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Patriots trade Bryan Stork: 3 ripple effects

By Connor Fulton

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Kline Patriots
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates with guard Josh Kline (67) after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Josh Kline is now the No. 2 center.

The Patriots were able to rid themselves of Stork without sacrificing much in the way of depth at an essential position. With Andrews starting, Kline will be relied on to provide backup duty. It remains to be seen whether or not Kline will be the starter at right guard with Jonathan Cooper and Shaq Mason in the picture, but he will certainly be penciled-in as the No. 2 center.

3 ripple effects of Rob Ninkovich’s injury

Furthermore, rookie Joe Thuney will also be considered for a depth center role. Having played all five positions on the offensive line at North Carolina State, Thuney is as versatile as he is talented. There’s a reason why he’s being compared to Logan Mankins before his first NFL snap. Whether it’s Kline or Thuney who backs up Andrews, the overarching point here is that the Patriots didn’t lose integrity at the position when they slashed Stork.

Next: 1. An example has been made

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