Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

So I think we all agree that we need to bolster our offensive line, primarily the depth on the line.

But where exactly do we need help? Better said, if we had to choose what's our priority? Is it at the Center position? Guard? Tackle?

I'm inclined to think Guard (Scheuning or the dude from USC in the 3rd round?). But interested to get everyone else's take.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

I'm inclined to say guard as well. Pete Kendall is a good player, but at his age, he's a band-aid. It sounds like Lorenzo Alexander is going to focus on offense from now on, and people think he can be a dominant pulling guard, but I don't want to wager it all on him. If the Skins could pick up a decent guard in the middle rounds, I'd be happy. If there's a stud guard sitting there at 21, I say go for it.

In order of preference, I'd say G->C->T right now.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Frankly, I think the OL needs help and/or depth at every position except TE.

No one who tried to fill in for Jansen last year covered himself in glory; some of them were embarrassments.

Randy Thomas has been injured a lot in the past couple fo years so depth at guard is really important. As a side issue, just how much gas is left in Kendall's tank? He's good for 2008 - absent an injuiry - but for how long after that?

At center the Redskins are average/ordinary. Rabach doesn't embarrass himself out there, but he's hardly the rock you build a line around either. I wouldn't make center the highest priority, but to ignore an upgrade there would be a long-term mistake.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Our LT sucks. Thank God we got the unstoppable duo of Kendall and Fabini at G.

Anyway we could use some depth at Guard and Tackle but I think the O-Line will be near the top of the league with the return of Thomas and Jansen. Plus I'm confident that Buges could turn a gallon of milk into a respectable starter. Hopefully he stays around for a few more years.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;422199]So I think we all agree that we need to bolster our offensive line, primarily the depth on the line.

But where exactly do we need help? Better said, if we had to choose what's our priority? Is it at the Center position? Guard? Tackle?

I'm inclined to think Guard (Scheuning or the dude from USC in the 3rd round?). But interested to get everyone else's take.[/quote]

guard would be the place to start, but as JLC's recent article on the offseason suggested, a guard/center would be ideal as Pucillo has had back problems & might not make the team. If Rabach goes down Kendall is the only other guy that can play center to my knowledge.

IF Heyer & Alexander (that article also mentions him playing O full time) can improve this offseason, that's a good start on building some depth. Pretty sweet considering both were undrafted. Still, Kendall is way old & Thomas is gettin there. i wouldn't mind seeing Kendall get beat out for his starting spot this year.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

I'd say a good guard is needed as well as a stud tackle in next year's draft.

We can get by with Samuels/Jansen/Heyer/Vet for a year but I'd like to upgrade at guard immediately if possible. Actually I guess I'd take which we can get a better value on.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

we need depth at G/C.. Assuming Jansen returns and possibly Wade as a backup, Heyer is solid so we are good at tackle.. I'm 50-50 on Lo-Ax being a quality fill in for an extended period of time at one of the interior spots, I'd like to see a young prospect drafted to develop.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Of course depth would be nice at all spots. Hopefully we can just get some of these guys to stay healthy for the majority of the year. Last year was just ridiculous with injuries up front.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Chris Samuels = solid but getting old
Pete Kendall = solid but old, arthritic knees
Casey rabach = average
Randy Thomas = costantly injured, and getting old
Jon Jansen = costantly injured, and getting old

I'd say we need to start bringing in some young talent that could eventually replace some of these guys. Maybe a vet free agent that you can plug in to some spots.

Heyer still doesn't strike me as being the best O Lineman in the world. Alexander is a bit intriguing.

Todd Wade is garbage.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

It would be nice to see a complete season with Samuels (31) / Kendall (35) / Rabach (31) / Thomas (32) / Jansen (32) in the lineup...

And while Kendall is older, he's still quality, and could be great depth if the Skins can find someone to replace him.

With Alexander and Heyer for depth, the Skins could be worse off. I'd say Guard / Center / Tackle in that order as far as trying to obtain quality depth.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[quote=Soup's Uncle;422221]Chris Samuels = solid but getting old
Pete Kendall = solid but old, arthritic knees
Casey rabach = average
Randy Thomas = costantly injured, and getting old
Jon Jansen = costantly injured, and getting old

I'd say we need to start bringing in some young talent that could eventually replace some of these guys. Maybe a vet free agent that you can plug in to some spots.

