Where Will We Draft An Interior Offensive Lineman

[Galeb]

I

I doubt it. I can't imagine BB re-educated himself and his scouts on evaluating offense linemen based on the input on a new positional coach on his third team in three years. I think this board -- myself included at times -- the last two years has paid way too much attention on the scouting combine and pro days and not enough on production -- not only at OL, but at places like DB and DE also -- especially on day three.

I'm not suggesting re-education. A new guy was brought in who likely prefers a different interior player type and maybe even a different blocking scheme. Believe it or not, BB takes feedback from his positional coaches when bringing new guys in.

 

[dryheat44]

I'm not suggesting re-education. A new guy was brought in who likely prefers a different interior player type and maybe even a different blocking scheme. Believe it or not, BB takes feedback from his positional coaches when bringing new guys in.

Of course he does. But in this case, it would be minimal. The Patriots offensive line is consistently one of the NFL's best. It's doubtful they're going to change their evaluation methods based on a newcomer. It's more likely, IMO, that BB's interaction with DeG is " I got you some players that should fit what we want to do. Coach them up."

 

[mgteich]

It seems clear that this draft shows a different perspective on what we need in the future at OL. The open question is whether the new OL coach and Lombardi made any difference.

In any case, these guys are not the type of OL's that would have been drafted a couple of years ago. Of course, that is another issue. For the last 2 years, Belichick was content to developing castoffs for the interior line positions rather than drafting the best linemen he could find.

Is it now time for Cave, Barker, Kline and Wendell to go? Mankins, Connolly and Connolly may even be gone next year.

We are in a period of major transition of the Ol.

I

I doubt it. I can't imagine BB re-educated himself and his scouts on evaluating offense linemen based on the input on a new positional coach on his third team in three years. I think this board -- myself included at times -- the last two years has paid way too much attention on the scouting combine and pro days and not enough on production -- not only at OL, but at places like DB and DE also -- especially on day three.

 

[TheRazorsEdge]

Whatever the case is theres an obvious transition (needed imo) from smaller more agile to beefier/stronger linemen. We wont be easily pushed around anymore (flashbacks of Jets and Afc Chip game)

 

[meatface]

I guess the answer was pretty much everywhere

 

[AzPatsFan]

Now having seen what BB did we know the answer, He went for a BIG Center, about the same size as Connolly. He took a genuine swing RT, who pass blocked for Andy Luck, about as heavy as Vollmer, but not the athlete. He freed up Marcus Cannon for RG doing so, who is bigger than Connolly.

The end result is that the line initially is probably going to be Solder, Mankins, Connolly, Cannon, and Vollmer, all experienced, no rookies. By the end of the season or in 2015, the line will be Solder, Mankins, Stork, Cannon, and Vollmer, no rookies and big enough to not be bull rushed any longer; and the Franchise will likely be well protected in his golden years.

Reserves are Svitek and Fleming at tackle, and Halapio and Wendell as C/G reserves. If we need a sub for Solder, Mankins or Vollmer can do it; and the sub for Vollmer is Fleming.

BTW Gil Brant called Fleming "...a 10 year starter at RT, who probably can't play Left tackle."

The only age will be Mankins in his early 30s, and the Franchise will have an experienced and bigger line in front of him, adept at pass blocking and perhaps more authoritative in run blocking.

 

[Big-T]

So, the ideal starting OL for this season is HUGE:

Nate Solder 6'8" 320lbs
Logan Mankins 6'4" 308bs
Bryan Stork 6'4" 315lbs
Marcus Cannon 6'5" 335lbs
Sebastian Vollmer 6'8" 320lbs

1598lbs of protection for Brady!

There's no way that line should get bullied by any DL in the NFL.

 

[meatface]

So, the ideal starting OL for this season is HUGE:

Nate Solder 6'8" 320lbs
Logan Mankins 6'4" 308bs
Bryan Stork 6'4" 315lbs
Marcus Cannon 6'5" 335lbs
Sebastian Vollmer 6'8" 320lbs

1598lbs of protection for Brady!

There's no way that line should get bullied by any DL in the NFL.

I wonder if the Patriots would cut Wendell if Stork beats him out, it seems likely that they would cut Connolly because of the cap savings but With Wendell he does not have a big Cap hit. Is eight OL more than they have had in the past?

 

[unoriginal]

I wonder if the Patriots would cut Wendell if Stork beats him out, it seems likely that they would cut Connolly because of the cap savings but With Wendell he does not have a big Cap hit. Is eight OL more than they have had in the past?

Eight OL is basically the bare minimum to start a season. With three draft picks, I would expect them to carry nine, unless at least one of them wins a starting job in camp.

 

[dryheat44]

I thought this was interesting...

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patr...chia_played_role_in_pats_offensive_line_draft

 

[NormZauchin]

I thought this was interesting...

http://bostonherald.com/sports/patr...chia_played_role_in_pats_offensive_line_draft

If Scar liked them, it bodes well for them contributing to the team this year.