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Can we draft all O-Line this year?


Mr.Debonair

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If that O-lineman's name isn't Chance Warmack or Barret Jones, I don't really care about getting one in the draft and would rather we go for lineman in free agency, as someone post above, O-lineman can take a while to develop but the two aforementioned names may be too potentially valuable to pass on.

I was definitely fully pro picking up an offensive lineman just a few weeks ago, but as the secondary has struggled I'm going back to my early season wishes of picking up a CB or Safety as two of my top wishes along side an OG.

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  • 4 weeks later...

I think if Jake Matthews ( not going to happen), Chance Warmack or D.J. Fluker fall to us at the back of the first then we have to pull the trigger on that, both of those guys are mammoth road graders with loads of strength and quickness. Both players also have excellent footwork and are incredibly coordinated for their size which means although they may excell at run blocking now which we desperately need, but they have the ability to develop into great pass protectors as well. The line desperately needs size and strength to hold off the athletic freaks that litter the NFL as pass rushers nowadays which both players would instantly provide. Other than that panning out I'd say we have to look at Terrance Williams if he falls that far or we go best defensive player available

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Top OLine Free Agents include:

Jake Long (MIA) - OT - A year ago, Joe Thomas set a new standard for offensive tackles with a 7-year, $84 million contract. The Dolphins are not expected to allow one of the best tackles in the league walk, but with a franchise tag number 120% of his cap number this year, $15.4 million will give Jake Long some leverage in negotiations.

Ryan Clady (DEN) - OT - After several seasons as one of the better left tackles in the league, Clady's is on his expiring rookie contract. After turning down a 5-year, $50 million offer from the Broncos prior to this season, there is some indication that he's looking for something more in the Joe Thomas ballpark. It's unlikely the Broncos, or any other team, will be willing to go that high, but if his demands persist, it brings the franchise tag into play.

Branden Albert (KC) - OT - Albert is among the best all-around left tackles in the league today. With the Chiefs emphasis on the run game and returning to the dominant offensive line that made them offensive powerhouses early last decade, even an offseason with other key free agents ready to hit the market, Albert should get his payday in red.

Sebastian Vollmer (NE) - OT - After a back injury that cost him most of the 2011 season, Vollmer returns to the starting lineup in 2012. He'll be 29 prior to the start of the next season and just coming off his rookie contract. When healthy, Vollmer has been among the league's best right tackles. If they can trust him to remain healthy, they will make a play for him.

Brandon Moore (NYJ) - OG - Though Moore will be 33 when the 2013 season begins, he may also be the best offensive guard on the market. With a Jets offensive line that was not too long ago the best in the league, they are now a unit that has felt pain attempting to replace former starters. Losing a player of Moore's caliber on the line could be devastating to an offense that has struggled to form an identity and develop even a sign of consistency.

Andy Levitre (BUF) - OG - Starting every game of his career so far, Levitre's versatility and consistency has brought tremendous value to the organization over the past couple years. With a healthy offensive line the Bills have found terrific success in running the ball with Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, and even Tashard Choice. Keeping this unit intact will be important for the Bills offense.

Andre Smith (CIN) - OT - Though the former 6th overall pick probably hasn't lived up to his expectations, Smith has developed into an effective right tackle for the Bengals. Though Cincinnati would probably have to search for another right tackle if he moves on, but generally these high draft picks have a way of not staying with their original team if they don't pan out all the way. Weight is a concern, but Smith could be one of the more realistic possible options in free agency.

Sam Baker (ATL) - OT - Over the last year or two, Sam Baker has been battling a chronic injury and Will Svitek for a starting job. At full health, Baker has been an effective left tackle for the Falcons. At less than full health, he's been a borderline liability. Baker is an example of the type of player every year where his own team has the best injury read on him. If the Falcons can trust his health, they will trust signing him to a solid second contract.

 

 

 

There are a couple of nice tackles there and if we upgraded over Justice that would be fine with me, but IMO guard is the bigger problem and there just aren't hardly any available in free agency worth signing. I don't trust anybody from the Jets line and Levitre don't seem to fit the man blocking scheme. He may be able to do it and if they brought him aboard, I would trust that Grigson knew what he was doing.

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The O-Line played well a few weeks ago but seems to be trending down lately. We got some tough D-Lines coming up. I hope they snap out of this funk. Maybe the play calling should be adjusted a Lil to get some quicker throws

We drafted a lot of O linemen in 08. Didn't work out so well. Ugoh, Iljalana, Thomas... The draft, especially after the first round, may not produce a quality starter.

I'm hoping we spend a lot of that cap money on proven O line starters and backups, as well as draft a couple projects to take a chance on for the future.

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We drafted a lot of O linemen in 08. Didn't work out so well. Ugoh, Iljalana, Thomas... The draft, especially after the first round, may not produce a quality starter.

I'm hoping we spend a lot of that cap money on proven O line starters and backups, as well as draft a couple projects to take a chance on for the future.

 

 

Can't fully blame Ijalana for the injury then re-injury from returning too early. When he did play(Granted it was for like a qtr) he was solid and I hope we give him another chance.

