New England Patriots: Stephen Neal's Retirement Changes Priorities for the Draft

New England Patriots right guard Stephen Neal announced his retirement today, closing his 10-year career as a member of the Patriots offensive line, confirmed the team in a press release in their website.

Neal signed with the Patriots as a rookie free agent in 2001. After being released by the Patriots following training camp, he spent time on the Philadelphia practice squad before returning to the Patriots when he signed to New England's active roster in December of 2001.

He made his first start in the week six of the 2002 season, but suffered a season-ending injury in the game against the Green Bay Packers, which also caused him to miss the 2003 season.

The former college wrestler finally became a starter in the 2004 season. He played as reserve in the two first weeks and then took the starting spot for good, culminating with New England’s victory in the Super Bowl XXXIX.

The 2005 season was the only time Neal started all 16 regular season games. After that, injuries plagued him again and forced him to miss 28 regular season games in five seasons.

Neal’s last snap was against the Detroit Lions on 2010 Thanksgiving, when he suffered a shoulder injury. He was placed in the injured reserve list.

This announcement definitely changes New England’s priorities for the 2011 NFL Draft. Many fans and pundits expected the Patriots to go for a pass rusher with the No.17 pick, but now Guard seems to be a more urgent need.

Left guard Logan Mankins is unhappy after getting the franchise tag, so he could decide to not report again until he gets a long term contract or is traded to another team.

Dan Conolly did a good job filling in for Mankins and Neal last season, but he is just a solid backup, not someone you would want as top guy in that position.

Nick Kaczur was always the weakest link of the offensive line when he played as right guard. He was expected to take Mankins’ spot last season but ended in the injured reserve.

According to several reports, Kaczur was going to get cut due to the high salary he is scheduled to earn. However, with Neal’s departure he could stay as insurance.

Make no mistake: the Patriots No.1 priority must be protecting Tom Brady.

New England will have to look for immediate help in that position. The offensive line has being very good in the past years, but now they could miss three 2010 starters (Neal, Mankins and free agent Matt Light).

The top prospect at guard is Florida’s Mike Pouncey, brother of Maurkice Pouncey, who had an outstanding rookie season as center for the Pittsburgh Steelers before getting injured in the AFC Championship game.

Most mock drafts put Pouncey around the No. 20-30 pick. He is definitely a realistic target for New England at No.17 or No.28.

Bill Belichick took three players from Florida in last year's draft: Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes and Aaron Hernandez. Considering how well they did, I'm all for getting another Gator.