2011 NFL Draft: Does Steve Neal's Retirement Change New England Patriots' Plans?

It's official: Steve Neal has announced his retirement, and leaves behind a 305-pound hole at right guard.

The New England Patriots have had incredible continuity along the offensive line, featuring the same starting five for over five years. With the retirement of Steve Neal and the cutting of Nick Kaczur, though, all of that is about to change.

Needless to say, retaining Matt Light and Logan Mankins just got a lot more important.

But how does it affect New England's plans for the 2011 NFL Draft?

It's hard to tell exactly how much—if at all—any specific roster move indicates new draft plans for the Patriots. They don't hastily draft a player to address a need, but instead, stick to the age-old mantra of making the decisions that are best for the football team.

In the end, it comes down to how the Patriots feel about Dan Connolly as a legitimate starter. He played very well in spot duty for not only Mankins during his holdout, but also Neal during his injury.

As of right now, the starters project to be (from left to right) Light, Mankins, Dan Koppen, Connolly and Sebastian Vollmer.

It's always nice to have a "sixth man" on the offensive line who can slide in seamlessly when needed. Connolly proved to be highly effective in that role.

Right now, though, that role falls upon Quinn Ojinnaka, Ryan Wendell and/or Mark LeVoir.

Offensive line was already considered one of the top needs for the Patriots in the draft and Neal's retirement may compound that need. With so many picks in the first three rounds, don't be surprised if the Patriots pick up one of a deep class of interior offensive linemen who are ripe for Dante Scarnecchia's molding.

It can never hurt to add a little more depth and youth on the offensive line, but for New England, it may have just become imperative.