Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

I always get geeked about the draft. I've seen people clamoring for offensive lineman/defensive lineman and i would been in that group. But, knowing the Redskins anything can happen come draft time.

I wish we could know the Redskins evaluations of these players:

1) Chad Rinehart??-G/T-We used to hear good things about him during training camp.

Was his lack of playing time due to lack of ability or youth. It seems that Zorn isn't high on playing rookies and that Buges likes his veteran lineman.

Can Rinehart start and be effective at RG/RT

---(Woah! hit enter and it posted the thread woops!)-----------------

2) Can Justin Geisinger start and be effective at a Guard spot and backup center and eventually challenge Casey?

3) Can Devin Clark play or was it just hype because he might have been forced to play?

4) Could Jansen be effective playing an interior line spot?

5) Will/ can Thomas return next year, would we even want him too?

Last part is just a gripe:
What is going on with the talent evaluation that we let a kid that i heard Buges liked: Andrew Crummey go to the Bengals when we needed offensive lineman right here?

-BTW Crummey played in more games then Geisinger, Rinehart, Clark combined

Anyway could these line-ups be effective next year?

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Geisinger, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Heyer

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Jansen, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Rookie + Rookie center in waiting

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

Assuming we let Kendall go I think Rinehart will end up at LG

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=Mattyk72;517630]Assuming we let Kendall go I think Rinehart will end up at LG[/quote]

I agree. I think that was our plan for him when we drafted him. Although he was a tackle in college I believe he played both and was more projected at guard than tackle if I remember right. Fortunately Kendall was pretty healthy all year so Rhinehart has had more time to work on his technique and assignments. It's kinda hard to get a read on these guys when they've hardly played.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[B]Anyway could these line-ups be effective next year?

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Geisinger, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Heyer

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Jansen, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Rookie + Rookie center in waiting[/B]

If we don't draft a stud RT at 13 or go get one in FA my guess is the o-line doesn't really improve over last year. On the interior i won't be surprised if Jansen beats someone out to be a starter. I think it's a wait and see on Thomas' neck injury and certainly Kendell is getting up there (however after Samuels I think Kendell is our best lineman at this point). Seems Rinehart will have to take giant strides to start over any of Buges beloved vets. Anyway, i'd bet Jansen is somewhere on the interior next year replacing either Kendell or Rabach or Thomas, while Rinehart could get in depending on injury/retirement scenarios.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

I would like to see our o-line lineup look like this:

LT Samuels LG Kendall C Rabach RG Thomas RT Rookie

Backups: Jansen, Rinehart, Clark, Geisinger.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

Id like to see Jansen inside to see what he can do.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=30gut;517627]I always get geeked about the draft. I've seen people clamoring for offensive lineman/defensive lineman and i would been in that group. But, knowing the Redskins anything can happen come draft time.

I wish we could know the Redskins evaluations of these players:

1) Chad Rinehart??-G/T-We used to hear good things about him during training camp.

Was his lack of playing time due to lack of ability or youth. It seems that Zorn isn't high on playing rookies and that Buges likes his veteran lineman.

Can Rinehart start and be effective at RG/RT

---(Woah! hit enter and it posted the thread woops!)-----------------

2) Can Justin Geisinger start and be effective at a Guard spot and backup center and eventually challenge Casey?

3) Can Devin Clark play or was it just hype because he might have been forced to play?

4) Could Jansen be effective playing an interior line spot?

5) Will/ can Thomas return next year, would we even want him too?

Last part is just a gripe:
What is going on with the talent evaluation that we let a kid that i heard Buges liked: Andrew Crummey go to the Bengals when we needed offensive lineman right here?

[B] -BTW Crummey played in more games then Geisinger, Rinehart, Clark combined[/B]

Anyway could these line-ups be effective next year?

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Geisinger, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Heyer

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Jansen, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Rookie + Rookie center in waiting[/quote]

Didn't the bengals have like 13 players placed on IR and maybe 20 more that missed time? Im sure Crummeys playing time wasn't because of his awesome ability.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=The Goat;517690][B]Anyway could these line-ups be effective next year?

