- Logan Mankins enjoyed another spectacular season at the left guard position. The team's best run-blocker was voted the league's third best guard according to the All-Pro team voting, he was also selected as a second-team All-Pro this season. Mankins just finished up his rookie deal, but because of the un-capped year he is a restricted free agent. The Patriots tendered a 1st and 3rd round tender to him, and it's unlikely any team will fork over that ante. Look for the team to allocate their resources to lock up the consistent 6'4" 310 pound lineman to a long term pact.
- Center Dan Koppen was solid this season. Koppen is clearly on the same page as Brady after so many years, and his pre-snap reads of the D are as good as any center in the league. He is signed through 2011 at $2.9 million/year with some bonuses. He'll be back.
- LT Matt Light missed five weeks this season with a knee injury. When healthy, Light was solid but not spectacular. Our last image of Light this past season was when Ravens OLB Terrell Suggs blew by him for a strip sack of Brady in our wild card loss. Light enters the final year of his 6-year $27.3 million deal that will pay him $4.9 million. Despite his lengthy tenure here, it wouldn't be surprising if he was made expendable.
- Rookie sensation Sebastian Vollmer was one of the bright spots this season. Vollmer was the team's best tackle and filled in more than admirably for Light while he was out, he also shifted seamlessly to right tackle when needed as well. He missed two games during the season with a head injury. The 6'7" 312 pound mauler is simply too good to not be on the field and will most certainly have a starting job heading into next season. As a second round pick last season, he received a 4-year deal.
- RT Nick Kaczur was one of the weak links on the o-line this past season. Kaczur was a liability in pass coverage, and when Light and Vollmer were both healthy for the playoff game, he was the odd man out. The 30-year old signed a 4-year $16 million deal before the season which may be the only reason he will be around next year.
- RG Stephen Neal, the famed converted college wrestler that beat Brock Lesnar for an NCAA title, had another injury plagued season. Neal epitomizes consistency at the right guard spot when on the field, but the problem is he hasn't played over 13 games since 2005. Neal enters free agency, and hinted that he may retire or pursue other careers (UFC anyone?). Dan Connolly filled in admirably during the season for Neal and may get a look at the starting gig in 2010 after he signed a 2-year extension in December.
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Recievers
Tight Ends
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