Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?

[Slingin Sammy 33]

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.

[skinsfan69]

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.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

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.

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

[MTK]

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.

[HOGTIMUS PRIME]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

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.

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!

[MTK]

Originally Posted by HOGTIMUS PRIME

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!

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.

[JoeRedskin]

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.

[Bill B]

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.


Eric Young, OG, Tennessee - 2008 NFL Draft Scout Profile, Powered by The SportsXchange

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

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.

Good thought. He might get franchised though

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

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.

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."


SI.com - Writers - Bucky Brooks: Garrett to become top dog, deep RB draft class, more - Thursday February 14, 2008 5:10PM

[Dirtbag59]

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.

[jdlea]

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.

[JoeRedskin]

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

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

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

Andrews was franchised

Bengals Designate Stacy Andrews As Franchise Player - Cincinnati breaking news, weather radar, traffic from 9News | Channel 9 WCPO.com

[JoeRedskin]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Andrews was franchised

Bengals Designate Stacy Andrews As Franchise Player - Cincinnati breaking news, weather radar, traffic from 9News | Channel 9 WCPO.com

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