Just looking around at guys who play LT whose contracts are up(?) to see what the market looks like going into next year. I saw a couple younger guys coming off their fifth year on their rookie deals. Matt Kalil of the Vikings and Riley Reiff of the Lions. Are these guys likely to hit FA? Are they clear upgrades?
I'm thinking RG is our priority OL spot to change going into next season with JJ being the oldest on the squad, and from what I see in games, he's not an all time guard. But, with Flowers continuing to struggle at times going against the speed rushers, maybe he'd be better in that spot, given his physicality. He may be able to open up the run better while more consistent tackle play on the blind side will benefit the passing game. I'm far from an expert on any of this stuff, obviously. But, I was curious about potential upgrades on the line. Do either of these two guys fit the bill in any respect? How else would we upgrade our line and build a line that can last several years as a unit?
They need 2-3 OL picks in the draft or one good FA.
The problem is Reese and his staff haven't hit on a a great FA pick there since McKenzie. Baas was always hurt and worse they redid his deal twice. Schwartz was a disaster. Jerry a bargain basement grab who has been at least average this year but easily replaceable. And since they sho or re up both Hankins and JPP they need to draft 2-3 guys who actually develop. I'm no longer sure Pugh gets a 2nd deal here. He's solid but nothing more. He's been better than I thought he'd be but hardly irreplaceable.
I don't understand trying to draft an LT though. Presumably, our scouts thought Flowers was a top LT prospect. Why would we want to duplicate that method? Doesn't it make more sense to get a sure quantity in a young vet LT who has a proven track record in the pros? Obviously, Flowers has the talent. But, his consistency seems to be the issue, moving him to RG would seem to off set that issue a bit, since he'd no longer be on the blind side, going against the best pass rushers on the other side.
Sign Larry Warfird as FA right guard and your offensive line is set
Flowers is real young and I truly believe he will be fine as LT
Bobby Hart can be a swing tackle and Jones as guard / center backup
Maybe just a garbage can fire?
To me, it seems like he is a starter no matter what. I'm just thinking, LT seems to be the most important OL position due to its affect on passing plays with a right handed QB. Given that, maybe Flowers talents would be better spent elsewhere (RG) while a known and proven LT can be signed to take over that spot. I also, don't think we need more than one starting quality OL. I think Hart is holding it down at RT. I like his presence on the field as well. He's a good referee. He protects our guys after the play especially.
I didn't trash him much. He just seems to have issues with consistency. Others have said that's due to his inconsistent technique. I've also heard his physical ability is tops on the team. Why do you say the negative perception is exaggerated? How do you judge his play? Do you have examples or ideas in mind? I don't know a whole lot about the ins and outs of OL play, so any info you might have would be appreciated.
Get the five best pass blockers to play most downs. These are my starters.
Bring in a mix of vets and youth - guys who may not pass block well but can generate a push in the run game. Get these guys in on the cheap, since they aren't going to get starter pay anywhere else. These are my rush-block specialists.
On short-yardage/goal-line or when you want to run out the clock with a lead, bring in the rush specialists and replace the guys who are deficient in the regular run game.
I know this plan has a lot of flaws, but honestly it's just so hard to find talent who can do both things well. I know it's better to be developing depth with your backup positions but we've struggled so much to do this. I'm just frustrated and would seriously consider this if we can't find two-way players for the OL next year. I'm not convinced that we have a lot of 2-way players on this OL.