Time to Build an Offensive Line

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

Just as I suspected (by reading these posts), just about every FA offensive lineman that we could get (UFAs) are over the age of 30. While a number of them could play very well and would be huge upgrades over our current players, I think by filling all of the holes in the line with 30+ year old lineman, you're at risk of having injured starters.

I just feel that we've been gambling on patching up the line with older players for a while now. And the downside of this year is that we aren't able to pick up a marquee lineman in his mid to late 20s (i.e. Marcus McNeill) because RFA rules due to the uncapped season, without giving up draft picks.

Well, they definitely need to address the line in the draft but I just don't see a downside in bringing in Mawae. He is a leader on and off the field, he is still considered an All-pro, he just blocked for a 2000 yard rusher, he would absolutely be an upgrade over Rabach, and he could demonstrate to all of the lineman what it takes to be a pro.

I hear all of this stuff about 2-3 year rebuilding and I think it is bs. I think in an uncapped year they can make enough moves to get this team in the playoffs. They fixed the D-line in one year, they can fix the o-line in one year.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

Well, they definitely need to address the line in the draft but I just don't see a downside in bringing in Mawae. He is a leader on and off the field, he is still considered an All-pro, he just blocked for a 2000 yard rusher, he would absolutely be an upgrade over Rabach, and he could demonstrate to all of the lineman what it takes to be a pro.

I hear all of this stuff about 2-3 year rebuilding and I think it is bs. I think in an uncapped year they can make enough moves to get this team in the playoffs. They fixed the D-line in one year, they can fix the o-line in one year.

As I said, a lot of these guys would be upgrades, but still because of their age you risk injury. I mean, injuries happen, but due to RFA restrictions, it seems that we would need to fill all of our needs with linemen in their 30s. I would feel better if we could go after a Marcus McNeill in free agency (without having to give up draft picks).

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by Ruhskins

As I said, a lot of these guys would be upgrades, but still because of their age you risk injury. I mean, injuries happen, but due to RFA restrictions, it seems that we would need to fill all of our needs with linemen in their 30s. I would feel better if we could go after a Marcus McNeill in free agency (without having to give up draft picks).

Injuries are a wild-card, especially on the line. I think it is just as likely that McNeill gets hurt as Mawae. Heyer is one of our youngest guys and he was hurt all year.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

Well, they definitely need to address the line in the draft but I just don't see a downside in bringing in Mawae. He is a leader on and off the field, he is still considered an All-pro, he just blocked for a 2000 yard rusher, he would absolutely be an upgrade over Rabach, and he could demonstrate to all of the lineman what it takes to be a pro.

I hear all of this stuff about 2-3 year rebuilding and I think it is bs. I think in an uncapped year they can make enough moves to get this team in the playoffs. They fixed the D-line in one year, they can fix the o-line in one year.

I'm not buying it either. Is anyone really going to give MS a pass for another crap season in 2010? I want to see a strong indication that things are headed in the right direction right away in 2010, I'll be expecting .500 or better.

[redskin4n]

I would prefer:

LT: Russel Okung
LG: Derrick Dockery
C: Casey Rabach (We surround him with talent)
RG: Stephen Neal (Free Agency)
RT: Levi Jones

[SFREDSKIN]

Originally Posted by redskin4n

I would prefer:

LT: Russel Okung
LG: Derrick Dockery
C: Casey Rabach (We surround him with talent)
RG: Stephen Neal (Free Agency)
RT: Levi Jones

This sounds great, except for having Edwin Williams under C and Rabach as a backup.

[WaldSkins]

How come when Heyer doesn't practice it's ok but when Portis doesn't everyone jumps all over him?

[GridIron26]

Use the first two picks to draft two Ts.. Draft Okung with #1 pick, then draft Brown with #2 pick (Campbell would be nice but I don't think he would drop that far).. If there are intriguing guards or a center prospects available later in late rounds, I would draft them..

I would try to sign Pasho to push the rookies for either spot.. I definitely would try to sign Mawae as band-aid for a year or maybe two?

I would retain Doc, Edwin Williams, Rabach, Rinehart, and Heyer..

Everybody (except for Doc and Mawae) battles for positions in the camp..

[Monkeydad]

Yeah, surrounding Rabach with talent won't help him snap in the shotgun or keep him from stupid goalline penalties.

Edwin should start.

[53Fan]

Originally Posted by WaldSkins

How come when Heyer doesn't practice it's ok but when Portis doesn't everyone jumps all over him?

You're not serious right? Portis doesn't even practice if he feels phantom menstrual cramps coming on.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

You're not serious right? Portis doesn't even practice if he feels phantom menstrual cramps coming on.

Well Portis is possibly a has-been. Heyer is a never been.

[Trample the Elderly]

Originally Posted by 53Fan

You're not serious right? Portis doesn't even practice if he feels phantom menstrual cramps coming on.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

Injuries are a wild-card, especially on the line. I think it is just as likely that McNeill gets hurt as Mawae. Heyer is one of our youngest guys and he was hurt all year.

Injuries are a wildcard, however it seems that this team goes into every season holding its breath and crossing their fingers hoping that their older talented offensive linemen don't get injured.

[diehardskin2982]

LT: Russel Okung
LG: Derrick Dockery
C: Kevin Mawae/ Matt Tennant
RG: Mike Williams/Edwin Williams
RT: Mike Iupati

[diehardskin2982]

or
LT: Levi Jones
LG: Derrick Dockery
C: Matt Tennant
RG: Mike Iupati
RT: Bryan Bulaga

Young but Talented