New England Patriots 2015 Offensive Line Breakdown

Oct 26, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots center Ryan Wendell (62) blocks Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jeremiah Ratliff (90) during the second half of New England

RG: Ryan Wendell

The two tackles and the center position are all but locked up. It would take an injury for anyone besides Solder, Vollmer or Stork to start at those positions this season. That being said, there will be ample opportunity at both guard positions. While this could go in many different directions, I am going to put my money on the veteran Wendell to win back his job at right guard.

After the Patriots replaced Wendell at center last season, he actually went on to have a good year, finding a home as a successful right guard. The Patriots seemingly tried everyone at the position last season before landing on Wendell, but he is a good veteran option who performed when given the opportunity.

Wendell does not represent much upside at the position, and we have seen him struggle mightily before, but he seemed to turn a corner with the position change. I have faith that he will continue to succeed at the level where he will not hurt the Patriots up front.

The competition at both guard spots is going to be fierce. Some combination of Wendell, rookie Tre’ Jackson, Josh Kline, Caylin Hauptmann, Jordan Devey and Fleming will probably fill out the last two spots. Mason, Cannon, Chris Barker, David Andrews and Kevin Hughes are all technically in the competition too, but they are all relative long-shots.

For now, I am going to say Wendell is the Patriots’ right guard on opening night, but the pressure will be on for him to succeed. If he were to falter, Kline and Hauptmann would be my favorites to land the position.

Next: Now, Who the Heck Starts at Left Guard?