Starting O-Line:
LT: Matt Light, #72
LG: Logan Mankins, #70
C: Dan Koppen, #67
RG: Stephen Neal, #61
RT: Nick Kaczur, #77
Typically a strong point of the Patriots, this group has been somewhat maligned since the end of the 2007 season. The tackles have played so-so over the past year, and one has to think that Matt Light may be slowing down (he turns 31 tomorrow). He is very light, no pun intended, but does have a high football IQ. Kaczur is a decent RT, but nothing spectacular. Unfortunately he's Canadian.
The guards are another matter entirely. Mankins is a beast and does a great job in all aspects of blocking. He's the 5th ranked guard in the league on ESPN.com, and is only 27. He's in line for a big payday, and hopefully the Pats can retain him. Neal is a prototypical "Belichick" guy who worked his way up from nothing (he was a wrestler in college) into the starting lineup. He's an average RG, but does his job well and plays within his means. He does get hurt a lot, and that's why Billy Yates is so important (see below)
The final piece of Brady's entourage is Dan Koppen. He's one of the better centers in the league, although he's a little undersized at 6'2, 296. Koppen's never had a problem with fumbling or poor snaps, and is a legitmate run blocker. He's a very fundamental piece of the o-line puzzle.
Key Reserves:
C: Russ Hochstein, #71
Hochstein is a very versatile backup as he can play guard as well as center. He does not have the talent to be an every down player, but is definitely a good option off the bench if needed.
RG: Billy Yates, #74
Yates is also a backup player, but does get a lot of burn as a reliable guard. He worked his way onto the roster after spending a few seasons on the practice squad, so his work ethic is unquestioned. What he doesn't have in talent, he makes up for in pure heart. Count on him to make a few big blocks this season.
Rookie to watch:
RT: Sebastian Vollmer, #76
Vollmer was one of the Pats' second round picks in 2009. Hailing from Houston, this beast (6'7, 314 lbs) has exceptional talent in both run blocking and pass protection. He garnered All-Conference USA honors in his senior year, a great feat considering he missed an entire year with a back injury. He should definitely be groomed to replace either Light or Kaczur.
Coming soon: Secondary
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