Heyer still doesn't strike me as being the best O Lineman in the world. Alexander is a bit intriguing.

Todd Wade is garbage.[/quote]

Samuels is not old and a lot more than solid
Rabach is above average/good

Thomas/Jansen have been injured lately but let's give JJ the benefit of the doubt b/c of his 2 fluke injuries.


I think we do need to get younger but at who's expense. I think we can have a top oline as long as everyone is healthy.

The one area of improvement may be Pete Kendall. Some competition at that spot might be a good thing.

Todd Wade/Fabini....let's draft some competition for these guys or hope they don't get in the game

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Guard is the most pressing position. Kendall would be better for us in a back-up role at G/C. Mark Wahle being released by the Panthers would be a good fix for the next 2-3 years at LG. Thomas is Pro Bowl caliber when healthy, but he's in his 30s and coming of a major injury. The Steelers have a big, young Guard who is a restricted FA, Chris Kemoeatu, who could add depth and push for a starting spot. Depending on the tender offer the Steelers make we would only have to give up a 6th round pick to get him. This will all depend on what the Steelers do with Faneca. If Faneca is re-signed Kemoeatu would probably get a lower tender offer. If not the Steelers won't let him get away.

I don't think there are any solid FA Centers. We need to draft a Center with our 3rd or 5th pick IMO.

Tackle is also an issue with Jansen's injury and age of both him & Samuels. Heyer will be solid, but Shelton from Miami would be a good signing to give Heyer more time to develop and provide injury insurance. He may beat out Jansen and start.

I don't think the "sky is falling" with the OL, but the high cap $$s and injury issues to Thomas & Jansen are killing us. I'm more confident Thomas can be productive for most of the remaining life of his contract, but I'm not confident in Jansen returning to a high level of productivity. If we have another injury at a key OT spot we are in HUGE trouble if we don't address the OL.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

I think Kendall needs to be replaced. It was a bad idea going into last season thinking Wade was the solution at LG. Bad bad idea. Hopefully we can get another year out of Kendall. So perhaps we can draft a guard in the early rounds. Both times in 05 and 07 when we made the playoffs, lack of depth at O-line was a major reason we lost. It can't be ignored another year.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;422199]So I think we all agree that we need to bolster our offensive line, primarily the depth on the line.

But where exactly do we need help? Better said, if we had to choose what's our priority? Is it at the Center position? Guard? Tackle?

I'm inclined to think Guard (Scheuning or the dude from USC in the 3rd round?). But interested to get everyone else's take.[/quote]

Is Fanaca out of the question? Big upgrade over Kendall but he's going to want big $.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

We've got enough money as it is tied up amongst the OL starters. I really don't see where we would have much wiggle room to bring in another high priced starter only to move someone like Kendall to the bench. The best bet is to continue grooming guys like Heyer and Alexander and add some cheap veteran depth where we can.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;422255]We've got enough money as it is tied up amongst the OL starters. I really don't see where we would have much wiggle room to bring in another high priced starter only to move someone like Kendall to the bench. The best bet is to continue grooming guys like Heyer and Alexander and add some cheap veteran depth where we can.[/QUOTE]

And there is the result of over spending, with the exception of Samuels I believe the whole line could be over hauled, perhaps with 2 bull guards Rabach might have the support he needs on both sides to step his game up, I have no confidence in any one at right tackle, Heyer looks like a career backup, and I don't expect much from Jansen any longer, so lets go with 2 guards and a right tackle.

Just say no to ocho, and yes to offensive line help!

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

The guy who I am intrigued by, and who could be had a reasonable price for a young player -not cheap but not Dockery money either - is Andrews in Cinci. He's a young tackle and his brother the Philly pro-bowl guard. He's been behind both Willie Anderson and I've read a couple reports that the guy has a big upside. B/c he hasn't started he won't get big big money. But he hasn't started b/c he's been behind a couple of stud tackles. We would have to outbid Cinci but they have a lot of other concerns too.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

How about draft a guard with a late round pick. I like Eric Young of Tennessee and he is projected to fall to these rounds. A lot of people have Young in the top 5 among offensive guards in the upcoming draft.


