Position Overview - Offensive Line

The Offensive Line appears to be the most fluid position on the Pats, with Mankins and Waters the biggest questions. If Vollmer doesn't come back by the start of the season, Marcus Cannon will be the spot starter. This backup tackle spot does seem to be the weak link of the Pats at this moment because Cannon has seemingly disappointed thus far in camp. Below are the 4 different scenarios I see possible. I think in all scenarios, Nick MacDonald is on the bubble, and could be kept on, or cut. I am about 50/50 on it. Cannon's ability to play guard in a pinch may be the nail in MacDonald's coffin in the scenarios in which I have him on the roster. Koppen and Gallery I see either as starters, or not on the team at all. I order each scenario by highest percentage chance it occurs to lowest.

Waters AND Mankins Come Back:

Starters: Nate Solder (LT), Logan Mankins (LG), Dan Connolly (C), Brian Waters (RG), Sebastion Vollmer, (RT): Best case scenario, this is a top 5 line in football in my opinion.
Backups: Ryan Wendell (C/G), Marcus Cannon (T), Matt Kopa (T), Nick MacDonald (G/C): Cannon looks to project as the swing tackle (play left or right depending on injury) and I think they keep Kopa as insurance because of Vollmer's back/Cannons inexperience and lackluster play at times. Wendell is definitely in there as the backup Guard/Center and again the big question is MacDonald, but I think he makes in on there, but likely spends most of it on the 53 man roster, but not much of it on the 45 man game day roster.


No Waters, Mankins Back:

Starters: Nate Solder (LT), Logan Mankins (LG), Dan Koppen (C), Dan Connolly (RG), Sebastion Vollmer, (RT): This is still a solid scenario that keeps Koppen on the team for one more year and bumps Connolly out to the Right Guard spot. Connolly has apparently been one of, if not the, best lineman in camp thus far.
Backups: Ryan Wendell (C/G), Marcus Cannon (T), Matt Kopa (T), Nick MacDonald (G/C): No change


Waters Comes back, Makins Injury forces him to miss some time:

Starters: Nate Solder (LT),  Robert Gallery (LG), Dan Connolly (C), Brian Waters (RG), Sebastion Vollmer, (RT):  Another solid scenario here. LG takes a bigger more physical player, something that I think you are better with having Gallery at LG and Connolly at C than Connolly at LG and Koppen at C.
Backups: Ryan Wendell (C/G), Marcus Cannon (T), Matt Kopa (T), Logan Mankins (LG): From all accounts, it doesn't sound like the Pats want to go PUP with Mankins, which would mean he has to sit out 6 weeks before playing. No one seems to think it will take him that long to get back. So, you have to put him on the 53 man roster, or cut him (not happening). So, in this scenario, MacDonald is cut in lieu of Gallery.


No Waters, Makins Injury forces him to miss some time

Starters: Nate Solder (LT), Robert Gallery (LG), Dan Koppen (C), Dan Connolly (RG), Sebastion Vollmer, (RT): Worst Case scenario here. Surprisingly, still not in HORRIBLE shape, unless Vollmer injury more serious than expected, then things have potential to go downhill fast. In this scenario, the signings of Gallery and Koppen (who almost signed with the Titans) turn out to be HUGELY important.
Backups: Ryan Wendell (C/G), Marcus Cannon (T), Matt Kopa (T), Logan Mankins (LG): No change here.