I was really curious about this, so I did a little research. Teams taking OGs in the first 4 rounds of the 2016 NFL Draft were 49ers, Seahawks (2), Texans, Bears, Pats, Eagles and Chiefs. I figured that since those teams drafted OGs fairly high, there might be a good chance at least some of those guys might replace vets on their rosters. Well, it doesn't look too good, friends. The most likely prospects appear to be as follows. They are all at the bottom of their depth charts. Seahawks - Jahri Evans (33 years old) This is his 1st year with the Seahawks after spending his entire career with the Saints, I think he was pretty good, but don't know how much he has left. Texans - Jeff Allen (26 years old) Allen spent the 1st 4 seasons of his career with the Chiefs. This is his first with the Texans. Bears - Shelley Smith (29 years old) Smith was drafted by the Texans in 2010. It looks like he was either on IR or out of football in 2011. He spent 2012 and 2013 with the Rams. In 2014 he was with the Dolphins. In 2015 he was first with the Broncos, then re-signed with the Dolphins. Doesn't sound like he'd be any improvement over Winters. Eagles - Barrett Jones (26 years old). Jones spent his 1st 2 seasons with the Rams. This is his first with the Eagles. He can play G and C. Might be better than Dozier or Wesley Johnson. I've heard of Jahri Evans and Barrett Jones before. The only RT prospects I spotted were Cameron Fleming (23) of the Pats and Mike Adams (LT & 26 years old) of the Bears. Again, both are at the bottom of their team's depth chart (3rd string). Does anyone know anything about those players or how the players in front of them are playing in preseason and TC?
Howard got massively overpaid to be a right tackle, and was immediately moved inside to play guard when he underperformed. He was an OK pass blocker and an absolute zero in the running game, basically stalemated everyone at the line with no push. He wasn't worth a $6.5 cap hit/year for a team that was reeling in cap hell at the time. The biggest mistake we made was letting Slauson go, although that wouldn't have necessarily helped the team now. We also should have kept Ducasse, and as much of an early bust he was, he could have presented much needed depth for this team with a minimal salary. It's getting incredibly frustrating having zero backups along the offensive line with starting experience, yet having an endless amount of backup defensive lineman and linebackers whom are former starters. That's my biggest gripe with the front office thus far.
Yes we should have. He wanted way too much money, and he wasn't even that good. He's not even the starting RT for Oakland any more.
I'd rather have him for 6 million than Gio for 3.5. He's not that great but shit he's better than what we have. I didn't know he had a knee injury late last season and went to IR. Idk if he is healthy currently.
I'm not defending the front office b/c the OL depth could really hold back this team & offense. The Right guard spot is a problem. Guard & guard depth have been a problem seemingly forever for this franchise;Outside of the Faneca/Moore & Thomas/Jenkins combos..there always seems to be a weak link on the interior OL depth chart. When you analyze..they seem to have some preferences in the type of projects they look for in later draft picks.They've shown a focus on the position by drafting several different prospects.William Campbell,Vlad,Dakota,Jarvis Harrison,Winters,Robert T Griffin.. They've also demonstrated patience to allow most of those names the opportunity to develop & find a suitable role. Not one of them was up to the task in any way w. the exception of Winters. Not to let the Jets off the hook but outside of a couple exceptions..the entire NFL has a shortage of OL talent somewhere on their depth chart;Either.awful 1st unit or like the Jets dangerous holes along the 2nd unit of the interior. Every team's fan thus far in preseason seems to gripe in some fashion about their line. There will be a few names to consider as cuts come in..and maybe Geno/Bryce could yield a starter for the Right side..but OL depth is a problem every one has right now. The offensive line position in football as a whole has not caught up to its defensive line counterpart athletically.This is the result.
Announcers were absolutely brutal on the Giants O-Line against the Jets last night. To paraphrase, not a single lineman on the G-mens roster could stop a nose bleed last night. Giants' Radio guys, don't know about TV. They said the O-line is horrible to a man. Ouch.
The present FO did NOT draft Campbell, Vlad, Dozier, Winters, or Robert T. Griffin. The team only had so many draft picks and a LOT of holes. In addition Mac has a philosophy that one can build a very good OL without throwing a bunch of high draft picks at it. I applaud him and agree with that philosophy. It takes a little longer to build an OL, but one can address other holes/needs, and have one's most expensive players be play-makers rather than OL grunts. I'm certain that the OL will be more of a priority in next year's draft, now that most of their other immediate needs have been addressed.
If we don't drastically improve the O-Line in the next year via draft and FA, - it'll severely impact the confidence of the young QBs we are so desperately trying to develop. It's what killed Hackenberg at Penn St.
Geoff Schwartz released from Detroit--quick look at lion's fans comments appear to state he was cut due to their good fortune of having several decent guards. There was a time he was better than Winters. Let's see if NYJ try him out. Good for depth in any case.
I'm aware that the current FO was not responsible for many of those names..although they were here for a few of their development(sometimes a change in regime is what helps a player take the next step). I'm talking on a much wider all encompassing type level.I guess I could've thrown names like Dave Yovanovits & David Loverne for further clarification.. I absolutely believe OL will be a major priority for next offseason & that the unit will improve.I believe in this current regime.I'm simply expressing concern for the season to be & a long time problem for the franchise.
Supposed to be versatile & dependable. They'll be competition for his services..Denver,SD,Chicago, & maybe even New England. I doubt they make a move to replace Winters at this stage. More likely would be either a starting RT or someone to basically replace Dakota D as the primary back-up Guard.
Here is my crazy thought for the week. Bryan Stork will be released by NE after finagling a botched deal with the redskins . He failed his physical with Washington but the circumstances sound a bit strange to me. Could we take a look at him, see what's wrong if anything and use him on the right side and as a back up center. I know it sounds crazy but he can be good when healthy and he has a chip on his shoulder now.
I don't thinks it's crazy.....but doesn't he immediately become property of the Pats again after the failed trade? I don't think I saw him get released so they would have to trade him to us which we know isn't happening.
He's been strongly contemplating retirement. A UDFA beat him out in NE & we know what type of OL issues they continue to have.If he's healthy, comfortable being a back-up I'd bring him in to replace Wesley Johnson. That's likely as far as I'd be willing to go. I don't really even think he'd be much of an upgrade.
