FOXBORO, Mass. — The Patriots have stockpiled plenty of depth in this draft, and they added a big value pick in Saturday's fifth round, taking TCU offensive lineman Marcus Cannon with the 138th overall selection. Cannon's stock dropped this week due to health concerns, but if he checks out, the Patriots might have gotten one of the draft's greatest steals.
Key Stats
The 6-foot-5, 358-pounder played his entire senior season at left tackle after spending his first three seasons at right tackle.
Scouting Report
Cannon is a massive specimen with good athleticism and tons of raw power. He was considered a solid second-round prospect with the potential to sneak into the first round, but he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma the week before the draft, and it was unclear if he would even get taken. The outlook is said to be good for Cannon, who could recover quickly. Cannon could make the switch to guard in the NFL, and that will be a strong possibility in New England.
Roster Impact
It will depend on his health, but as a best-case scenario, Cannon could compete for a starting job at guard, but that will be determined by Logan Mankins' situation. With the flexibility to play guard and tackle on both sides of the line, the Patriots will have many options with Cannon.
Top Story
Cannon's health is the big story here, and check NESN.com's update on his status.
Quote
"If everything shows up right, you don't know what is going to happen. That would be awesome [if I could participate in training camp], but I'm just taking my treatment day by day. Whenever I'm done with my treatment is when I get to go play football."
–Cannon on his immediate future in football.
