Logan Mankins Traded To Buccaneers

Breaking news in the NFL, specifically New England today as the Pats have dealt their best offensive lineman for a young TE and a draft pick. 

Patriots send G Logan Mankins to Buccaneers for TE Tim Wright and a 4th round draft pick

The Pats will save money (shocker) by dealing Mankins, but at what cost?  He's not the best guard in the league anymore but he's the best they had. 

I think Gronk is ok (health wise, for now) and the move is more an attempt to recreate the two TE offense of Gronk-Hernandez that was so lethal. 

Wright was an undrafted rookie out of Rutgers last year who had 54 catches, 571 receiving yards and 5 TDs. 

He was a WR in college and could be that "move TE" in New England. 

Intrigued for sure but I'd rather have Mankins right now. 

Keefe Presents: Top 10 Offensive Lineman

Fats guys, it is time to unveil the very best of the best of the big uglies. Who are the best offensive lineman in the NFL? Here is a break down of the Top 10 Tackles, Guards, and Centers. (No I am no breaking up LT from RT or LG from RG, just enjoy the list.)

Tackles

1. Ryan Clady, Broncos

2. Joe Thomas, Browns

3. Jake Long, Dolphins

4. Michael Roos, Titans

5. Jordan Gross, Panthers

6. Jared Gaither, Ravens

7. Jamaal Brown, Saints

8. Bryant McKinnie, Vikings

9. Sebastian Vollmer, Patriots

10. D'Brickashaw Ferguson, Jets

Guards

1. Jahri Evans, Saints

2. Logan Mankins, Patriots
3. Steve Hutchinson, Vikings

4. Chris Snee, Giants

5. Leonard Davis, Cowboys

6. Ben Grubbs, Ravens

7. Alan Faneca, Cardinals

8. Ryan Lilja, Chiefs

9. Carl Nicks, Saints

10. Kris Dielman, Chargers

Center

1. Nick Mangold, Jets

2. Alex Mack, Browns

3. Andre Gurode, Cowboys

4. Matt Birk, Ravens

5. Dan Koppen, Patriots

6. Jeff Saturday, Colts

7. Ryan Kalil, Panthers

8. Shaun O'Hara, Giants

9. Nick Hardwick, Chargers

10. Jason Brown, Rams

There you have it, the best lineman in the league. Not surprisingly the tackles are almost entirely Left Tackles. It's difficult to single out lineman when they have no easy stats to look at. If they don't have a great QB or RB you might not be able to see just how good they can be. Admittedly I watch more Patriots games than any other team, but I am confident putting Vollmer, Koppen, and Mankins against anyone else.

Next up: Middle Linebackers

-Keefe