Do you have much concern about the stalwart veterans Mankins and Wilfork dropping off significantly in their performance level? We’ve seen the Pats get rid of long-tenured players rather unceremoniously before, which makes one wonder whether the same thing could happen again, especially in the case of Mankins.

No on Mankins, he’s still young enough that he should be in his prime, and now that he’s a full year recovered from ACL surgery I’m expecting his best year since 2010. The Pats value their offensive lineman, so I don’t really see them jettisoning him regardless.

As for Wilfork they can’t keep running him into the ground, and if they keep relying on him so heavily it’s just a matter of time before he starts getting dinged. That’s why I think the Tommy Kelly signing was a good one. Kelly can take some heat off of Wilfork and has been injury-free for the last few seasons. Armond Armstead should help as well on passing downs. 

With a better supporting cast I think Vince will have an even more consistent impact, but there’s no question has he gets up there in years the Pats will have to protect him a bit.