didn't see much from him this season that impressed me.

You must have missed the Miami game. Cannon and Solder basically shut down one of the best pass rushers in the league in Cameron Wake.

Did Cannon make some mistakes? Sure.

BTW, prior to Logan Mankins taking snaps at LG in training camp in 2005, he'd never played guard.. We know how that has turned out.

 

[MaineMan]

Re: Connolly and Waters

Here's where things stand with my preferences for 2012 starters in bold, possible losses in grey [and potential backups in brackets]:

LT: Light (6046/305, age 34) - OR - Solder (6082/319, age 24) [Vollmer as backup]
LG: Mankins (6041/310, age 30), [Donald Thomas (6033/310, age 27)]
OC: Koppen (6035/296, age 33) - OR - Connolly (6035/313, age 30), [Wendell (6021/290, age 26), McDonald (6041/316, age 25)]
RG: Waters (6030/320, age 35) - OR - Cannon (6050/358, age 24) [Connolly/Wendell as backups]
RT: Vollmer (6075/315, age 28) [Solder/Cannon as backups]

Also "on the roster":

T/G Matt Kopa (6056/312, age 25) - practice squad, reserve/futures contract
OT Kyle Hix (6067/319, age 24) - on IR
G/C Rich Ohrnberger (6022/295, age 26) - on IR

Unless the Pats lose Koppen AND Connolly AND Waters (to retirement), I don't see a huge need for an early pick expenditure. I'm sure there will be 1-3 new faces in camp (UFA, UDFA, possibly a 3rd-4th rounder), but mostly as competition/development projects.