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Geisinger, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Heyer

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Jansen, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Rookie + Rookie center in waiting[/B]

If we don't draft a stud RT at 13 or go get one in FA my guess is the o-line doesn't really improve over last year. On the interior i won't be surprised if Jansen beats someone out to be a starter. I think it's a wait and see on Thomas' neck injury and certainly Kendell is getting up there (however after Samuels I think Kendell is our best lineman at this point). Seems Rinehart will have to take giant strides to start over any of Buges beloved vets. Anyway, i'd bet Jansen is somewhere on the interior next year replacing either Kendell or Rabach or Thomas, while Rinehart could get in depending on injury/retirement scenarios.[/quote]


I wonder if the only thing holding Rinehart back from playing and possibly playing better then Thomas @ RG or Fabini @ RT was Bugel's loyalty to his veterans and Zorn's reluctance to play rookies.

Heyer beats out Jansen for the RT spot in training camp gets hurt and doesn't regain the spot after his injury despite the decline in Jansens play.

Thomas struggled throughout the season yet wasn't replaced until his injury.
Fabini has been a G/T in this league. I remember last year when Thomas and Jansen went down the combo of Fabini and Heyer was pretty good.

IMO the offensive line play was one of the Redskins weak spots, but i can't help but wonder if the solution to the problems were sitting on the bench.

I think the team would be better if we could trade down or draft Orakpo (i know wishful thinking) with the 13th pick instead of having to take a OT.

My line-up would be:

[B]Samuels LT, Rinehart LG, Rabach (Jansen/Geisinger) C, Kendall RG, Heyer RT[/B]

A couple of guys mentioned Rinehart @ LG and i thought that would make sense, to have the pairing of veteran lineman next to a young lineman..

but on the other hand if we did take a OT w/ the 13th pick we should have a
much improved line:

[B]Samuels LT, Rinehart LG, Rabach(Jansen/Geisinger) C, Kendall RG, Rookie RT[/B]

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

or
[B]Samuels LT, Rinehart LG, Kendall C, Jansen RG, Rookie RT[/B]

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

However it plays out, we are going to need to replace 50% of our line in the next 3-4 seasons. Maybe before that if the injury bug keeps hitting us. We are going to need young bodies and fresh talent. Buges and Zorn are going to have to figure something out.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=hagams;517802]However it plays out, we are going to need to replace 50% of our line in the next 3-4 seasons. Maybe before that if the injury bug keeps hitting us. We are going to need young bodies and fresh talent. Buges and Zorn are going to have to figure something out.[/quote]

I hope that we don't have to draft a lineman with the 13th pick.

If the solutions to the offensive line issues can be solved in house, we could use the 13th pick to draft the best defensive player available thus bolstering our strongest unit or trade down and take 2 players.

I would love to see Brian Orakpo fall to the 13th

or trade down and land Rey Maualuga or BJ Raji

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

Looks as though a consensus is forming that Randy Thomas won't be starting again.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=The Goat;517810]Looks as though a consensus is forming that Randy Thomas won't be starting again.[/quote]

I thought Randy was one of the weak links on the offensive line.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

I also would like to ignore a lineman with our first overall pick. I know our lines are in shambles, but unless you're taking an LT -- the 13th pick is too early for an offensive lineman, and defensive guys scare the hell out of me. I've heard people on this board screaming for this DE or that DE (myself included) and when you look back -- that player did jack squat in the NFL. DEs have one of the highest bust rates in the NFL.

I must say, a stud LB would be a nice choice there. McIntosh is iffy, Washington is nearly done, and Fletch has been an absolute monster -- but he doesn't have a ton of time left.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=Daseal;517836]I also would like to ignore a lineman with our first overall pick. I know our lines are in shambles, but unless you're taking an LT -- the 13th pick is too early for an offensive lineman, and defensive guys scare the hell out of me. I've heard people on this board screaming for this DE or that DE (myself included) and when you look back -- that player did jack squat in the NFL. DEs have one of the highest bust rates in the NFL.

I must say, a stud LB would be a nice choice there. McIntosh is iffy, Washington is nearly done, and Fletch has been an absolute monster -- but he doesn't have a ton of time left.[/quote]

Haven't rookie linemen taken in the first round done fairly well for their teams over the past couple of years? Like Joe Thomas with the Browns, Ferguson with the Jets, and Jake Long with Miami?

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=Daseal;517836]I also would like to ignore a lineman with our first overall pick. I know our lines are in shambles, but unless you're taking an LT -- the 13th pick is too early for an offensive lineman, and defensive guys scare the hell out of me. I've heard people on this board screaming for this DE or that DE (myself included) and when you look back -- that player did jack squat in the NFL. DEs have one of the highest bust rates in the NFL.

