The Patriots offensive line woes have been well documented. They struggled with injuries and inconsistency last season. It’s those struggles that cost the Patriots a chance to get to the Super Bowl. 

Enter former offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia who was brought back from retirement to turn this group around. Let’s take a look at the Patriots offensive line and who will start in 2016. 

Nate Solder, Colorado, 6-8 325: Solder missed most of last season with a torn biceps. Solder’s return is key to the Patriots offensive line success. 

Solder is an elite left tackle and is one of the best pass blockers in the league. He immediately makes the offensive line better just by being healthy. 

The Patriots need to get a full season out of Solder if they want to make a Super Bowl run.

Tre Jackson, Florida State, 6-4 320: Jackson has been inconsistent and injury prone thus far in his career. Jackson has also struggled in pass pro. The Patriots need Jackson to stay health and be more consistent. He’s been a bust thus far. 

Bryan Stork, Florida State, 6-4 310: Stork wasn’t as good last season as he was a rookie. Injuries, maturity and inconsistency have dogged Stork. Stork has pro bowl potential but he needs to stay healthy and the Patriots need to figure out whether or not they want to keep him at center or move him to guard.

Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech, 6-1 310: Mason is undersized but he is technically sound and athletic. Mason struggles one on one in short areas as a run blocker. He is better moving laterally and on double teams. Mason needs to get stronger. If he does, he has an opportunity to either start or contribute as a sixth lineman or extra blocker. 

Sebastian Vollmer, Houston, 6-8 325: Seabass had to play both right and left tackle last season because of injuries. Vollmer did not play well by his standards. He struggled against speed rushers in pass pro and he didn’t bend and finish his run blocks consistently. 

Vollmer needs to be better this season especially because he is a free agent after this season. He needs to be more consistent if he wants to get one more contract. 

David Andrews, Georgia, 6-3 295: The former undrafted free agent played well at times last season. Andrews is strong at the point of attack in the run game. He can anchor down against nose tackles and he is athletic enough to handle one gap defensive tackles in pass pro. Andrews has proven he can be the starting center but he can play guard as well. 

Marcus Cannon, TCU, 6-5 335: Cannon really struggled last season as the swing guy. He played both guard and tackle and was average at both positions. He struggles to move laterally and he can’t handle speed rushers in pass pro. The Patriots are committed to him through this season but Scarnecchia needs to get more out of him. 

LaAdrian Waddle, Texas Tech, 6-6 328: We don’t really know what Waddle can do because he got hurt last season shortly after making his debut. Waddle profiles as a right tackle because of his size, length and limited foot work.  

Joe Thuney, North Carolina State, 6-4 295: Thuney is a classic Scarnecchia lineman in terms of his body type. Coach Scar likes them long, lean and athletic. Thuney is all of those things but he’s also physical and tough. He is a terrific run blocker who is technically sound and a natural bender. I wouldn’t be surprised if Thuney ended up starting this season.

Jonathan Cooper, North Carolina, 6-2 312: Cooper was a part of the Chandler Jones trade. He has been a bust thus far in his career and this could be his last chance in the league. Cooper is short armed and lacks the lateral movement to handle speed rushers in pass pro. Injury prone. Cooper has already gotten hurt and the Pats haven’t even played a pre-season game yet.

Josh Kline, 6-3 300, Kent State: The forgotten man if you will. Kline has been a swing guy for the Patriots the last three seasons. He has played both guard and tackle. Kline is in position to start this season but the Patriots would prefer if he were a back up. Kline’s lack of length and functional strength hurt his chances to start.

Cameron Fleming, Stanford, 6-6 320: Fleming had a tough time last season at both right tackle and as the extra tackle. The ability is there but Fleming need to play up to his potential or he won’t make it out of camp. If anyone can get it out of Fleming, it’s Coach Scar. 

Ted Karras, Illinois, 6-3, 307: Karras is a good run blocker at the point of attack but he’s limited athletically which affects him on double teams and pass pro. Karras is a prime candidate for the practice squad.

Chris Barker, Nevada, 6-2 310: Barker is undersized but he’s technically sound and a hard worker. He may get squeezed out by the numbers game at guard.