50 best players in the AFC East
By Brian Miller
Ryan Wendell
Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots guard Ryan Wendell (62) blocks during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
After going un-drafted in the 2008 NFL Draft, Wendell signed a deal with the New England Patriots. He would spend all of the 2008 season on the Patriots practice squad and most of the 2009 season on the same.
In 2009 the Patriots signed Wendell to the active roster and in 2010 he played in 10 games where he started the final two games of the season at center in place of injured starter Dan Connolly. In 2012 Wendell beat out veteran Dan Koppen for the starting center job and registered 1,379 snaps, including special teams play on the season. The most of any player in the NFL that year.
Wendell was moved to guard during the 2014 season where he has excelled. He has become one of the best offensive lineman for the Patriots and has started 49 games of his 77 pro appearances.
WAC Co-Freshman of the Year (2004)
First-team Freshman All-American (2004)
1× First-team All-WAC (2007)
2× AFC Champion (2011, 2014)
USA Today All-Joe Team (2012)