I must say, a stud LB would be a nice choice there. McIntosh is iffy, Washington is nearly done, and Fletch has been an absolute monster -- but he doesn't have a ton of time left.[/quote]

Ideally, in my perfect world, we trade down and get a solid offensive lineman. Someone like say...Duke Robinson. And a second round pick

I agree though that 13 is too high for any linemen really, best as I can tell from the talent in the upper echelons of the draft. That spot though is prime for a stud LB. Problem is though it probably needs to be Brian Cushing and 13 may even be too high for him. Mauluaga and Luarianitis (sp? of both) are probably better. But both are inside linebackers and it's going to be hard to convince the fans that it made sense to spend the first pick on a player who is going to (most likely) sit on the bench behind Fletcher for a year or two.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

Perhaps the best plan is to draft.....smart? Come on, we've all seen that phrase before? Draft Smart?
Get good quality! Not most hyped guys. Our scouts REALLY need to earn their pay in the next couple of months.
WAIT........maybe since we are of a psuedo Indian/Native American image, we could get the cooperation of a tribe or two for some additional............scouts?
....probably not. It's all on you, Vinnie

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

I'll try to answer your questions.

[quote=30gut;517627]I wish we could know the Redskins evaluations of these players:

1) Can Rinehart start and be effective at RG/RT?

[B]Not if they don't give him a chance.[/B]

2) Can Justin Geisinger start and be effective at a Guard spot and backup center and eventually challenge Casey?

[B]Not if they don't give him a chance.[/B]


3) Can Devin Clark play or was it just hype because he might have been forced to play?

[B]Not if they don't give him a chance.[/B]


4) Could Jansen be effective playing an interior line spot?

[B]I think he's done.[/B]


5) Will/ can Thomas return next year, would we even want him too?

[B]I think he'll be back but he is slipping.[/B]

Last part is just a gripe:
What is going on with the talent evaluation that we let a kid that i heard Buges liked: Andrew Crummey go to the Bengals when we needed offensive lineman right here?

[B]I share your feelings about Crummey.[/B]

Anyway could these line-ups be effective next year?

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Geisinger, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Heyer

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Jansen, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Rookie + Rookie center in waiting

[B]Only the second lineup does anything for me at all. This is what I would like to see: LT - FA Jordan Gross, LG - Kendall to start the season, then Rookie (Duke Robinson?) taking over, C - Rabach, RG - Rinehart, RT - Samuels[/B]

[/quote]

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=30gut;517627]I always get geeked about the draft. I've seen people clamoring for offensive lineman/defensive lineman and i would been in that group. But, knowing the Redskins anything can happen come draft time.

I wish we could know the Redskins evaluations of these players:

1) Chad Rinehart??-G/T-We used to hear good things about him during training camp.

Was his lack of playing time due to lack of ability or youth. It seems that Zorn isn't high on playing rookies and that Buges likes his veteran lineman.

Can Rinehart start and be effective at RG/RT

---(Woah! hit enter and it posted the thread woops!)-----------------

2) Can Justin Geisinger start and be effective at a Guard spot and backup center and eventually challenge Casey?

3) Can Devin Clark play or was it just hype because he might have been forced to play?

4) Could Jansen be effective playing an interior line spot?

5) Will/ can Thomas return next year, would we even want him too?

Last part is just a gripe:
What is going on with the talent evaluation that we let a kid that i heard Buges liked: Andrew Crummey go to the Bengals when we needed offensive lineman right here?

-BTW Crummey played in more games then Geisinger, Rinehart, Clark combined

Anyway could these line-ups be effective next year?

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Geisinger, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Heyer

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Jansen, Rinehart

Samuels, Kendal, Rabach, Rinehart, Rookie + Rookie center in waiting[/quote]


I think you are looking at Samuels, Rinehart, Rabach, Thomas, Heyer. I would like Jansen to stay for backup or depth because Heyer seems to get dinged up, but I just dont see him staying. He would have to take less money also.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=Daseal;517836]I also would like to ignore a lineman with our first overall pick. I know our lines are in shambles, but unless you're taking an LT -- the 13th pick is too early for an offensive lineman, and defensive guys scare the hell out of me. I've heard people on this board screaming for this DE or that DE (myself included) and when you look back -- that player did jack squat in the NFL. DEs have one of the highest bust rates in the NFL.

