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This is the fifth part of this series. If you want to check out other parts, here are quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers/tight ends, and offensive tackles.
The Patriots have had a nice pipeline of interior linemen over the past 16 years, with the likes of Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, and Damien Woody serving as some of the best. New England has consistently been able to plug in new players to guard and center spots with limited performance changes. Similar to offensive tackles, the Patriots value guards with strong short shuttles and an ability to move in space. Let’s take a closer look at each role within the Patriots’ system.
LEFT GUARD
2000 Adrian Klemm
2001 Mike Compton
2002 Mike Compton
2003 Damien Woody
2004 Joe Andruzzi
2005 Logan Mankins
2006 Logan Mankins
2007 Logan Mankins
2008 Logan Mankins
2009 Logan Mankins
2010 Logan Mankins
2011 Logan Mankins
2012 Logan Mankins
2013 Logan Mankins
2014 Dan Connolly
2015 Josh Kline
2016 Joe Thuney
SUMMARY: Mankins was a cornerstone for the entire time that he was in Foxboro, and is probably the second best offensive guard in Patriots history behind John Hannah. Mankins was a surprise first round pick in 2005, but in hindsight he met all of the requirements that New England looks for at this position. Ever since Mankins was shipped to Tampa, the Patriots have sought to fill that role with three mediocre players. At least with Joe Thuney, there’s some athletic ability that comes to bear. Thuney is a SPARQed up guard prospect who struggled toward the end of last year but still has plenty of potential. If Scarnecchia can help him improve with his angular power, he should be a long-term starter.
CENTER
2000 Damien Woody
2001 Damien Woody
2002 Damien Woody
2003 Dan Koppen
2004 Dan Koppen
2005 Dan Koppen
2006 Dan Koppen
2007 Dan Koppen
2008 Dan Koppen
2009 Dan Koppen
2010 Dan Koppen
2011 Dan Connolly
2012 Ryan Wendell
2013 Ryan Wendell
2014 Bryan Stork
2015 David Andrews
2016 David Andrews
SUMMARY: The Patriots have had some great continuity at center over the years, although the short-lived Ryan Wendell era was pretty bad. Bryan Stork started for all of one season until concussions essentially ended his tenure. Since then, ex-UDFA David Andrews has provided stability at the position, serving as a solid run blocker and a savvy pas blocker. He should hold down this position for a long time to come.
RIGHT GUARD
2000 Sale Isaia
2001 Joe Andruzzi
2002 Joe Andruzzi
2003 Joe Andruzzi
2004 Stephen Neal
2005 Stephen Neal
2006 Stephen Neal
2007 Stephen Neal
2008 Stephen Neal
2009 Stephen Neal
2010 Stephen Neal
2011 Brian Waters
2012 Dan Connolly
2013 Dan Connolly
2014 Ryan Wendell
2015 Tre Jackson/Shaq Mason
2016 Shaq Mason
SUMMARY: Since Stephen Neal left New England, the Patriots had been looking for a guard to take his place. Dan Connolly and Wendell both gave admirable attempts, but Shaq Mason has taken control of this role and his fantastic pulling ability has helped him become the best run blocker on the team. This role fundamentally changed in 2012 when the athletic Connolly became more of a pull blocker, and Mason has taken the torch with aplomb. He still needs work as a pass protector, but he should stick at this role for a while longer.
SWING GUARD/CENTER
2000 Grey Ruegamer
2001 Grey Ruegamer
2002 Grey Ruegamer/Stephen Neal
2003 Stephen Neal/Russ Hochstein
2004 Russ Hochstein
2005 Russ Hochstein
2006 Russ Hochstein/Billy Yates
2007 Russ Hochstein
2008 Billy Yates
2009 Dan Connolly
2010 Dan Connolly
2011 Donald Thomas/Ryan Wendell
2012 Donald Thomas
2013 Josh Kline
2014 Josh Kline/Jordan Devey/Marcus Cannon
2015 Bryan Stork
2016 Ted Karras
SUMMARY: Ted Karras is another member of the “worked at guard and center” fraternity with the likes of Grey Ruegamer, Russ Hochstein, and Josh Kline among others. It would not be shocking if the Patriots roll with Karras again in 2017. He looked good in the preseason and another year of experience could help him solidify his role further.
PROSPECT FITS: If the Patriots pick an interior lineman he’ll be someone versatile and athletic who can play both guard and center. One name to keep an eye on is Tyler Orlosky from West Virginia, who is mobile, smart, and savvy with his hand placement on a consistent basis.