FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- As the initial shock of the Logan Mankins' trade to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers subsides, let's focus on some of the offensive linemen on the New England Patriots' roster most affected by the move:

Josh Kline (6-3, 295). The second-year player from Kent State has lined up at both guard spots, and was the first option to step in to Mankins' spot Dec. 22 against the Ravens when Mankins was moved out to tackle. Kline entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent and quickly won over teammates with his flat-line approach. Prior to the Mankins trade, he was a contender for the starting right guard spot, and also was being used as a blocking tight end. Kline would be our choice as the most likely candidate to step into Mankins' left guard spot.

Jordan Devey (6-6, 317) -- The first-year blocker from Memphis played more than any Patriots offensive lineman through the first three preseason games (203 of 219 snaps), lining up at both guard spots and also left tackle. Bill Belichick previously cited his improvement from 2013 when he was on the team's practice squad. The 6-foot-6, 317-pound Devey could now make the roster and potentially compete for a valuable role.

Dan Connolly (6-4, 305) -- The nine-year veteran has shown he's capable at center, right guard and left guard. Entering training camp, one line of thinking was that his $3 million base salary could put him in jeopardy of losing a spot on the roster, but there would be an added risk for the Patriots to go that route now after losing Mankins.

Marcus Cannon (6-5, 335) -- The four-year veteran has played both tackle spots and right guard, and to our eye, looks more comfortable at tackle. But Mankins' departure, and some other potential moving parts, could warrant another look at right guard.

Ryan Wendell (6-2, 300) -- The team's center the past two seasons, he has been engaged in a competition with Connolly and fourth-round draft choice Bryan Stork for the top job this summer. With Mankins no longer on the club, and the potential for Connolly to move back to guard as Stork still recovers from an undisclosed injury that has sidelined him since July 29, it could strengthen his chances to stick.

OTHERS TO MONITOR: Second-year guard Chris Barker, first-year center Braxston Cave, rookie guard Jon Halapio.