The sixth in a series looking at the Patriots' 2011 NFL Draft picks, and the roles they might play for the Patriots next year.

Name: Marcus Cannon

School: TCU

Position: Offensive Guard / Tackle

Drafted: 5th round, 138th Overall

Projected Stats: 0 Games Played

Projected Role: When the Patriots selected mammoth offensive lineman Marcus Cannon of TCU in the fifth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, it was likely with the future in mind.  As you have probably heard by now, Cannon was a first or second round talent that slipped all the way to the fifth round because of health concerns; he was recently diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.  While the condition is treatable and the chemotherapy should be finished in a couple of months, it is really hard to know if Cannon will be able to play this season.  He will most likely start the year on PUP, and I do not want to project him into any kind of a role too soon.  There is a chance that Cannon can be a starter for this team in 2011, however, playing it safe, I think it would be easier to project Cannon as a contributor in 2012.

Bottom Line: Recover and learn in 2011, starting right guard in 2012