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Patriots training camp Week 1: Predicting final roster

By Connor Fulton

Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) uses a ball machine during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) uses a ball machine during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Bryan Stork Patriots training camp
Aug 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive guard Tre Jackson (63) with guard Josh Kline (67) and center Bryan Stork (66) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Centers (2): Bryan Stork, David Andrews

Guards (4): Shaq Mason, Tre’ Jackson, Josh Kline, Jonathan Cooper

Tackles (4): Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Marcus Cannon, LaAdrian Waddle

Practice squad: Joe Thuney, Ted Karras

Cut: Cameron Fleming, Chris Barker, Keavon Milton, Kyler Kerbyson

The Patriots addressed their subpar interior offensive line performance in 2015 by drafting Thuney and Karras, but there just isn’t room for those rookies on the active roster with Jackson, Mason, Kline and Cooper healthy. Cooper is the most vulnerable to be overtaken by Thuney or Karras, but the Patriots seem awfully determined to tap whatever talent is left from the highest-drafted guard since 1986.

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The Patriots have a solid pair of starting tackles in Solder and Vollmer, but depth is the issue; you don’t want Cannon or Waddle filling-in for more than a few series. This writer really wanted to see the Pats go out and sign or draft a promising tackle, but alas, it did not happen and for the second year in a row, all we can do is hope that Solder and Vollmer remain healthy.

Next: Defensive line (8)

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