Super Early Projected Patriots Starters: Offense

With mini-camp now in the rearview mirror, we take a look at the projected Patriots' starters on offense, and how they have changed since 2013.

Week 1, 2013:

WR1: Danny Amendola
WR2: Kenbrell Thompkins
WR3: Julian Edelman
TE1: Michael Hoomanawanui
TE2: Zach Sudfeld
LT: Nate Solder
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Ryan Wendell
RG: Dan Connolly
RT: Sebastian Vollmer
HB1: Stevan Ridley
HB2: Shane Vereen
FB: James Develin
QB: Tom Brady

AFC Championship 2014:

WR1: Julian Edelman
WR2: Danny Amendola
WR3: Aaron Dobson
TE1: Michael Hoomanawanui
TE2: Matthew Mulligan
LT: Nate Solder
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Ryan Wendell
RG: Dan Connolly
RT: Marcus Cannon
HB1: LeGarrette Blount
HB2: Shane Vereen
FB: James Develin
QB: Tom Brady

Projected Starters for 2014:

WR1: Julian Edelman
WR2: Danny Amendola
WR3: Josh Boyce
TE1: Rob Gronkowski
TE2: Michael Hoomanawanui
LT: Nate Solder
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Ryan Wendell
RG: Marcus Cannon
RT: Sebastian Vollmer
HB1: Stevan Ridley
HB2: Shane Vereen
FB: James Develin
QB: Tom Brady

Thoughts:

There aren't a whole lot of changes projected in the starting line-up on offense for the Patriots heading into training camp. In fact, every projected starter that I have was on the roster in 2013 (although there are some role changes). Some positions on the roster - such as running back, wide receiver, and the interior line, project to have some serious camp battles for starting spots.

Currently, I have Josh Boyce as the #3 receiver due to his strong mini-camp / OTA performance. He seems to have made some serious strides while Aaron Dobson remains on the sidelines. Newcomer Brandon LaFell and second year pro Kenbrell Thompkins will also compete in that area.

The other change I have is the insertion of Marcus Cannon at right guard. Dan Connolly could very well hold that spot, but the time could be right for a change and with Cannon entering the final year of his rookie contract, it's now or never for him. Rookies Jon Halapio and Bryan Stork are two others to watch along the interior line.

At running back, I still have Stevan Ridley as my RB1 - simply due to the fact that I believe he will be the primary ball carrier on 1st and 2nd downs. Vereen will likely play the majority of the snaps, with rookie James White being a dark horse for some touches.

What do you think of my projected line-up on offense? Who do you hope to see ascend into a bigger role with the team this year?