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Can't fully blame Ijalana for the injury then re-injury from returning too early. When he did play(Granted it was for like a qtr) he was solid and I hope we give him another chance.

I'm just saying that drafting a player is a bigger risk than signing a known, proven player. Even if Ben didn't get hurt, we can't say he would have been good. He was going to be moved to a position he never played, and he was used to playing against less talented guys. Ugoh looked promising his first few games.

He may still work out, but I kind of doubt he'll ever play for the Colts again.

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Offensive Line should be our priority this offeseason. I don't care if the improve the line via free agency or draft as long as it is a line that can protect Mr. Luck! Good Offensive Lineman are hard to find so I expect the big names will be resigned by their teams and we probably have to draft.

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We drafted a lot of O linemen in 08. Didn't work out so well. Ugoh, Iljalana, Thomas... The draft, especially after the first round, may not produce a quality starter.

I'm hoping we spend a lot of that cap money on proven O line starters and backups, as well as draft a couple projects to take a chance on for the future.

 

I agree. If a first rounder is on the board while we pick, by all means, pull the trigger in the draft.

 

However, OL and DL (mainly DT/NT) are difficult positions to transition from college to the pros. Free agency money spent on those positions would be a wise investment.

 

If Grigson's previous draft is any indication, he was not going to reach for someone and will stick to his board. However, there has to be an intersection of value and need on the board as well and I am sure this draft will be a defensive draft pre-dominantly (3 out of every 4 picks will be defensive, I am certain).

 

The current draft is strong on OLB and DL, IMO. We will see how it plays out.

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Great guys to go and sign (especially Levitre) but as it stands all of these guys are going to be resigned by their teams except for maybe Albert and i dont think he has much upside left for the money he wants, Clady already turned down a 55.8 Million dollar extension so thats a no, and like i said everyone else will resign.

gbrads_rants, on 27 Nov 2012 - 17:12, said:
Top OLine Free Agents include:
 
Jake Long (MIA) - OT - A year ago, Joe Thomas set a new standard for offensive tackles with a 7-year, $84 million contract. The Dolphins are not expected to allow one of the best tackles in the league walk, but with a franchise tag number 120% of his cap number this year, $15.4 million will give Jake Long some leverage in negotiations.
Ryan Clady (DEN) - OT - After several seasons as one of the better left tackles in the league, Clady's is on his expiring rookie contract. After turning down a 5-year, $50 million offer from the Broncos prior to this season, there is some indication that he's looking for something more in the Joe Thomas ballpark. It's unlikely the Broncos, or any other team, will be willing to go that high, but if his demands persist, it brings the franchise tag into play.
Branden Albert (KC) - OT - Albert is among the best all-around left tackles in the league today. With the Chiefs emphasis on the run game and returning to the dominant offensive line that made them offensive powerhouses early last decade, even an offseason with other key free agents ready to hit the market, Albert should get his payday in red.
Sebastian Vollmer (NE) - OT - After a back injury that cost him most of the 2011 season, Vollmer returns to the starting lineup in 2012. He'll be 29 prior to the start of the next season and just coming off his rookie contract. When healthy, Vollmer has been among the league's best right tackles. If they can trust him to remain healthy, they will make a play for him.
Brandon Moore (NYJ) - OG - Though Moore will be 33 when the 2013 season begins, he may also be the best offensive guard on the market. With a Jets offensive line that was not too long ago the best in the league, they are now a unit that has felt pain attempting to replace former starters. Losing a player of Moore's caliber on the line could be devastating to an offense that has struggled to form an identity and develop even a sign of consistency.
Andy Levitre (BUF) - OG - Starting every game of his career so far, Levitre's versatility and consistency has brought tremendous value to the organization over the past couple years. With a healthy offensive line the Bills have found terrific success in running the ball with Fred Jackson, CJ Spiller, and even Tashard Choice. Keeping this unit intact will be important for the Bills offense.
Andre Smith (CIN) - OT - Though the former 6th overall pick probably hasn't lived up to his expectations, Smith has developed into an effective right tackle for the Bengals. Though Cincinnati would probably have to search for another right tackle if he moves on, but generally these high draft picks have a way of not staying with their original team if they don't pan out all the way. Weight is a concern, but Smith could be one of the more realistic possible options in free agency.
Sam Baker (ATL) - OT - Over the last year or two, Sam Baker has been battling a chronic injury and Will Svitek for a starting job. At full health, Baker has been an effective left tackle for the Falcons. At less than full health, he's been a borderline liability. Baker is an example of the type of player every year where his own team has the best injury read on him. If the Falcons can trust his health, they will trust signing him to a solid second contract.
 
 
 
There are a couple of nice tackles there and if we upgraded over Justice that would be fine with me, but IMO guard is the bigger problem and there just aren't hardly any available in free agency worth signing. I don't trust anybody from the Jets line and Levitre don't seem to fit the man blocking scheme. He may be able to do it and if they brought him aboard, I would trust that Grigson knew what he was doing.
 
 
 
 
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O-line problems can be additive. One struggling player has rippling effects down the line, so to speak. Replacing them all is not realistic from either a financial perspective as well as a continuity angle. FA on the o-line, if they are really THAT special, are so costly, it would be impossible to buy more than one. You still have to develop through the draft.

