WFT Free Agency

[simbosargos75]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

Maybe he's including Beau Benzschawel, who was claimed off waivers yesterday. He has been mostly a Guard though, and he has only appeared in 3 NFL games in 2 years. They must be thinking John Matsko can get the best out of him. Who knows, maybe...

Chase Roullier, Tyler Larsen, and Keith Ismael are the only true Centers currently on the depth chart.

I really really hope Beau can help. I doubt it, but I really hope so. I've known him since he was 5 years old or so. His youngest brother is friends with my daughter. It would make me incredibly happy to see him succeed, but I really doubt it. He is beat up bad physically.

[AnonEmouse]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

Maybe I missed this posted, but Keim has stated the Skins do have interest in LT Villanueva from the Steelers and could be more interest post draft if he don’t take a tackle high in the draft.

I would be in favour of this move if we don’t come away with one in the draft

Maybe add Fisher and Schwartz to that list. Though neither look healthy right now, I'd kick the tyres if we don't get a new LT in the draft.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Originally Posted by Chico23231

Maybe I missed this posted, but Keim has stated the Skins do have interest in LT Villanueva from the Steelers and could be more interest post draft if he don’t take a tackle high in the draft.

I would be in favor of this move if we don’t come away with one in the draft

Villanueva would be a solid addition, whether they draft a T or not. He's not Trent Williams, but about the same age and damn good. He definitely has a few more years left in him. I might be mistaken, but I don't think he's missed a game due to injury since he's been in the NFL ~2014-15.

[Pervis_Griffith]

Originally Posted by simbosargos75

I really really hope Beau can help. I doubt it, but I really hope so. I've known him since he was 5 years old or so. His youngest brother is friends with my daughter. It would make me incredibly happy to see him succeed, but I really doubt it. He is beat up bad physically.

That's cool ... and brutally honest.

Obviously, RR and Co see enough to bring him in. Hopefully they can bring the best out of him.

[simbosargos75]

Originally Posted by Pervis_Griffith

That's cool ... and brutally honest.

Obviously, RR and Co see enough to bring him in. Hopefully they can bring the best out of him.

Yeah, his younger brother had to retire in college due to knee issues. His youngest brother will be a freshman at Wisconsin in the fall and has had some injury problems as well. His dad also played at Wisconsin and had to retire (while in college) due to back issues.

They are just huge people and have all the pain associated with being huge.

Tremendous people though by all accounts, so even if Beau isn't playing he'll be a huge plus in the locker room.

[Pervis_Griffith]

Originally Posted by simbosargos75

Yeah, his younger brother had to retire in college due to knee issues. His youngest brother will be a freshman at Wisconsin in the fall and has had some injury problems as well. His dad also played at Wisconsin and had to retire (while in college) due to back issues.

They are just huge people and have all the pain associated with being huge.

Tremendous people though by all accounts, so even if Beau isn't playing he'll be a huge plus in the locker room.

This is a big part of RR's transformation of the Skins, and is underrated in it's importance.

[Chief X_Phackter]

Yeah, but you're not going to have too many dudes hanging around just because they are good people. He's going to have to have something to offer on the field.

[Scalper]

Originally Posted by AnonEmouse

Scalper, when you say 4 respectable C's, do you mean Center or CB? I can only see 3 C's on the WFT roster?

Center.

1. Roullier, drafted, 6th round, homegrown.
2. Ismael, drafted, 5th round, on rookie deal.
3. Larsen, acquired Panthers this offseason.
4. Benzschawel, just acquired off waivers.

Highly improbable I typed #4 with spelling correct. :-)

All players are true Cs, some of whom have experience swinging to G.
As I noted, for depth, I strongly favor swinging Ts or Cs to G, rather than vice versa. Easier to ask a T or C to play G than a G to suddenly man the edge or snap the ball. Our FO seems to get this. Interesting to ask about PS eligibility of any of these guys.

Seeing 2 Cs acquired this offseason, you wonder what FO plans for Ismael?

Other random thoughts. Roullier not a worldbeater, but a solid slightly above average starting C, good value for 6th round pick. Every starter can't be a 1st or 2nd round pick.

We drafted Reiter a C 7th round, Browns claimed him off PS, cut him after 2 years, Chiefs signed him and he started 2 SBs for them, winning one.

If only we were as good at identifying talented WRs, TEs, and QBs as Centers, LOL.

It could be something as simple as good players became available and the FO pounced, and they'll let competition sort it out or maybe trade of PS one. Who knows. We gave up no draft resources or big money for #3 and #4 so competition a win for us no matter who sticks, though it should be noted we have no true stud C on our roster.

[Scalper]

Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter

Yeah, but you're not going to have too many dudes hanging around just because they are good people. He's going to have to have something to offer on the field.

Participation trophy?
:-)

I see the point though, better than the all criminal teams of old.

[Monkeydad]

Sammis looks like a beast.

[Monkeydad]

[simbosargos75]

As far as I know, Benzschawel has never played a snap at center. He's only played teams as a pro and was a right tackle in college, and obviously a left tackle in high school.

I guess they think he can handle center, but I don't know about that. I've seen pretty much every snap the guy's played in his life and I don't see the feet required for center.

He is strong as an ox. He screams guard to me, but I'm no expert.

[Pervis_Griffith]

Originally Posted by Monkeydad

Sammis looks like a beast.

Dudes an adonis.

For some reason, my diet of beer and nachos isn't getting me to the same place as Sammis.

Of course, I am 51. With burned out knees. And a love affair with my couch. So .... I can't blame the beer and nachos.

[MTK]

Plenty of gym rats come and go, can he play? He's got a lot to learn.

[SunnySide]

Villanueva on a cheap 1 year deal would be great. Id feel bad for Lucas as it seems hes always being relegated to "first man off bench" status.

I think you need 8 starter level OL.