With left guard Logan Mankins holding out and right tackle Nick Kaczur likely done for the year due to a back injury the Patriots are going to need some guys to step up in 2010.  The LT will be Matt Light who is still a solid performer but he has had issues with speed rushers so Tom Brady won’t be safe at all times in 2010.  Dan Connolly and Rich Ohrnberger will battle for the RG guard job while Mankins holds out.  I think Connolly will win out.  Center Dan Koppen is a decent technician but he can be beaten as either a run or pass blocker.  RG Stepen Neal is a nasty dude who plays until the whistle blows and he excels at run blocking.  The RT will be 2nd year man Sebastian Vollmer.  Vollmer was outstanding as a rookie for the Patriots last year as he’s a solid run and pass blocker.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE PATRIOTS O-LINE in 2010:  B