The Offensive Line: Let's Review

sportscurmudgeon

The starting five OL can hold their own and make the offense work. But there is a big step down in ability with every injury that comes along. If the OL stays healthy, the offense will work well; if the OL suffers two or three injuries, the offense will sputter.

The best you can say about ALL of the subs on the OL is that they are "a work in progress".

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That Guy

looking at our depth definitely doesn't make me feel better...

reinhardt could start in a year or two (possibly)
heyer can spot start, but is mainly a backup
alexander could start at OG if he could be turned solely to offense and given a year

that's at best 2 good gaurds and an average RT as long term OL.

DL is basically the same way.

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JoeRedskin

Agreed, and if that is where were staying, I would say we would be in trouble. But, we may get a serviceable lineman out of the OFA's, we can still work with next year's UFA's and the draft to pick up a starter or two over the next two to three years. It's not like this line is going to retire tomorrow. The line is a concern and depth must constantly be addressed, but there is still time.

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mlmpetert

What about Pete Kendall or Jon Jansen retiring after this year. I honestly dont think well see them both in the league after this year.

KB24

Whoever plays where, I just hope the line is a little more solid, healthier and has more depth. Too many times last season, we had to keep Chris Cooley in to block and that takes a potential downfield weapon away from us. We have to get a more consistent performance from the O-line.

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Stuck in TX

This really says something. The 49ers had the worst offense in 2007. Of course that was due to injuries, bad coaching, and lack of talent but the fundementals of the WCO allowed hardly any sacks. Same with the Raiders. Lets not forget Schotty's Chargers from a year ago, a team that I thought would go to the Super Bowl. Rivers didnt have an injury problem until Norv stepped in. If Zorn is the real deal, I see nothing but good things for us. If Zorn is crap and loses his job after one season, at least our QB will be there when we pick up the pieces.

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Dirtbag359

We did a lot to shore up interior depth with the addition of Rhinehart and Brown. Personally I love the idea of those two being coached up by Buges, though I don't like the idea of Rhinehart filling in at center, and would have preferred to get a guy like Steven Justice to backup Rabach instead (I keep typing Raymer).

I am scared to death of losing Samuals to injury, but Heyer proved last year that he's more then capable of filling in for Jansen though I would much rather have Jansen. Rhinehart has experience at Tackle so maybe he can fill in there if needed, but I think in two or three years hes going to be a very good guard. I also think that Brown is going to have a good shot at becoming a pretty good starting guard in his own right, maybe better then Rhinehart if he gets his technique down pat. As far as the interior is concerned I would like to either see them get a true center in the late rounds of next years draft or have Kyle DeVan develop into a guy that can contribute, though I have my doubts about him.

Next year though I hope a Tackle of value falls to us at some point in the second or third round.

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JoeRedskin

Just like I don't see the entire line making it through the year, I don't see mass retirements either. Maybe next year, but as others have pointed out, lineman can still be effective well into their 30's. IMO, it's when they pass 35 that retirement is imminent.

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