2009 Draft Preview: Offensive Line

Overview

The Patriots’ offensive line may be on the verge of major turnover.  With Logan Mankins, Stephen Neal, and Nick Kaczur expiring after 2009, the Patriots will likely be looking to groom line prospects for the future.  At center, Dan Koppen is signed through 2011, and at left tackle, Matt Light is signed through 2010. While the Patriots look pretty set on the offensive line in 2009 (although Kaczur could be upgraded)

Current Grade: B+

Need: Moderate to High

Current Roster

Stephen Neal, RG: Want to know how important Stephen Neal was last season?  In the nine games he started, the Patriots let up 19 sacks?  In the seven games without him in the starting lineup?  28 sacks allowed.  Neal may be 32, he may have injury problems, he may be on the final year of his contract… but #61 is still an important piece of the offensive line.

Logan Mankins, LG: In four seasons with the Patriots, the Pats’ left guard Logan Mankins has never missed a game.  While he may have had a poor season up to his standards in 2008, he is clearly still one of the best guards in football.  He is also entering the final year of his contract, so the Patriots should look to resign him soon.

Dan Koppen, C: Koppen went relatively unnoticed in 2008, and that’s probably a good thing for him.  He has quietly established himself as one of the Patriots’ all-time best centers.  He is 29 and locked up though 2011, so the Pats look secure at the center position for the immediate future.

Matt Light, LT: Matt Light will be turning 31 this summer, but he still has two years on his contract.  He has good feet, is smart, and is a good leader.  He is truly a top 10 left tackle in the NFL, although he consistently gets overlooked.

Nick Kaczur, RT: Arguably the weakest link on the Patriots line, Kaczur had another up and down season in 2008.  He is on a contract year, and will need to play well if the Patriots plan on moving forwards with him as their right tackle.

Ryan O’Callaghan, RT: O’Callaghan missed the entire 2008 season due to injury, but was threatening Nick Kaczur for his starting job in training camp.  Look for him to try to do the same this year, as he is only 25 years old.

Wesley Britt, T: Britt is a fringe roster swing tackle who has played decently in limited performances.  He will compete for a roster spot in training camp.

Mark LeVoir, T: Filled in admirably for Nick Kaczur in two games in 2008.  Is a swing tackle who also makes an impact on special teams, and could potentially compete to overtake Kaczur.

Russ Hochstein, G/C: Hochstein is versatile, he has started games at both center and guard in his seven years with the Pats.  Last year, he even made an impact as a lead blocker.  He also plays on special teams.

Dan Connolly, G/C: Connolly is a fringe roster guy who can play just about anywhere on the interior.  Will compete for a roster spot in 2009.

Damane Duckett, T: The Pats picked up Duckett from San Fransisco earlier this offseason.  He has good size, and could be used at defensive end as well (his original position).

Ryan Wendell, C: A rookie FA in 08, Wendell spent the entire season on the Patriots practice squad.  He is undersized, but is good in pass protection and could be a surprise player in 2009.

Al Johnson, G/C: Free agent pickup who once was a second round pick, but has been limited by injuries.  Could be a late August cut, or he could surprise some and earn a role along the line, as he has plently of starting experience.

Billy Yates, G: Filled in most of the first half of the season, and while he showed some flashes, he showed inconsistency too, giving up way too many sacks.

Draft Prospects:* (Probability of Patriots drafting in italics, 1-10, ten being the highest)

T.J. Lang

Max Unger, OL, Oregon: Has good athletic ability with good use of hands and feet.  Can slide in protection, and even pick up linebackers.  Is versatile, a five-position lineman, so he will find a spot. And while  he does lack some strength, the hope is that his athleticism can make up for it. Probability: 6.5 | Grade: 8.0

Eric Wood, G/C, Louisville: Intelligent player who is effective puller.  Has good strength, especially in the upper body.  However, isn’t the quickest, and lacks recovery speed. Probability: 5.0 | Grade: 7.5

TJ Lang, T, Eastern Michigan: Big time competitor with a relentless motor.  Has good power and can handle edge rushers although he is a little bit tight in the hips at times. Probability: 6.5 | Grade: 7.0

Dan Gay, T, Baylor: Athletic swing tackle with a quick first step and is an excellent pass blocker, although he lacks proper hand technique. Probability: 4.0 | Grade: 5.5

Antoine Caldwell, C, Alabama: Will likely transition to guard in the NFL.  Has good mass, is durable, and can be a force in pass protection although he lacks athleticism and explosiveness. Probability: 3.5 | Grade: 6.0

Andy Levitre, G, Oregon State: Smart, durable player with great instincts.  Is a good pull-guard, and can make an impact on the second level.  Knows how to manipulate defenders with his hands, but lacks strength and explosiveness. Probability: 4.5 | Grade: 7.0

Jason Watkins, T, Florida: Great size and good athleticism, can get out to the second level.  Lacks awareness and struggles to finish blocks. Probability: 5.0 | Grade: 6.0

Rich Ohrnberger, G, Penn State: Smart, quick blocker who excels in pass protection.  However, lacks ideal size and bulk.  Probability: 4.0 | Grade: 5.0

Jamon Meridith, T, South Carolina: Is a very athletic tackle who can take on edge rushers well, but lacks true love for the game. Probability: 3.5 | Grade: 5.0

Robert Brewster, Ball State: Guard/tackle who shows good size, strength, and initial quickness but is still quite raw in his technique. Probability: 3.0 | Grade: 4.5

Andre Smith, T, Alabama: Thick, strong, top tackle who has good fluidity in his hibs, great balance, and an excellent protector in both run and pass protection.  However, there are some character and durability concerns surrounding him. Probability: 1.0 | Grade: 9.0

William Beatty, T, Connecticut: Tall, athletic tackle with good quickness, long arms, and excellent recovery speed.  Lacks strength and bulk as well as a true passion for the game.  Probability: 6.0 | Grade: 7.5

*= These “draft prospects” are players that the Patriots are actually looking at picking up or have shown a legitimate interest in.