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Although the Patriots lost a key backup in Donald Thomas (he’ll be a good starter for the Indianapolis Colts) in free agency, the Patriots actually look better on the offensive line. They were able to keep arguably the best right tackle in the game in Sebastian Vollmer, and left tackle Nate Solder will continue to develop. I expect the hyper-athletic LT to entrench himself as one of the game’s elite tackles next season, and he showed plenty last season. No longer a liability in pass protection, Solder is solid in that regard and continues to make strides. You won’t find many left tackles who are better run blockers than Solder, and his athleticism is crucial in the Patriots zone blocking scheme. His ability to screen block is also a huge plus, and it’s going to be a big boon for third-year back Shane Vereen going into his pending breakout season in 2013.

Mankins is no longer one of the top 100 players in the NFL (I absolutely hate that list and put more weight in the Pro Football Focus’s rankings, the rankings done by Pete Prisco are also better), but that’s not to say Mankins isn’t still really good. (And yes, I thought Vollmer should have been his replacement on the list.) Anyway, Mankins is a beast and a leader, and he’ll be healthy in 2013 which means he could very well put himself in the top 100 again.

It’s going to be interesting to see what happens at right guard, but I still expect Dan Connolly to keep his starting job. He’s at least an average starter and is versatile, but Marcus Cannon is an up-and-comer and somebody the organization is high on. He was a steal in the draft and continues to develop under Dante Scarnecchia, so he’s somebody to keep an eye on. At the very least, he will be a key and versatile backup at both guard and right tackle (in case Vollmer goes down again). The Patriots should use Cannon at guard more often, because I feel like he has the skill-set to be a very effective guard. Now if Donald Thomas were still on the team, that right guard gig would be captured by him.

I don’t think I need to get into how good Vollmer and Wendell are, because Vollmer is an elite RT and Wendell is arguably one of the top five centers in the NFL. The Patriots have one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, and I agree with Silva that they are at the top. The addition of Will Svitek to fortify depth at tackle also helps out, and I like the versatility (Nick McDonald is in there as well) and potential development of undrafted free agents on the practice squad (Elvis Fisher and Matt Stankiewitch stand out from this seat). The Patriots offensive line is a beast to reckon with, and they are at least the second-best line in the NFL.

The star of this group? Coach Scar.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

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Vollmer has only kind words to speak of Welker, which comes as no surprise. Vollmer is a consummate professional, and he and Welker seemed to forge a great relationship in New England. Per Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald Vollmer stated, ”I don’t know what happened, and I’m not willing to talk for him or for anyone else. But obviously he’s a great football player, and I really enjoyed playing with him and over the years, just seeing what he can do, and I wish him all the best.”

That’s a great statement from Vollmer and one that rings true in so many different ways. Welker was an integral part of this team and someone whose presence in the locker room will be sorely missed. One thing that stood out to me this past season was when Wes Welker took a giant shot from Seattle Seahawks cornerback Brandon Browner, and it looked like the massive CB dealt Welker a blow that would take him out of the game. Instead, Welker got back up, returned to the game shortly after, and he proceeded to make a solid impact in the loss.

Welker’s durability and fun-loving spirit will be missed, and we should wish him the best. As for Vollmer, I hope he stays healthy this season, because he is one of the game’s elite tackles when he is healthy. I always love reading through comments of athletes praising other athletes, especially when it’s a player like Vollmer who is complimenting a departing player in Welker. Sometimes, it helps us keep things in perspective.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.

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Speaking of injuries, Vollmer had a scope done on his knee last month, but he told the Boston Herald’s Jeff Howe that he feels “really good” right now. “You kind of deal with injuries the way they come and you do what’s necessary for you to play with treatment and rehab and whatever else goes with it,” Vollmer said. “Again, I feel really good now and I’m really looking forward to this upcoming season.”

A few days ago, Vollmer expressed his happiness with returning to the Patriots, and it never seemed like he had intentions of leaving the Pats- he truly loves this organization. In fact, some have speculated that the reason why Vollmer didn’t receive more interest on the free agent market is because teams were afraid that he wouldn’t sign with them and only had eyes set on New England.

The Patriots have retained their offseason priority for four years, and it is great to hear that the star right tackle is feeling much better following the scope. Let’s hope he can stay healthy next season, because he is the league’s best RT when healthy.

You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter @SorianoJoe.