New England Patriots: Questions Cutting Nick Kaczur Would Raise
If the New England Patriots are to part ways with their starting right tackle Nick Kaczur this close to the 2011 NFL Draft, one has to wonder if some offensive linemen may move up on their big board.
This is just one of the many questions raised if he were cut from the team, which seems nearly certain after Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald reported that the team approached Kaczur about a pay cut and that he had declined.
But the Patriots have been the masters of making the tough decisions over the years, and this one figures to be no different.
What does his dismissal from the team mean?
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A Hole at Guard?
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Kaczur was projected to start at guard in 2010 when it was announced that Logan Mankins would be holding out for the first half of the season. He practiced there in training camp, but was put on injured reserve with a back injury before the season even started.
The Patriots have Dan Connolly, but he was a great swing-man, and I think he's better suited in that role.
Steve Neal may also be asked to take a pay cut, so that in addition to the release of Nick Kaczur would really leave a gaping hole at guard.
On that note, let's go to the next slide.
Signing Logan Mankins Just Got a Lot More Important
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Okay, so it's not really a question, but it bears mentioning.
The Patriots have placed the obscure franchise tag on Logan Mankins. It's unclear whether this is even legitimate, but regardless, the Patriots must sign Mankins to a long-term deal.
Mankins is clearly their best offensive linemen, and maintaining some measure of continuity along the offensive line is important. The Patriots don't want to say goodbye to two of their starting offensive linemen in one year while Tom Brady is still under center.
Protecting Brady is priority No. 1, and thus, so should maintaining consistency on the offensive line.
Will They Draft an Offensive Linemen in the First Round?
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There are offensive linemen who will be available later on in the draft that could present a lot of value for the Patriots. Dante Scarnecchia has gotten the most out of lesser talent before, and Nick Kaczur was among those.
Offensive linemen may have moved up the board a bit, though. There are some available at the top of the draft, such as Mike Pouncey, brother of Steelers first-round center Maurkice Pouncey.
The Patriots were in the running for one of the talented offensive linemen available at the top of the draft, but with this recent announcement, they may be at the forefront.
I don't personally think they need to draft an offensive linemen in the first round to replace Nick Kaczur, because he's not that talented of a player to warrant replacing with a first-rounder, but if the value is there, I'd never put it past the Patriots to draft an offensive linemen in the first round.
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How Will the Pieces Fall?
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The Patriots are still waiting to work out the situation with Matt Light, and his return or departure will signal either consistency or an overhaul on the offensive line.
Will Sebastian Vollmer play right tackle next year, or will he move over to the left?
Does Dan Connolly project as a starter at guard? Or maybe even as the next starting center?
Regardless, the offensive line will surely see some measure of reshaping this offseason.
What Do You Think?
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What do you think of the move? I could hardly call anything the Patriots do "bad ideas", because they've proven a lot of people wrong in the past.
But how do you think things will unfold? Will the Patriots go after an offensive linemen in the first round? Will they stay put with what they have and hope to develop someone under Scarnecchia?
I welcome your thoughts.
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