Offensive Line going into FA/Draft

BobDigital · Feb 12, 2017

We are a lucky fan base and were blessed to get the GOAT at pick 199.

The super bowl win was great but the hits he took there going forward particularly are not acceptable. I don't think we can expect what will be a 40 year old QB to take many more games like that Atlanta game. BB does not tend to believe in investing big money into the OL besides OTs (Mankins being the one recent exception).

I think the Pats need to look at the OL as a whole and start to really appreciate the reality that if they want Brady to play here for 3-5 more years we need better. The question is how much do we invest?

Cannon to me is the only play I have zero worries about. One of the best RTs in the game and locked up for years. Andrews/Thuney/Mason are young players and some things can be done here if they want to improve this spot. Solder had a very good year but got abused in the super bowl. I don't know what to think about that going forward. Considering he is one of the 10 highest paid OTs in the NFL I expected more from him in that game.

So looking at this going forward how much do you think they should look to do or just bet on the young guys to improve?

Seacoast Fan · Feb 12, 2017

BobDigital said:
We are a lucky fan base and were blessed to get the GOAT at pick 199.

The super bowl win was great but the hits he took there going forward particularly are not acceptable. I don't think we can expect what will be a 40 year old QB to take many more games like that Atlanta game. BB does not tend to believe in investing big money into the OL besides OTs (Mankins being the one recent exception).

I think the Pats need to look at the OL as a whole and start to really appreciate the reality that if they want Brady to play here for 3-5 more years we need better. The question is how much do we invest?

Cannon to me is the only play I have zero worries about. One of the best RTs in the game and locked up for years. Andrews/Thuney/Mason are young players and some things can be done here if they want to improve this spot. Solder had a very good year but got abused in the super bowl. I don't know what to think about that going forward. Considering he is one of the 10 highest paid OTs in the NFL I expected more from him in that game.

So looking at this going forward how much do you think they should look to do or just bet on the young guys to improve?

I am always in favor of drafting an OLer.
And I am not 100% sold on Andrews. There are games where it seems he gets pushed around alot.

jboston19 · Feb 12, 2017

I've been curious this year to see what they do with the center position. Andrews has overall played very well but struggled at times, especially against larger tackles. Pat Elflein out of Ohio St is a powerful former wrestler who may intrigue the Pats enough to go for an upgrade. Not sure if they think they need more power in the middle or not.

pdangle · Feb 12, 2017

I for another, would like to see some additional draft or $$$ capital put toward the OL. There cannot be a repeat of the 2015/16 season's end scenario. Nothing outlandish, but throw another 2-3 M at the line, just so we have capable vet and/or rookie or sophomore backups ready if injuries strike.

farn · Feb 12, 2017

I feel NE coaches love Andrews. He's not going anywhere. Look at the locker celebrations post wins... he always features prominently & get high profile players/coaches talking him up.

p8ryts · Feb 12, 2017

BobDigital said:
We are a lucky fan base and were blessed to get the GOAT at pick 199.

The super bowl win was great but the hits he took there going forward particularly are not acceptable. I don't think we can expect what will be a 40 year old QB to take many more games like that Atlanta game. BB does not tend to believe in investing big money into the OL besides OTs (Mankins being the one recent exception).

I think the Pats need to look at the OL as a whole and start to really appreciate the reality that if they want Brady to play here for 3-5 more years we need better. The question is how much do we invest?

Cannon to me is the only play I have zero worries about. One of the best RTs in the game and locked up for years. Andrews/Thuney/Mason are young players and some things can be done here if they want to improve this spot. Solder had a very good year but got abused in the super bowl. I don't know what to think about that going forward. Considering he is one of the 10 highest paid OTs in the NFL I expected more from him in that game.

So looking at this going forward how much do you think they should look to do or just bet on the young guys to improve?

BB will draft an OL, he still has flexibility with Jackson returning, Thuney can play OT or Center, Tommy wasn't threatened every game. Sometimes you have to give the other guys credit for good play. I'd like to know how the sack hit hurry numbers compared to other teams.
I'm more worried about defense, linebackers pass rush and corners. I'd like an improvement over Blount. Rewatching Dillon against Eagles made me appreciate his speed strength and decisiveness.

Satchboogie3 · Feb 12, 2017

If they can get add to the OL and get a stud, great. If not, I'm not too worried. The line looked very good for most of the season. Atlanta's front 7 played a hell of a game (for 3 quarters) and the Pats just weren't ready for just how fast they were. Houston, well, they just have a damn good DLine. It's tough for anyone to have a clean game against Houston.

nowayback · Feb 13, 2017

Maybe fans here with more knowledge of football can explain to me, is it my impression or does it seem like the Pats except for some rare occasions cant run in the beginning of games ? Is it the olines fault or rb problem ?

borg · Feb 13, 2017

Couldn't run the ball all playoffs. RBs gettin all blowed up in the backfield.
Brady pressured 66% of passes in first half of SB until ATL gassed.
Brady taking bigger hits all year than I can ever recall
Solder turnstyle every other game
One OL stud would be nice

FreeTedWilliams · Feb 13, 2017

Coming out of the draft most football people projected mason as a Center. I wonder with a healthy Tre Jackson, would the Pats consider moving Mason to Center? Andrews is undersized but he seems to make all the right line calls.

aluminum seats · Feb 13, 2017

borg said:
Couldn't run the ball all playoffs. RBs gettin all blowed up in the backfield.
Brady pressured 66% of passes in first half of SB until ATL gassed.
Brady taking bigger hits all year than I can ever recall
Solder turnstyle every other game
One OL stud would be nice

And with the glass half-empty take...

