Player Spotlight - Marcus Cannon

Another installment in the player spotlight series. With Sebastion Vollmer, the starting RT, out of practice thus far this fall, a lot of talk this offseason has been on Marcus Cannon and his improvement from last year. This, coupled with the fact that I kind of glossed over him in my offensive line preview, made me think we needed to do a little spotlight on him


Background Info: 6'5" 350 pound behemoth drafted in the 5th round out of TCU in 2011. He was a 1st/2nd round talent, and then in the pre-draft process, they discovered he had cancer. So, naturally his stock slipped and the Pats took a chance on him (aka classic Patriots style) late. He underwent treatment, and beat cancer. He opened last year on the PUP, and ended up making some contributions later in the season when Vollmer was out and they slid Solder out to a 3rd TE role. In this mans opinion, he was sub par, and many had hopes that with a full offseason, and a full year in the Patriot's system, he would improve and be a solid player this year.

Contract: Still on his rookie contract. 4 years 2.338 million dollars. Chump change. Nothing really of note here. Economics wont play any factor in whether he makes the team.

Where He Can Help This Team: He can help this team by being what is known as the "swing tackle". This is the backup tackle that will be able to fill in for either tackle in case of injury. At this point in camp, he has not distinguished himself as a starting caliber tackle. With his huge frame, some think he is best suited to slide into guard, but the Pats are pretty set inside. He is currently looking at being the starting RT, which scares me.

Chances of Making This Team: He looks like a 100% lock to make this team. He has been getting all the first team snaps at RT in Vollmer's absence. Now, there is a chance Vollmer suffers a setback and appears as though he is going to miss a few games and the Pats sign a veteran tackle. I don't have any names, but unless Cannon's play improves (though yesterday was the best day he has had so far in camp from all reports) I could see them going this route. I would say Kopa has a chance to supplant Cannon, but he has looked even worse thus far.