With Patriots camp set to open Thursday, we wanted to reset the roster at each position and give you a few things we’ll be keeping an eye on down in Foxborough. So far, we’ve previewed the quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, and receivers. Now, let's take a look at the offensive line.
The right side -- Shaq Mason and Marcus Cannon -- appears solid. And if Joe Thuney is OK after offseason foot surgery, half of the left side should be set as well. The biggest question: Who will take over at left tackle after the offseason departure of Nate Solder? Will it be rookie Isaiah Wynn? Or are the Patriots going to try veterans LaAdrian Waddle or Trent Brown there out of the gate? It’ll be interesting to see how it all comes together. Our bet right now is one of the veterans has the job at the start of camp, but Wynn will be the starter before the halfway point of the season. (One more note: For purposes of this exercise — and no disrespect intended to the likes of Ulrick John or Jason King — we have our Top 12 offensive linemen listed here.)
No. 1: Shaq Mason
Position: Right guard
The good: Best pure offensive lineman on the team. Good feet, good hands. One of the most durable guys in the league — has played north of 90 percent of the snaps the last two years. Likely just missed out on All-Pro status in 2017.
The questionable: You can argue Brandon Graham’s key sack of Tom Brady in Super Bowl LII came because he beat Mason.
Skinny: Heading into a contract year, he could be a candidate for a late-summer trade. But if he ends up sticking around, his durability and consistently high level of play means he’ll be one of the best at his position again in 2018.
(Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
Patriots
Countdown to camp: OL -- Post-Nate Solder, how will Patriots look up front?
Marcus Cannon is back after spending much of 2017 on the sidelines. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
No. 2: Marcus Cannon
Position:
The good:
Dante Scarnecchia
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 3: David Andrews
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 4: Joe Thuney
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 5: LaAdrian Waddle
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 6: Trent Brown
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
Ted Karras is a solid backup for the Patriots. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
No. 7: Ted Karras
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 8: Matt Tobin
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 9: Luke Bowanko
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 10: Cole Croston
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
has
No. 11: James Ferentz
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
Kirk Ferentz
Bill Belichick
Isaiah Wynn was taken in the first round by the Patriots. (Photo by Jonathan Wiggs/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
No. 12: Isaiah Wynn (we put him last because he’s a rookie)
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
Loading...
Loading...