New England Patriots: 53-man Roster Projection
By Hal Bent
OFFENSIVE GUARD:
August 24, 2012; Tampa, FL, USA; New England Patriots center Ryan Wendell (62), guard Dan Connolly (63) and offensive tackle Marcus Cannon (61) during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Joe Soriano:
Logan Mankins, Marcus Cannon, Dan Connolly, Josh Kline (4)
While I think the Patriots will ultimately bring back Nick McDonald as a guard, he isn’t on the roster yet, thus I can’t add him to my projection. I think Josh Kline has been the best guard of the backups, and he deserves a roster spot as the next Pats UDFA contributor as an interior OL. While the Pats could keep just three guards and pull it off due to their versatility, I really don’t think the Pats should leave themselves that thin. As we saw last season, injuries to Dan Connolly or Logan Mankins could be huge blows.
Matt Wincherauk:
Logan Mankins, Dan Connolly, Marcus Cannon (3)
Just like the offensive tackle position, Mankins and Connolly are both locks. Cannon is a very good backup, and provides very necessary depth with Connolly just coming back recently.
Gary Wolff:
Logan Mankins, Marcus Cannon, Dan Connolly, Chris McDonald, Josh Kline (5)
Right guard has been a problem due to injury so far during preseason. Connolly got some time against the Lions, so apparently he is again healthy. He didn’t fare too well, but he is a quality player and his ability to play center makes him a lock. Marcus Cannon needs to get healthy and emerge as the right guard for the Patriots line to become dominant. Chris McDonald makes the cut due to his versatility, and rookie Josh Kline has shown well. Since he wouldn’t make it to the practice squad, I believe the Patriots keep him. Shortly after final cuts, this situation might change. It’s not real practical to have 6 interior offensive linemen on the roster, so McDonald could be the first to go if the Patriots make a move to solidify the interior defensive line or safety spot if a player becomes available.
Chris Martin:
Logan Mankins, Marcus Cannon, Dan Connolly (3)
I agree with Joe on them bringing back McDonald, so I leave this at three.
Chris Simoneau:
Logan Mankins, Dan Connolly, Marcus Cannon, Tyronne Green (4)
Assuming New England only has eight offensive linemen on the 53-man roster, they will have at least two more on the practice squad. Cannon provides crucial backup depth because they play can play multiple positions on the line.
Cyrus Gellar:
Marcus Cannon, Josh Kline, Logan Mankins, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell (4)
One of the strengths of the Patriots roster is their offensive line, and assuming that both Connolly and Cannon get back to 100% health for the regular season, this group will be just fine.
Celia Westbrook:
Logan Mankins, , Dan Connolly, Marcus Cannon, Josh Kline (4)
Logan Mankins is “the man” on that OL and it concerns me that his nine-year NFL career and injuries is starting to take a toll on his body. Nevertheless, Mankins is the man for the job at left guard. Connolly and Cannon are fighting to take the stand at right guard, but both battling with injuries, sets them back at square one. This presents a great opportunity for Josh Kline who played right tackle, right guard and left guard while at Kent State.
Chris Field:
Logan Mankins, Marcus Cannon, Dan Connolly (3)
There’s likely going to be one or two backup offensive linemen who make it in case of an injury.
Hal Bent:
Logan Mankins, Marcus Cannon, Chris McDonald, Josh Kline (5)
Youth is served behind the starters, Logan Mankins and Marcus Cannon. Cannon won the starting position at right guard immediately after the AFC Championship Game against Baltimore when Dan Connolly was overmatched and outworked by Baltimore’s front seven who attacked him all game. Connolly was clearly the weak link of the offensive line, and his salary is much too high for a backup. McDonald and Kline are both undrafted free agents who have impressed, but one or both is likely to end up on the practice squad when Chris’s older brother Nick is healthy and the Patriots scour the waiver wire for a veteran option (think of another Brian Waters situation). This position is fluid, and Connolly could return on a reduced contract, although other teams (*cough*cough*Dallas Cowboys*cough*cough*) could give up a draft pick for Connolly when he shows he is healthy.