[url=http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=17501]Eric Young, OG, Tennessee - 2008 NFL Draft Scout Profile, Powered by The SportsXchange[/url]

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

What I wouldn't mind seeing in the first or second round is seeing the Redskins draft a RT type that can play Guard while Jansen is still a Redskin.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

I think the Skins need a guy who is a C/G combo type. Someone who can play either, but is a little better at one or the other. I'm sick of guys going down every single season and having to go to old backups who are barely holding onto NFL jobs. A couple mid to late round guards or a G and a C and I'll be happy. I like the depth at T right now, myself. I think Heyer will get better and Wade is serviceable.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;422271]The guy who I am intrigued by, and who could be had a reasonable price for a young player -not cheap but not Dockery money either - is Andrews in Cinci. He's a young tackle and his brother the Philly pro-bowl guard. He's been behind both Willie Anderson and I've read a couple reports that the guy has a big upside. B/c he hasn't started he won't get big big money. But he hasn't started b/c he's been behind a couple of stud tackles. We would have to outbid Cinci but they have a lot of other concerns too.[/QUOTE]

Good thought. He might get franchised though

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Not sure if they would franchise him. He's gotten good buzz, but is that enough to pay him a top five salary?

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

i say LG and a backup C first then depth for Jansen and Samuels

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[quote=SmootSmack;422199]So I think we all agree that we need to bolster our offensive line, primarily the depth on the line.

But where exactly do we need help? Better said, if we had to choose what's our priority? Is it at the Center position? Guard? Tackle?

I'm inclined to think Guard (Scheuning or the dude from USC in the 3rd round?). But interested to get everyone else's take.[/quote]We need help at Guard and at Center. We will eventually need Tackle help when Heyer takes Jansen's spot, but until then Heyer provides excellent depth.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Come on people, don't knock my boy Heyer. He held is own for a few games (Go Terps!). I think the O Line needs depth, but I think the bigger deal was to keep Bugel in the coaching staff. He'll shape up Heyer and Alexander.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;422271]The guy who I am intrigued by, and who could be had a reasonable price for a young player -not cheap but not Dockery money either - is Andrews in Cinci. He's a young tackle and his brother the Philly pro-bowl guard. He's been behind both Willie Anderson and I've read a couple reports that the guy has a big upside. B/c he hasn't started he won't get big big money. But he hasn't started b/c he's been behind a couple of stud tackles. We would have to outbid Cinci but they have a lot of other concerns too.[/QUOTE]

Apparently, he's not as under the radar as I thought.

"The lack of franchise-caliber offensive tackles on the free agency market will lead to hefty paydays for Travelle Wharton, Shane Locklear and Stacey Andrews. Although none of the three have ever earned a Pro Bowl nomination, Wharton, Locklear and Andrews possess the athleticism and potential to command big bucks on the open market.

Wharton, who has 44 career starts at left and right tackle, is ranked as the top available tackle prospect and will sign a contract that will average $6 to $7 million a year. Meanwhile, Locklear and Andrews are likely looking at contracts that will surpass the five-year, $25 million deal that Langston Walker inked with the Bills last season."


[url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/bucky_brooks/02/14/league.buzz/index.html]SI.com - Writers - Bucky Brooks: Garrett to become top dog, deep RB draft class, more - Thursday February 14, 2008 5:10PM[/url]

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Guard needs some depth. I like Rabach at center and Jansen/Thomas is great for now. Defensive line needs MUCH MORE WORK ON IT.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[quote=HOGTIMUS PRIME;422270]And there is the result of over spending, with the exception of Samuels I believe the whole line could be over hauled, perhaps with 2 bull guards Rabach might have the support he needs on both sides to step his game up, I have no confidence in any one at right tackle, Heyer looks like a career backup, and I don't expect much from Jansen any longer, so lets go with 2 guards and a right tackle.

Just say no to ocho, and yes to offensive line help![/quote]

Well, the saying goes it all starts up front. If you're going to spend money I don't have a problems spending it on the OL.

