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Getting back to the pre pissing contest predictable unrelated hijack point of this thread...Bedard weights in on what the Koppen signing may mean.
Taking a look at Koppen's return - Extra Points - Boston.com
Interesting that Bedard thinks that the signing of Koppen does not automatically mean that the Pats will not be looking at the OL in the draft.
If anything, I think the Koppen move is further insurance for Logan Mankins. Maybe Robert Gallery isn’t the best option at left guard should Mankins not be ready for the beginning of the season. At the least, Mankins will have to take it slow in training camp and in the preseason. Connolly would then be thrown back into the mix at left guard.
As far as the draft, if Koppen is on a one-year deal, then I don’t see it altering the thinking that the Patriots will be looking for an interior lineman. Connolly isn’t getting huge money, and two top players – Koppen and Waters – could be gone after this season. There’s too much unknown about MacDonald, Wendell and Cannon to bank on them.
As far as the draft, if Koppen is on a one-year deal, then I don’t see it altering the thinking that the Patriots will be looking for an interior lineman. Connolly isn’t getting huge money, and two top players – Koppen and Waters – could be gone after this season. There’s too much unknown about MacDonald, Wendell and Cannon to bank on them.
Christopher Price with his take on the signing:
It Is What It Is » What the return of Dan Koppen means for the Patriots offensive line
When it comes to winning his spot back on a permanent basis, Koppen can lean on a lot of things in his favor, most notably the fact that he is close friends with quarterback Tom Brady.
If Koppen is at 100 percent — as many believe he is — that would free up Connolly to serve as either a stopgap for left guard Logan Mankins if Mankins is forced to sit for a stretch because of ACL surgery the Fresno State product underwent following an injury in the Super Bowl. Connolly could also provide support at the other guard position, as it remains unclear as to whether or not starting veteran Brian Waters will be back for a second season with the Patriots.
This move also means that Ryan Wendell returns to his role as a primary backup among the interior offensive linemen, leading a group that includes Nick McDonald and Donald Thomas.
If Koppen is at 100 percent — as many believe he is — that would free up Connolly to serve as either a stopgap for left guard Logan Mankins if Mankins is forced to sit for a stretch because of ACL surgery the Fresno State product underwent following an injury in the Super Bowl. Connolly could also provide support at the other guard position, as it remains unclear as to whether or not starting veteran Brian Waters will be back for a second season with the Patriots.
This move also means that Ryan Wendell returns to his role as a primary backup among the interior offensive linemen, leading a group that includes Nick McDonald and Donald Thomas.
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