Move Connolly to Center?

[cstjohn17]

Connolly has some starts under his belt at Center and in general it is easier to find a Guard than a Center. It has been so long since he played the position I am interested in opinions on this move.

I would great a lot of flexibility as the Patriots could look for:
- a plug and play guard
- plug and play center
- swing tackle / guard

Depth would be required but the starters could look like:
Solder, Mankins, Connolly, Cannon (not an ideal guard), Vollmer

 

[Wilfork#75]

If he is willing to take a pay cut I think this would be a pretty good option. At over $4mil cap hit for 2014 though I wouldn't want to keep him.

While my dream of signing Alex Mack probably isn't going to happen, I would be very happy if we could restructure Connolly and have him replace Wendell at C and sign my #2 target Jon Asomoah to play RG. Over the last few seasons Asomoah has quietly become one of the best OG's in football, and with the emergence of Geoff Schwartz in KC they might not re-sign him. I think we would upgrade C and RG while allowing Cannon to play a swing role and give us a chance to develop some younger talent. Like most things in life though it will all come down to money.

 

[manxman2601]

This is why I think Swanson is such a good fit. He's played center but has the size and athleticism to play guard too. Draft him and let the Dancing Master decide who fits best at center and who at guard.

 

[Wilfork#75]

This is why I think Swanson is such a good fit. He's played center but has the size and athleticism to play guard too. Draft him and let the Dancing Master decide who fits best at center and who at guard.

My biggest issue with Swanson is I wouldn't want to use a 1st rounder on him. If he is there for us in the second I am all for it, unfortunately I think as the best of the bunch he will be pushed up higher than his talent dictates. I agree with you though I think he is a great fit.

 

[cstjohn17]

While my dream of signing Alex Mack probably isn't going to happen, I would be very happy if we could restructure Connolly and have him replace Wendell at C and sign my #2 target Jon Asomoah to play RG. Over the last few seasons Asomoah has quietly become one of the best OG's in football, and with the emergence of Geoff Schwartz in KC they might not re-sign him. I think we would upgrade C and RG while allowing Cannon to play a swing role and give us a chance to develop some younger talent. Like most things in life though it will all come down to money.

Money is always the kicker... I would rather see the Patriots spend money or high draft picks on a premium position like CB (Talib) or even DT than the interior offensive line.

I don't think they will be able to (or want to) sign both Edelman and Talib.His hip is a concern but if his health checks out I would go with Talib.

Then the Patriots can fill in the rest of the roster OG/C, WR, TE, DT.

 

[manxman2601]

My biggest issue with Swanson is I wouldn't want to use a 1st rounder on him. If he is there for us in the second I am all for it, unfortunately I think as the best of the bunch he will be pushed up higher than his talent dictates. I agree with you though I think he is a great fit.

Not including CB which is dependent on Talib, the only prospects that I think we should draft ahead of Swanson are: Ebron, Amaro, Hageman, Tuitt and possibly Ealy, Nix and ASJ (not fully decided on those three yet). Certainly the first four have a very good chance of being gone by the time we pick.

 

[Luxusdk]

Not including CB which is dependent on Talib, the only prospects that I think we should draft ahead of Swanson are: Ebron, Amaro, Hageman, Tuitt and possibly Ealy, Nix and ASJ (not fully decided on those three yet). Certainly the first four have a very good chance of being gone by the time we pick.

Missing Murphy - They more i see him, then more i think he's gonna be a beast.

 

[manxman2601]

Missing Murphy - They more i see him, then more i think he's gonna be a beast.

Haven't got round to him yet. Will do so soon.

 

[Sciz]

Move Connolly to unemployed, in my opinion.

 

[kennyb]

One scout had Swanson as a fourth rojnder. Centers don't usually go very high. Saw some games of his not sure what's so special about him although his team was so bad maybe that was part of it.

 

[VrabelMayeWin]

I'm wondering how they like Braxston Cave. Although he was undrafted he was expected to be a mid to late pick; he's one of our PS guys who's being paid more than he has to be on the PS. I suspect he'll have a shot to compete next year with, perhaps, a mid round pick.

 

[meatface]

The issue isnt truly where COnnolly is its that he isnt very good, if he will take a paycut then sure but move Cannon inside and still draft a center.

 

[reflexblue]

Connolly has some starts under his belt at Center and in general it is easier to find a Guard than a Center. It has been so long since he played the position I am interested in opinions on this move.

I would great a lot of flexibility as the Patriots could look for:
- a plug and play guard
- plug and play center
- swing tackle / guard

Depth would be required but the starters could look like:
Solder, Mankins, Connolly, Cannon (not an ideal guard), Vollmer

I remember when connolly played center a few years ago he did real well. In fact i was surprised that he was moved to guard and wendell was put at center and has remained there. Ive never been impressed with wendells play at center. Hes OK against average D-lines, but when he goes up against a good tackle or N/T he struggles. Sometimes he looks like a revolving door. That being said i'd rather draft a highly thought of young player whos natural position is center

 

[captain stone]

The best OL we've had since the Stephen Neal years was the 2011 line of
Light - Mankins - Connolly - Waters - Vollmer (Solder as Swing Tackle).

Connolly's play at RG has deteriorated the past 2 years, Wendy is just too
damn small & weak, and Cannon's future is at RG if anywhere.

I still feel that our best possible OL right now would comprise of
Solder - Mankins - Connolly - Cannon - Svitek. Unfortunately, we would
then not have a Swing Tackle on the 53.

At the very least, Bill needs to expend top-100 capital on a studly C/G,
allow Wendy to walk unless he is willing to accept a one-year deal for the
vet minimum, restructure Connolly, and either re-sign Svitek or draft/sign
another OT, or both.