I must say, a stud LB would be a nice choice there. McIntosh is iffy, Washington is nearly done, and Fletch has been an absolute monster -- but he doesn't have a ton of time left.[/quote]

See Ruhskins post - OL seem to be a fairly safe bet compared to other positions. You're right about DEs - very high bust factor. For that reason I think an OT would be an ideal pick at #13. (Remember Samuels was #3 overall in 2000). I think if one of the top OTs is available you have to look at him as an eventual LT even if in the first couple years he plays RT. Samuels is no spring chicken & eventually he'll start to break down more.

Someone mentioned that he could be moved to RT. I think that would be ideal in a year or two. For now he's still a solid LT when healthy.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

OL is safe, I'm talking about Dline being unsafe. However, 13 is a BAD spot to draft an Olineman. Unless we need an LT (which we don't) there's no reason to spend that high of a pick on a guard, center, or RT. Also, Ruhskins -- the guys you mentioned were all what -- top 3 picks? There's a world of difference between a top 3 LT and a 13th LT.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=Daseal;517872]OL is safe, I'm talking about Dline being unsafe. However, 13 is a BAD spot to draft an Olineman. Unless we need an LT (which we don't) there's no reason to spend that high of a pick on a guard, center, or RT. Also, Ruhskins -- the guys you mentioned were all what -- top 3 picks? There's a world of difference between a top 3 LT and a 13th LT.[/quote]

IMO if you can get a guard, center or RT that we can plug in our line for 8-10 years then I would do it in a minute. Any pick is risky. How many supposedly 'stud' players have been taken in the first round who never pan out? It is a gamble. So unless there is some can't miss player then we need to draft to shore up our major weaknesses.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=SmootSmack;517853]Ideally, in my perfect world, we trade down and get a solid offensive lineman. Someone like say...Duke Robinson. And a second round pick [/quote]

Yeah, if we could trade down to a later pick and pick up a second round pick that would be sweet.

If we traded down we could probably still find a decent OT or maybe take the best player available like Knowshon Moreno or Brian Orakpo (according to McShay's crazy mock he'll still be available)

I'm not sure our lack of pass rush is just a personel issue but our DE are getting old and c'mon Orakpo is a monster!

But in the 2nd round i would look for a Center.

Here are my reasons
- i think we have less need at Guard with Kendall and Rinehart (i'm assuming Kendall stays and the Rinehart kids gonna play)
- last year the Colts drafted 3 centers. *I'm guessing here but i think their logic is that most centers should be able to play guard, but a guard would have a more difficult time switching to center.
- Nothing against Rabach but if we could find a more stout center, one that could do a better job against the Ratliffs of the league our entire line would be
better IMO
centers: Alex Mack, Max Unger


[quote]I agree though that 13 is too high for any linemen really, best as I can tell from the talent in the upper echelons of the draft. That spot though is prime for a stud LB. Problem is though it probably needs to be Brian Cushing and 13 may even be too high for him. Mauluaga and Luarianitis (sp? of both) are probably better. But both are inside linebackers and it's going to be hard to convince the fans that it made sense to spend the first pick on a player who is going to (most likely) sit on the bench behind Fletcher for a year or two.[/quote]


Rey Mauluaga is a beast i don't think he would sit if we drafted him, b/c Washington is likely gone or gonna be injured. I think RM or JL could fill in at SAM until Fletcher passes the MLB torch to them. I think Rey and Laurianitis are franchise caliber LBs and finding a place to play one of them with Fletcher and Rocky would be a good problem to have.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=freddyg12;517870]Someone mentioned that he (Chris Samuels) could be moved to RT. I think that would be ideal in a year or two. For now he's still a solid LT when healthy.[/quote]

Yes, I mentioned moving him to RT but I didn't mean to suggest that he shouldn't be playing LT. Nevertheless, we need to improve our OL now and I think that the best FA OT is Jordan Gross, who is a LT. If we were able to sign Gross, why not try to extend Chris Samuels' career by moving him to RT?

The Skins did that with Joe Jacoby when they got Jim Lachey. That worked out fine.

I also like the Idea of going after Stacy Andrews in FA. Right now, Stacy is playing RT. If we were to sign Stacy, then Chris would remain at LT.

What the heck, let's sign Gross and Andrews! Andrews might be a beast at G.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=KI Skins Fan;517862]I'll try to answer your questions.[/quote]

Wouldn't it be nice if we actually got to see guys Rinehart, Geisinger and Clark play? We would have a much better understanding of the true state of our offensive line.

