New England Patriots 2015 Offensive Line Breakdown

Oct 5, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) lines up against the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 43-17. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

C: Bryan Stork

Another fairly obvious pick here, because Bryan Stork is not only the Patriots’ starting center right now, he is going to be for the foreseeable future. The Patriots struck gold when they drafted Stork out of Florida State in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft.

While he impressed in training camp, Stork was not the starting center to open the season. The Patriots’ offensive line struggled mightily to start the season, most notably giving up far too much pressure from the interior. Their struggles immediately seemed to stop, when Belichick entered Stork as the starting center after the first month of the season.

Stork proved to be an extremely valuable addition up front. He can run block well, holds the pocket in pass protection and perhaps most importantly for a center; he is has an extremely high football IQ and is a natural leader on the offensive line.

Stork made a huge difference up front for the Patriots last season, and was even named the team’s Rookie of the Year by Christopher Price of WEEI. He will undoubtedly be the team’s starting center for next season.

If Stork were to miss any time this season, Ryan Wendell probably moves back to center. However, rookie Shaquille Mason is an intriguing option who could bring more upside to the position than Wendell.

Next: Does the Veteran Hold His Spot at Right Guard?