It's a little premature to overhaul the unit.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

The biggest problem with the offensive line is too many injuries. When healthy, they are a solid unit but the Skins cannot rely on the entire line remaining healthy. So the number one priority is to beef up the depth. To me the weakest link is the center. I see him getting over powered too often. They need to draft a player that can play center and guard. I like Stephon Heyer, he is developing nicely. If they can get a tackle prospect late in the draft to complement Heyer, that would be great.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Late to the party here, I think Guard and Center should be the #1 Priority, Thomas and Kendall have maybe 2 more good years left barring injury, Rabach is not much farther behind them...I think we are still in decent shape at Tackle...Jansen is still very good and Samuels...Pro Bowl, enough said. I think you guys are a little tough on Heyer...he did make some mistakes but he held up quite well against some very tough DL's and did a very good job for a rookie, Wade is overpaid but still serviceable as a backup.

I think these holes should be filled through the draft...thanks to that stupid (IMO) amount of money Buffalo overpaid for Dockery it's going to be very tough to find a free agent Lineman without busting the bank right now, I'd rather see the money spent on a proven big receiver or DB.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

just watched nfl network & ther analyst - Mayock, as Branden Albert, a jr. from UVA. rising up as the top guard & into the top 10 overall. Thinks he can play left tackle in the nfl.

I watched him play a no. of times over the years & he is a beast. Although I've thought DE or maybe CB were the top priorities w/our first pick, if this guy is still there he would be an ideal pick. Someone said it'd be nice to have a guy that can play guard until Jansen retires & then play tackle. Albert sounds like the guy to do that.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Guard is a more imeditate need but we also need to start thinking about grooming Jansen's replacement. If Jansen breaks down one more time that's all she wrote...

VC said yesterday that they will look for a versitle OL that can play various positions.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

they're all getting old. we can use our 2nd and 3rd on an OT and OG... pre-combine and pro days its kinda hard to say will fall where, but a guy like otah might fall, and even the best guards generally aren't taken till the top of the second round.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;422354]Not sure if they would franchise him. He's gotten good buzz, but is that enough to pay him a top five salary?[/QUOTE]

Andrews was franchised

[url=http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=681b997d-e0b7-492f-8773-6d0c76b9d7f1]Bengals Designate Stacy Andrews As Franchise Player - Cincinnati breaking news, weather radar, traffic from 9News | Channel 9 WCPO.com[/url]

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

we need help at the 1-2-4 and the 5 on the line... I'm comfortable with Rabach for a few more years, but the age of kendall, samuels, jansen and thomas bothers the crap out of me. I say we begin the re-load. We need to use our 2nd round pick on a LT... Jansen or Samuels will miss at least 8 games between them next year. Its a given.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

The price of an LT in this league is insane. I would count on [URL="http://mvn.com/nfl-redskins/2008/02/17/chris-samuels-washingtons-15-year-lt/"]Samuels being here for a long while[/URL]. (Full Disclousure: I wrote the article, so don't treat it as my "source'.)

Thomas too. These guys will be around for a long time as Redskins while the other postions get replaced by youth.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

Todd Wade is a joke AND hes an ugly mofo. Call me crazy, but I like Stephen Heyor. Something about the way he plays just gives me a feeling that he will be good, and be here a while. Jansen is really good but only when hes not injured which is about 85% of the time. Randy who? Thomas is fading faster than a 1992 dollar bill. Samuels is still good but if he goes down, who will be the starter? I like Kendall for another year but we need some help in the draft thats for sure.

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;423634]Andrews was franchised

[url=http://www.wcpo.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=681b997d-e0b7-492f-8773-6d0c76b9d7f1]Bengals Designate Stacy Andrews As Franchise Player - Cincinnati breaking news, weather radar, traffic from 9News | Channel 9 WCPO.com[/url][/QUOTE]

Yup. Saw that. So much for an under the radar UFA. lol

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[QUOTE=redsk1;422234]Samuels is not old and a lot more than solid
Rabach is above average/good

Thomas/Jansen have been injured lately but [B]let's give JJ the benefit of the doubt b/c of his 2 fluke injuries. [/B]

I think we do need to get younger but at who's expense. I think we can have a top oline as long as everyone is healthy.

The one area of improvement may be Pete Kendall. Some competition at that spot might be a good thing.

Todd Wade/Fabini....let's draft some competition for these guys or hope they don't get in the game[/QUOTE]

How many "fluke" injuries can you get before we stop calling them "flukes" ??

Re: Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?
 

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;423811]Yup. Saw that. So much for an under the radar UFA. lol[/QUOTE]

Yeah maybe next time you'll listen to me when I oh so subtly try to tell you something ;)