I didn't either until recently as well. Times are changing and certain positions are becoming more important, teams are putting a higher priority on interior pass-rushers. Teams will line up their best pass-rusher on the weakest link on the line and will just abuse that player and could completely change the game. We saw what happened with Wayne Hunter and Brian Winters
As long as Ndamukong Suh and Marcell Dareus are in our division we need to worry very much about interior offensive line play. Go get Mathis as a stopgap solution; then address the problem long term in next year's draft.
The jets really need another back to back OL picks in the 2016 draft in the first 2 rounds, much like Ferg and Mangold taken back to back with 1st round picks--they have ignored OL way too long in drafts thanks to Rex "I only want defense players drafted" Ryan.
Unless we're drafting in the top 5 again this season its highly unlikely we get a guy that we can just plug right in without any growing pains. A guy like Mathis, if we can get him for a cap friendly deal, would go a long way in holding down the fort until we get some quality prospects in here to take over the position.
Unless the Jets use their #1 pick on Brick's replacement or possibly Breno's, or both their replacements in rounds 1 & 2, I wouldn't hold my breath. Mac is on record as saying that he thinks that one can build a very good OL using some higher, and mid- and low-round draft picks and UDFAs. He might use a 2nd round pick on an OG, but I would be stunned if he used a 1st round pick on an OG, and I hope he won't. He ought to be able to find very good OGs in the 2nd through 4th rounds or lower.
if he's the next Larry Allen, I am sure you won't have an issue w/ the selection. Of course Larry was one of the most versatile offensive lineman ever to play the game [and one of the strongest as well]. But your point is valid, at the end of the day - top 5 is high for a G. Depends who is OTC though. We could've been in this situation kind of this yr, imagine if WASH took Leonard Williams. Brandon Schreff who is a G could've been our selection.
the way the board fell with the first 4 picks, if Williams went 5, Scherff or Peat would have been my choice at 6.
short of signing Mathis, i think Colon will start adequately for one more year. Harrison will make the team as a red shirt. Qvale showing too much improvement to let walk imo... it's going to be tough on Winters, Freeman, Dozier and Aboushi to make the team. I'd guess only 1 of them makes it to the 53 (Winters). maybe 2 max if they decide to keep 10 Olineman rostered. not great but not terrible at G. I'm more concerned with Breno at RT, and no backup for either T spot.
Fans would've been disappointed, but it would've really helped this line out going forward. Scherff, Peat would've been solid picks. Ereck Flowers has been in and out of the lineup. We lucked out with Williams this draft that's for sure.
I'll be really disappointed if Colon starts this year again, but it looks that way. This Qvale guy has been looking decent though in practice. Could he win the job? he's been getting first team reps each day. Aboushi, surprisingly has not.
yeah for sure, Williams represented the most value. and who would've though we'd need him so soon? it's case in point why good GM's take talent over need in the high rounds. it's a good sign for Mac..
I would have a problem. A Larry Allen is a luxury, not a necessity. I don't believe there's any way Scherff would have been the pick. Mac is on record as saying that one doesn't need to use high picks to build a great OL. If Washington had taken Leonard, I don't think he would have taken Scherff 10 times out of 10. In all likelihood, IMO he would have taken Kevin White or Beasley, or traded down.
The penalties were certainly a problem with Colon. However, i still believe he was our 3rd best lineman last season. He kept pressure off of Geno, and is still a nasty and physical presence on the line. He's getting old, so i wouldn't be thrilled, but he's not the worst option for one more year as a stop gap while the young guys grow. Qvale could outright beat out Colon. have heard nothing but big praise for him from the coaches, and even from Colon. If Qvale does win the job, i'd still like Colon retained for depth, but i believe he'd likely be cut at that point. It's make or break for both Winters and Aboushi this camp. they need to step it up. Winters potentially has the added benefit of backup C. the more i think about it, i wouldn't sign Mathis. he want's too much money, and T is really the bigger issue. i'd keep Colon, and the best of the young performers this camp, ending up with 10 lineman on the 53. gives us a good mix of young and veteran, present and future (provided the young guys do enough to earn a spot).
Larry Allen is one of the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history, Larry Allen was not a luxury, he was an essential piece to the Cowboys SB hopes each and every year. His versatility was unmatched. He could play a # of positions. If we couldn't trade down and we were stuck, I would have no issues taking Schreff. Kevin White to me is extremely overrated. I think Schreff would've been the BPA. That's me though.
I think in regards to pass protection other then the penalties, Colon was adequate. Doesn't bring much value to the run game at this stage of his career, but I think that's OK. Can't have everything. Colon's penalties took points off the board and seemed to be at the worst moments - that's what scares me the most. Can't afford to do this come regular season, especially in the RZ. I still think due to his veteran presence, he should make the final 53. Really rooting for this kid, Brent Qvale - un-drafted FA last season. 6'6 315 - dude is a mammoth - is about the same size as Schreff. Hopefully he can create a long career like Brandon Moore. I personally think Brian Winters is in big trouble. We have like no tackles right now either. I guess none of these guards can kick it out to tackle.
regarding Colon's penalties, there are some i can accept, and others i cannot accept. for instance, taking a holding call instead of getting your QB killed off a well timed stunt.....ok taking a roughing call to establish the tone of the game, or to respond to opponent taking too many liberties with your skill players.....ok but the pre-snap and redzone penalties have to absolutely be massively reduced. if he starts this year, he can be on a much quicker hook than last year due to the signing of Carpenter, and the emerging depth. i'm also rooting for Qvale. really hoping he can grow into a position versatile player too. to your point, we have no Tackles, and none of these other Guards can kick out to T if needed. that's the big problem. Qvale the only one with a little hope left at RT. Winters in a bad spot as he's also coming off ACL surgery. he has a few ways onto the team though. Win the starting RG spot, or look better than either Freeman or Aboushi, and i think he'll make it. if not, then i agree he'll be gone. i'm rooting for him too, as i like his pull/trap blocks, and he's very physical in run blocking. needs quicker feet and anticipation in pass pro tho..
