Pulling off a rarity in today's NFL, the Patriots return their eight top linemen, with Nick Kaczur holding off a challenge from second-year man Ryan O'Callaghan for the starting job at right tackle. Left tackle Matt Light, left guard Logan Mankins, center Dan Koppen, and right guard Stephen Neal round out a smart, athletic starting unit that should improve with another year playing together. Achieving more consistency with run blocking is a top priority, and there might be more zone blocking to take advantage of Maroney's ability to make one sharp cut and explode through the hole. Mankins and Neal form one of the NFL's better guard combinations, and as bookends to Koppen, the Patriots should have success getting out in front on screen plays.

Rating: Same