FOXBORO, Mass. — Sebastian Vollmer looks like the prototypical tackle at 6-foot-8, 320 pounds, so it’s no surprise that the German-born New England Patriots right tackle has never played guard.
The Patriots are considering sliding Vollmer over to guard, however, according to The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin, filling the void left after trading Logan Mankins to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and allowing fourth-year pro Marcus Cannon to play right tackle. The Patriots have plenty of options on their offensive line, but that was one not previously considered.
Vollmer was mum when asked if the team had talked with him about a possible position switch.
“I’m not going to get into what we do internally,” Vollmer said Monday in the Patriots’ locker room before practice.
Vollmer, like any player signed by the Patriots, is willing to do whatever is best for the team.
“Hey, if they put me as wide receiver, you know I will be doing that, too,” Vollmer cracked. “I’ll do what they want to do.”
Vollmer has only played left tackle and right tackle since converting from tight end after his sophomore year at the University of Houston. It’s rare to see a 6-foot-8 guard, but the Patriots have seemed hesitant to move Cannon to guard full-time.
Solder, Vollmer and Cannon might be the Patriots’ best three offensive linemen, but they all play the same position, meaning one will likely have to move before New England’s Week 1 regular season opener against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday. Veterans Ryan Wendell and Dan Connolly are expected to fill out the Patriots’ starting offensive line, though we won’t know for sure until the Patriots take the field in Miami at 1 p.m.
