Wow, er ist groß (or "Wow he’s big")

In 2009, the New England Patriots drafted an offensive tackle in the second round of the NFL draft.  While this isn’t all that impressive, what is impressive was the size of this pick.  At 6’8, 315 pounds, offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer is enormous, even for the NFL.  During the 2009 season for the Patriots, Vollmer played 8 games, eventually replaced tackle Nick Kaczur during the final two regular season games and the playoff loss to the Ravens, earning him a starting spot at right tackle in 2010.  Last year, Vollmer played all 16 games and was voted to the Associated Press All-Pro team.  It is safe to say that it won’t be long until he reaches his first Pro Bowl as well.  So what is it that makes Sebastian Vollmer so special?  How about that 7 years ago, when he was a freshman at the University of Houston, Vollmer couldn’t speak English. 

Vollmer was born in Düsseldorf, Germany, where he would eventually lead the German American football team, the Düsseldorf Panthers to a 25-0 record and 2 Junior Bowl victories.  Catching the attention of college scouts, Vollmer eventually made his way to America in 2004 to play as a tight end for the University of Houston.  After undergoing back surgery in his sophomore year, however, Vollmer moved to offensive tackle.  It was here that he thrived, being named first team All-Conference USA in his senior year.

After a private work out with Patriots offensive line coach, Dante Scarnecchia, in 2009, the Patriots felt they had found what they were looking for: A young, talented, and massive tackle to protect their prized quarterback in the pocket, especially after Brady had his frightening knee injury a year earlier.  Now, two years later, Vollmer is a household name in New England and is sure to be an all-star player in years to come as his contract doesn’t expire until 2013. 

Long time starting left tackle for the Patriots, Matt Light, resigned with the Patriots this weekend for a two year deal.  While his veteran presence is highly appreciated by the new players in the locker room, it will be his mentoring of new tackle Nate Solder (acquired in the 2011 NFL draft, 1^st round) where Light will be most valuable.  When it comes time that Solder is ready to take over for Light, the Patriots will have a fierce offensive line and Brady will have forever to throw the ball.  Solder, like Vollmer, is massive, measuring out to be 6’8, 319 pounds.  Between the two tackles, it will be like brick walls are protecting Brady in the pocket.  The only thing I’m worried about with our offensive line this year is if Brady, reaching 6’4 (4 inches shorter than both Vollmer and Solder) will be able to see over his new tackles to throw the ball.

Greg’s 2011 Prediction for Sebastian Vollmer:

2 Sack Allowed

16 Defensive Ends Crushed

1 Pro Bowl Invitation

Overall Grade: B+