Can we now address the OL?

Brady got many more knockdowns, last season that we fans would like.

Wendell was a weak-link. I still believe we need a top Center, and another Guard.

Any ideas to address these positions?

Agreed. Much more pressing a need than "weapons for Brady" IMO
Our offensive line showed flashes last year, primarily in the run game behind Mankins, but over all it was pretty mediocre.

Would be nice to grab Alex Mack and can Connolly and his contract....put it towards Macks contract...

I would move Connolly back to Center and draft a Guard early.

After the 53 man cut, the Patriots picked up a couple of highly regarded
UDFAs, Chris Barker G, and Braxton Cave C. They might be of some value
after a full off season with the Patriots.

zipster9 said:

Any ideas to address these positions?

Click to expand...

Yeah!

It's called the 2014 NFL Draft.

David Stewart Titans Report: David Stewart indicates he?s probably retiring | ProFootballTalk

9 seasons starter at RT for the Titans. 31 years old, not that old. Said he wants to retire? Maybe he can sign with the Pats on the cheap for a chance for a ring. Move him to guard, he has a lot of experience

No. Not yet. We still need to address LB, DT and sign Jared Allen.......

The draft is gonna be all O.........

NewFeep said:

No. Not yet. We still need to address LB, DT and sign Jared Allen.......

The draft is gonna be all O.........

Click to expand...

An all o draft would be pretty sweet. If Allen is the only impediment to that path, lets make it happen BB!

40 sacks is way too much - that's for sure

NewFeep said:

No. Not yet. We still need to address LB, DT and sign Jared Allen.......

The draft is gonna be all O.........

Click to expand...

kony ealy, DE, missouri

The lines are BB's fav for early picks. He will pick up some OL help in the draft. And most likely DL and TE. Three of the five OL starters (Mankins-Solder-Vollmer) were first or second rounders. Maybe Cannon is one also if he doesn't have the health problems around draft time.

I'd be ok with NE trading down, getting picks in a strong draft, and going all out lines...

Totally agree!!! Protect the franchise. We are so lucky to still have him healthy. (KNOCK ON WOOD). I like where the defense is. The pass rush is never a big priority with BB. These days, most good QB's get rid of the ball before you can get there anyway. Keep pressure, and step up the coverage. I also agree with a few posters who think we need a veteran, deep, jump ball style WR. But the OL was abysmal last season. Way too many (hits) sacks. IMHO

Davin Joseph is two years out from major knee injury. He played on it (not well)last year. If medically and financially good, he's available.

JoeSixPat said:

40 sacks is way too much - that's for sure

Click to expand...

That's the most he's endured since his 1st year starting, 41 in 2001, and he's getting up there now. The interior needs a serious infusion and Vollmer has got to stay on the field.

There is no reason believe that the patriots won't address the OL. The team has two free agents out there and will presumably will sign two free agents.

In addition, we are likely to draft at least one offensive lineman.

There is no reason rush, unless the choice is one of the top centers.

The IOL FA crop sucks this year

zipster9 said:

Brady got many more knockdowns, last season that we fans would like.

Wendell was a weak-link. I still believe we need a top Center, and another Guard.

Any ideas to address these positions?

Click to expand...

Other than a replacement for VW (if he doesn't come back), I think OL is our top priority. Since the Pats haven't seemed to make a more in FA, I really hope this is addressed in the draft. I would imagine drafting two OL would be the best idea. We'll need an eventual replacement for Mankins and an immediate replacement for Wendell.

Deus Irae said:

The IOL FA crop sucks this year

Click to expand...

Agreed. Add to that a crappy collection of draftable centers as well. The line and Brady's protection are probably our most glaring weakness right now.

OhExaulted1 said:

Agreed. Add to that a crappy collection of draftable centers as well. The line and Brady's protection are probably our most glaring weakness right now.

Click to expand...

Add to that the loss of Scarnecchia (despite the 40 sacks allowed this year he got more from his lineman than anyone else could for decades) and it makes OL the biggest area of focus

Now I'm sure it didn't help that Brady had an odd assortment of receivers this year in terms of getting rid of the ball before a sack - but as we know Manning, despite his passing records, was in a mode of very short quick passes and VERY few sacks this season

I wouldn't mind replicating that (though we still need a deep threat too)