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- Jun 20, 2014
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I'm going to use a process of elimination to determine my answer. It goes without saying that there are reasons to be concerned about all 5 positions, but which one position is most concerning?
I think GRob at LT will make big advances in his 2nd year. Already a fine run blocker, his pass pro technique should be much improved this year. I expect him to demonstrate why he was picked at #2 overall. Low worry level for me here.
I think Saffold at LG will have a Pro Bowl worthy year after his successful shoulder surgery. Even playing hurt all last year he started and played in all 16 games. Low worry level for me there.
I think Hav at RT will quickly adapt to the NFL. He can be given some TE help, if needed, early on until he gets acclimated. By game 5 or so I believe he will prove to be an upgrade over Barksdale. Pretty low worry level for me there.
I think Reynolds will likely be our RG on opening day. Not a top drawer OG, but plenty adequate and very experienced. I project that one of Brown, Donnal, Wichmann, or maybe even Jones will claim the position soon. Maybe by game 5, or so. Too many promising youngsters competing for that position to give me big worries.
Which brings me to the C position. Notice that I've listed these in order of my increased concern? I just don't know enough about this group of Barnes, Jones, and Rhaney in terms of NFL starter readiness. I DO know that the coaches didn't lift a finger in either FA or the draft to address this position. That indicates that they feel very confident about this trio, at least to me. Still, until proven otherwise, C is the position that concerns me most until I've seen them play with my own eyes. Call this a medium worry level position for me.
In summary, we will have 3 new starters on our OL this year, one way or another. And GRob with his whopping 12 games of NFL experience, not all of which was at LT. Plus Saffold returning from shoulder surgery. Whew!
Yet despite all the above, I would estimate my overall worry level at only maybe Defcon 4. But you can be sure I'll be focused on the camp reports and preseason games for OL play like a mama grizzly watching her new cubs. Lol.
Of course, some opinions may vary...
I think GRob at LT will make big advances in his 2nd year. Already a fine run blocker, his pass pro technique should be much improved this year. I expect him to demonstrate why he was picked at #2 overall. Low worry level for me here.
I think Saffold at LG will have a Pro Bowl worthy year after his successful shoulder surgery. Even playing hurt all last year he started and played in all 16 games. Low worry level for me there.
I think Hav at RT will quickly adapt to the NFL. He can be given some TE help, if needed, early on until he gets acclimated. By game 5 or so I believe he will prove to be an upgrade over Barksdale. Pretty low worry level for me there.
I think Reynolds will likely be our RG on opening day. Not a top drawer OG, but plenty adequate and very experienced. I project that one of Brown, Donnal, Wichmann, or maybe even Jones will claim the position soon. Maybe by game 5, or so. Too many promising youngsters competing for that position to give me big worries.
Which brings me to the C position. Notice that I've listed these in order of my increased concern? I just don't know enough about this group of Barnes, Jones, and Rhaney in terms of NFL starter readiness. I DO know that the coaches didn't lift a finger in either FA or the draft to address this position. That indicates that they feel very confident about this trio, at least to me. Still, until proven otherwise, C is the position that concerns me most until I've seen them play with my own eyes. Call this a medium worry level position for me.
In summary, we will have 3 new starters on our OL this year, one way or another. And GRob with his whopping 12 games of NFL experience, not all of which was at LT. Plus Saffold returning from shoulder surgery. Whew!
Yet despite all the above, I would estimate my overall worry level at only maybe Defcon 4. But you can be sure I'll be focused on the camp reports and preseason games for OL play like a mama grizzly watching her new cubs. Lol.
Of course, some opinions may vary...