[quote]Only the second lineup does anything for me at all. This is what I would like to see:[B] LT - FA Jordan Gross, LG - Kendall to start the season, then Rookie (Duke Robinson?) taking over, C - Rabach, RG - Rinehart, RT - Samuels[/B][/quote]

I would prefer to see the Skins address the offensive line soley via draft.
Gross would be a nice addition but he's no spring chicken at 28 and he probably wouldn't come cheap.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=30gut;517893]Wouldn't it be nice if we actually got to see guys Rinehart, Geisinger and Clark play? We would have a much better understanding of the true state of our offensive line.



I would prefer to see the Skins address the offensive line soley via draft.
Gross would be a nice addition but he's no spring chicken at 28 and he probably wouldn't come cheap.[/quote]

Gross is going to get alot and we already have our LT in Sameuls.

09 Projected
LT Samuels
LG Reinhardt
C 3rd draft pick
RG Thomas
RT Heyer

Our main need is on the line but I see us taking a DT with #13

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[QUOTE=The Goat;517810]Looks as though a consensus is forming that Randy Thomas won't be starting again.[/QUOTErandy was our best o lineman but he seems in decline since he got hurt

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

Randy Thomas is making an obscene amount of money next year. I'd be shocked if he's not starting. I am 99% sure we bring Kendall back next year. His play was solid all year. Assuming Samuels and Thomas come back healthy, in all likelyhood, this will be our line next year:

Samuels-Kendall-Rabach(or anew guy)-Thomas-Jansen/Heyer

Rinehart will be our primary backup at both G positions and our #4 T.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=vallin21;517944]Gross is going to get alot and we already have our LT in Sameuls.

09 Projected
LT Samuels
LG Reinhardt
C 3rd draft pick
RG Thomas
RT Heyer

Our main need is on the line but I see us taking a DT with #13[/quote]

I think that ^^ line wouldn't be much better then the line we had last year.

Dude where's Pete??

When you consider that Pete played well and stayed healthy all year, i'd say he was our best lineman last year.

Why would you want to bring back Thomas who struggled and is having offseason surgery?

A defensive tackle at pick 13? Why?

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;517957]Randy Thomas is making an obscene amount of money next year. I'd be shocked if he's not starting. I am 99% sure we bring Kendall back next year. His play was solid all year. Assuming Samuels and Thomas come back healthy, in all likelyhood, this will be our line next year:

Samuels-Kendall-Rabach(or anew guy)-Thomas-Jansen/Heyer

Rinehart will be our primary backup at both G positions and our #4 T.[/quote]

How is this line an improvement?

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

Trade down to 18-17th in the 1st round, then trade down to 28th in the first round, then, trade down to the 2nd round. Pick up multiple picks to replace the picks we let go in trades. Or trade down one time, I don't care, just trade down, get extra picks, and always, always think DL/OL, DL/OL. We need bigger, faster, and younger on the lines!

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

This is a deep draft in a number of areas -- O-Line being one of those areas. While I want us to be able to move down, we may not have the opportunity with so many teams feeling they won't have to move up to get talent. We'll see. I would love to have about six picks in the 2nd round in this draft, but that's dreaming.

What I want:
Trade down in the first & pick up Duke Robinson.
Gain a 2nd round pick and nab Alex Mack.
Pick up Evander Hood in the 3rd.
Pick up Alex Boone in the 5th to play RT.

So let it be written, so let it be done.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

I hear what you're saying 30 about a center to replace Rabach. I've heard that Unger likely won't play Center in the NFL. I do like Luigs as a center option though. But I'm really high on Robinson though. He didn't like playing it in the past, but I'd revisit with Kendall the idea of him moving to Center. Left to Right you could go Samuels, Robinson, Kendall, Thomas, and Vernon Carey (assuming we were to sign him) with depth in Rinehart, Jansen, and Heyer. Is that great? Probably not, but with Robinson, Carey, Rinehart, and Heyer that's some youth to build on.

As for the defensive line? I've mentioned him before but I'll say it again. DE Connor Barwin in the 3rd round.

[url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COsA-DWCLtw]YouTube - DE Connor Barwin Highlights Cinci vs Rutgers 10/11/08[/url]

And sign Karlos Dansby for LB

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=MeanEvilSkin;518004]This is a deep draft in a number of areas -- O-Line being one of those areas. While I want us to be able to move down, we may not have the opportunity with so many teams feeling they won't have to move up to get talent. We'll see. I would love to have about six picks in the 2nd round in this draft, but that's dreaming.

