By John Sarianides

The Patriots offensive line was much improved in 2016 thanks to the return of long time offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia. Scarnecchia brought experience and stability to the offensive line meeting room and it paid off. It also helped that Scarnecchia settled on a starting five and stuck with them. 

 Some of the credit for the turnaround has to go to the players as well. The emergence of Marcus Cannon as an elite right tackle was a big reason why the Patriots only gave up 24 sacks last season, fifth fewest in the NFL

Rookie guard Joe Thuney added toughness and an attitude to this group. Along with veteran left tackle Nate Solder, they solidified the left side of the line and helped keep Tom Brady upright. 

The addition of rookie tackles Antonio Garcia and Conor McDermott in the draft adds depth. Both could start in 2018 and beyond. 

Here is our offensive line preview

Nate Solder, Colorado, 6-8 318, 7th Season: Solder enters the final year of a two year extension he signed in 2015. After missing most of the 2015 season with an injury, Solder bounced back in 2016 and played well. He is quietly one of the best left tackles in the NFL. Solder is as good as any tackle in the league in pass pro. He is athletic and has great feet. 

Don’t be surprised if Solder gets one last payday elsewhere after this season. He is highly regarded around the league.

Joe Thuney, N.C State, 6-5 304, 2nd Season: Thuney brought an attitude to the Patriots offensive line that they haven’t had since Logan Mankins played left guard here.

The former tackle made a smooth transition inside to guard. Thuney was technically sound as a run blocker and he did a great job of anchoring down in pass pro. Thuney held his own against some of the best defensive tackles in the game.

Thuney has already established himself as one of the Patriots best offensive lineman and look for him to continue to get better.

David Andrews, Georgia, 6-2 286, 3rd Season: The undrafted free agent out of Georgia signed a three year extension this off-season. Andrews is undersized but he is fundamentally sound, takes good angles as a run blocker and holds his own in pass pro. He is a high I.Q player who is a great fit in the Patriots offense because of his mind and athleticism.

Shaq Mason, Georgia Tech, 6-2 310, 3rd Season: Mason had an up and down season in 2016. At times, he played well and held his own. When he was matched up against bigger, longer defensive tackles, Mason looked overmatched.

Mason is technically sound but he does require help against bigger players inside. His lack of length hurts him. That being said, Mason is athletic and gets out quickly on plays where he has to reach block or pull. Scarnecchia loves that part of his game and that is why Mason is starting.

Marcus Cannon, TCU, 6-5 358, 7th Season: Cannon has finally found a home on the Patriots offensive line after shuffling between tackle and guard the first five seasons of his career.

Cannon settled in at right tackle last season and was a dominant run blocker. Not only that, but he held his own as pass blocker as well. The Patriots stuck with Cannon and it appears their patience has paid off. 

Cameron Fleming, Stanford, 6-5 323, 4th Season: Fleming has played guard, tackle and as the extra tackle in short yardage situations. He has never been able to secure a starting job but he is a valuable reserve offensive lineman because of his versatility.

Ted Karras, Illinois, 6-4 308, 2nd Season: I didn’t think Karras was going to make the team after the Patriots drafted him in the sixth round of the 2016 draft but he had a good training camp and parlayed that into a spot on the 53 man roster. Karras is versatile in that he can play guard or center.

Jamil Douglas, Arizona State, 6-4 304, 3rd Season: The former 49er has played mostly guard in his career but is athletic enough and long enough to kick outside to tackle as well. He will battle Karras and rookie Antonio Garcia for the seventh offensive line spot. 

LaAdrian Waddle, Texas Tech, 6-6 321, 5th Season: Waddle is long and athletic. He can play both tackle spots but is better suited on the right side. Waddle has had a long injury history so he needs to prove he can stay healthy if he wants to make the team.

Antonio Garcia, Troy, 6-6 293, RK: Garcia is a good athlete who is athletic and plays with an edge. He can play left tackle or kick inside to guard. On the surface, it would appear that the Patriots drafted Garcia as the heir apparent to Nate Solder but don’t be surprised if he ends up playing guard long term.

Conor McDermott, UCLA, 6-8 305, RK: McDermott is raw but he is long, athletic and projects as a left tackle long term. Scarnecchia will take his time developing McDermott.