Always good to keep the pipeline full, though. The line was a relief mostly this year, but could definitely look at center, and depth is important. Plus a genuine top-tier guy can bring things to the next level.

It really just shows again how amazing this run is. The Pats just won the Super Bowl and are in great shape, but there isn't a single position group where you'd be wrong to say attention is needed.

jah · Feb 13, 2017

Andrews can be improved upon, but only if they invest a 1 or a 2. He's got a 1st round brain in an undrafted body, which to me, averages out to an average-above average starter.

I think it's time to draft a tackle with enough upside to possibly replace Solder. He's good but I want more consistency.

Cannon will be a stud as long as we have Scar.

I'm comfortable with our starters and depth at guard, although Thuney and Mason need to continue to improve if they want long term job security.

amazinPats · Feb 13, 2017

Need to draft a decent OT. If either Solder or Cannon go down, the team is in big trouble.

The Scrizz · Feb 13, 2017

Is Vollmer back for this year? He'd make a heck of a swing tackle and they could really keep his snaps down if he's the 3rd. Great insurance for either spot.

SHOWTIME15 · Feb 13, 2017

The Scrizz said:
Is Vollmer back for this year? He'd make a heck of a swing tackle and they could really keep his snaps down if he's the 3rd. Great insurance for either spot.

He's an UFA. No way he's coming back.

The Scrizz · Feb 13, 2017

Thanks

patsbrasilpatriotas · Feb 13, 2017

BobDigital said:
We are a lucky fan base and were blessed to get the GOAT at pick 199.

The super bowl win was great but the hits he took there going forward particularly are not acceptable. I don't think we can expect what will be a 40 year old QB to take many more games like that Atlanta game. BB does not tend to believe in investing big money into the OL besides OTs (Mankins being the one recent exception).

I think the Pats need to look at the OL as a whole and start to really appreciate the reality that if they want Brady to play here for 3-5 more years we need better. The question is how much do we invest?

Cannon to me is the only play I have zero worries about. One of the best RTs in the game and locked up for years. Andrews/Thuney/Mason are young players and some things can be done here if they want to improve this spot. Solder had a very good year but got abused in the super bowl. I don't know what to think about that going forward. Considering he is one of the 10 highest paid OTs in the NFL I expected more from him in that game.

So looking at this going forward how much do you think they should look to do or just bet on the young guys to improve?

Cannon is locked for near future. Solder was very good untill the SB and he is only 28. If they can extend him they will lower his number this year. Mason was GREAT. Thuney had bad plays but he was really good for a rookie. Not worried about him. Andrews is a good C but we could upgrade. This year class is pretty bad. If they want to draft a C they will have to get more picks ( Jimmy's trade is a way), and get one pretty early. They can find a gem, but there is no way they can find a day 1 starter T. They will have to find a guy with lots of potential and let DS work his magic. Vollmer is probably retiring and Waddle will be a cap casuality, but they didn't help on the field, that's why replacing them should be easy. Ethan Pocic and MAYBE the kid from Ohio are the only guys that can upgrade Andrews right away IMO. Karras is a player that can end up in PS.

TommyBrady12 said:
He's an UFA. No way he's coming back.

No he is not. He is under contract.

willdeespats · Feb 13, 2017

BobDigital said:
We are a lucky fan base and were blessed to get the GOAT at pick 199.

The super bowl win was great but the hits he took there going forward particularly are not acceptable. I don't think we can expect what will be a 40 year old QB to take many more games like that Atlanta game. BB does not tend to believe in investing big money into the OL besides OTs (Mankins being the one recent exception).

I think the Pats need to look at the OL as a whole and start to really appreciate the reality that if they want Brady to play here for 3-5 more years we need better. The question is how much do we invest?

Cannon to me is the only play I have zero worries about. One of the best RTs in the game and locked up for years. Andrews/Thuney/Mason are young players and some things can be done here if they want to improve this spot. Solder had a very good year but got abused in the super bowl. I don't know what to think about that going forward. Considering he is one of the 10 highest paid OTs in the NFL I expected more from him in that game.

So looking at this going forward how much do you think they should look to do or just bet on the young guys to improve?

I think much depends on what Scar is going to do with Jackson. Once that is known then what happens going forward should be more predictable.

stinkypete · Feb 13, 2017

They will draft a couple of OL in the mid-late rounds as they always do. I don't see a big upgrade unless they choose to spend high on Pocic, though this would not suit Belichick's model for value. I think the starters are here to stay, but hopefully the depth at OT improves.

SHOWTIME15 · Feb 13, 2017

patsbrasilpatriotas said:
No he is not. He is under contract.

Not according to this website. Either way he's not returning here. He's old and has injury issues.

Sebastian Vollmer

Offensive Line going into FA/Draft

Pro Bowl Player

Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job

In the Starting Line-Up

Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job

Pro Bowl Player

In the Starting Line-Up

In the Starting Line-Up

2nd Team Getting Their First Start

Pro Bowl Player

RIP NEM

Pro Bowl Player

Degeneracy Expert

Third String But Playing on Special Teams

2nd Team Getting Their First Start

No asterisks

2nd Team Getting Their First Start

Rotational Player and Threatening Starter's Job

Practice Squad Player

In the Starting Line-Up

No asterisks

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