What I want:
Trade down in the first & pick up Duke Robinson.
Gain a 2nd round pick and nab Alex Mack.
Pick up Evander Hood in the 3rd.
Pick up Alex Boone in the 5th to play RT.

So let it be written, so let it be done.[/quote]

Amen and amen.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=#56fanatic;517867]I think you are looking at [B]Samuels, Rinehart, Rabach, Thomas, Heyer[/B]. I would like Jansen to stay for backup or depth because Heyer seems to get dinged up, but I just dont see him staying. He would have to take less money also.[/quote]

While i'm thinking mostly positive thoughts about '09, can't help but say that lineup looks like a recipe for disaster. Obviously Samuels will come back strong. But Rinehart as a starter when there is no evidence whatsoever he can play at a high level. Remember he played small ball in college and hasn't earned enough confidence to take a snap all year. Rabach is at best an average center. I'd like to think Thomas had a down year and will return strong but the neck injury could be serious so he's a wait and see. And then Heyer. Jeez. One of the worst run blockers i saw all year. Massive upper body covered in baby fat and legs that seem to struggle to hold his own weight, let alone move a DE or DT around. Honestly if this is our lineup next season looks scary.

As to the critics of a top OT @ 13, Samuels won't play forever. Let the young stud take over the RT position w/ the intent of moving to LT in a few years. Give time for Rinehart to develop or draft another franchise RT down the road. Either way a monster at tackle is a position you can build the offense around (aside from QB). Three teams did it last year: drafted OTs in the 1st round and had em start all season (Miami, Denver and I forget the third at present). IMHO we need to stop dickering around w/ "potential talent" or "diamonds in the rough" when it comes to the lines (o-line especially right now). Just grab the top talent and start to build a team around a dominant line.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

Orakpo goes head-up against Alex Boone tonight. Texas vs Ohio State. Should be interesting. We could end up with one or both of these guys. Some mock drafts have us taking Orakpo at #13.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

After watching the Sugar Bowl, I know I don't want the center from 'Bama. He looks worse than Raybach.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=Daseal;517836]I also would like to ignore a lineman with our first overall pick. I know our lines are in shambles, but unless you're taking an LT -- the 13th pick is too early for an offensive lineman, and defensive guys scare the hell out of me. I've heard people on this board screaming for this DE or that DE (myself included) and when you look back -- that player did jack squat in the NFL. DEs have one of the highest bust rates in the NFL.

I must say, a stud LB would be a nice choice there. McIntosh is iffy, Washington is nearly done, and Fletch has been an absolute monster -- but he doesn't have a ton of time left.[/quote]


LB would be a decent pickup, but there will be a lot of quality of linemen coming out this season, especially out of the Big 12 and Pac 10. Jansen is a stud, but face it he is aging and oft injured anymore. Ditto with Samuels and Thomas. If you have 80% of the present line as your starters for '09 don't expect much better results offensively. You know Jansen and the above mentioned guys will probably miss 8-14 weeks combined by being banged up, or worse.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

[quote=30gut;517834]I thought Randy was one of the weak links on the offensive line.[/quote]
I have heard allot about how bad Thomas was many times here at the Warpath. The fact is, that I cant tell if it is true or not, but he is a pro bowl alternate. I never really thought he played bad. I think to the normal football fan, it is allot harder for us to tell if interior linemen are doing their job. When it came to Jansen it was obvious that he was struggling.
I would like to see us start Heyer RT, and Rinehart at LG. The thing that concerns me about Rinehart is that when Vinny gave his press conference he never mentioned him. He spoke of the receivers and Rob Jackson as ones to watch next year. Maybe it was an over site, but it made me wonder. The fact that they played Fabini, instead of him also had me wondering.

Re: Questions that might effect the DRAFT
 

I think it is really foolish to be counting on Kendall OR Rinehardt at LG next year. Kendall is going to be 36 I think, and has arthritic knees. Rinehardt, I actually recall hearing about him getting repeatedly blown up in training camp, and the fact that we were desperate for O-line this year, and he was never even active tells me he has a long way to go. I think we need to draft a starting LG as badly as we need a starting RT. We need quality players, not just bodies. Better have somebody ready to step in for Casey also. Good luck Vinny.