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If last year's draft didn't prove he will only draft BPA, then I don't know what to say to some of you.  If there is a running back (which most of you agree we don't need right now) sitting there with a better grade than an OLB, in my heart of hearts, I think Grigson would grab the running back.  Right now, there is zero evidence to prove otherwise.  His words and his actions say he ONLY goes for BPA because he was taught that's how great teams are built.  

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If last year's draft didn't prove he will only draft BPA, then I don't know what to say to some of you.  If there is a running back (which most of you agree we don't need right now) sitting there with a better grade than an OLB, in my heart of hearts, I think Grigson would grab the running back.  Right now, there is zero evidence to prove otherwise.  His words and his actions say he ONLY goes for BPA because he was taught that's how great teams are built.  

 

Grigson's drafting might also be something he is refining as he goes along. Let us say he has someone rated as top of round 4 but he knows he wont be available when the Colts draft in round 4, and that guy fits a need, he will not be afraid to move down from round 3 or move up from round 4 to get that guy. T.Y.Hilton is a clear example of that.

 

He did not feel that T.Y. would last those last 4 or 5 picks prior to the Colts picking. So, he traded up from his round 4 spot, and traded with the 49ers at the end of round 3. After seeing how he lost on CBs within a few picks of where he had evaluated them last year (Casey Hayward drafted by Packers, and I think the other one is Asa Jackson drafted by Ravens), you will see the same kind of moves for defensive guys too this year. He had to fill the cupboard with offensive players for Luck once Garcon, Tamme, Clark and Addai were all gone and there were only so many picks to work with.

 

In your example, if an RB is the best available in our round 1 scenario, he probably will move down and there are enough teams that would trade with Grigson for an RB, IMO, with Grigson potentially getting an additional pick and not reaching for a player thus sticking to his board as planned by getting a player he wants a tad later where he was evaluated in Grigson's board.

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I don't understand the title of this thread. The answer to drafting all o-line is no. The answer to drafting all blank for any position is also no because that's not how a draft board works....it would always be a bad idea. Should o-line be important in the next draft absolutely but in some ways I think using some cap money and signing a o-line free agent is a better proposition.

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I don't understand the title of this thread. The answer to drafting all o-line is no. The answer to drafting all blank for any position is also no because that's not how a draft board works....it would always be a bad idea. Should o-line be important in the next draft absolutely but in some ways I think using some cap money and signing a o-line free agent is a better proposition.

It was a joke because how bad the line was playing. No one expects anyone to draft the same area in one draft. C'mon Man

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We need to go Defensive End or Linebacker this up coming season. Either one will help against the run so our safeties can actually help in pass coverage. I see what some are saying about drafting a SS. I think it can wait another season. We need to force teams to abandon the run. I feel we have the personal to stop the pass.

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We need to go Defensive End or Linebacker this up coming season. Either one will help against the run so our safeties can actually help in pass coverage. I see what some are saying about drafting a SS. I think it can wait another season. We need to force teams to abandon the run. I feel we have the personal to stop the pass.

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In your example, if an RB is the best available in our round 1 scenario, he probably will move down and there are enough teams that would trade with Grigson for an RB, IMO, with Grigson potentially getting an additional pick and not reaching for a player thus sticking to his board as planned by getting a player he wants a tad later where he was evaluated in Grigson's board.

 

The problem with your scenario is that you automatically assume Grigson doesn't want or need a running back just because the fan base doesn't think we need one.  Grigson may see his future Ray Rice (or whomever you ideal RB is ) and grab him which would be exactly the right thing to do if he has the guy rated that high.  He would not trade back to get an Olineman just to fill a need, imo.   This is what he did last year which had the fan base so upset at first.  I think he will do much of the same thing again.    

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The problem with your scenario is that you automatically assume Grigson doesn't want or need a running back just because the fan base doesn't think we need one.  Grigson may see his future Ray Rice (or whomever you ideal RB is ) and grab him which would be exactly the right thing to do if he has the guy rated that high.  He would not trade back to get an Olineman just to fill a need, imo.   This is what he did last year which had the fan base so upset at first.  I think he will do much of the same thing again.    

One issue I have with this statement

 

For a running back to be successful in almost every case he has to have a decent run blocking O Line, which until Shipley was put in at Center did not happen. we also went all offense last year in the draft except Chapman and one of those offensive picks was a running back. He may trade up or down for a player or picks and that may even be for an offensive player but it seems like rb would be low on the priority list, why have 3 talent running backs on the roster (Brown, Ballard, take your pick of a rb in the draft-I prefer Ball) and the same O Linemen to run behind that could not be ran behind consistently this year. The idea is to have talent at every position not at just a couple positions because so and so is a great player, we have two running backs that were great in college but neither have had a very consistent O Line to run behind. Also the future Ray Rice comment only goes so far when you think that Arian Foster went undrafted and is a star RB because he as the O Line to run behind, also the Ravens have some very solid run blocking O Linemen to, Micheal Oher, Matt Birk, Marshall Yanda, I hear Osemel has done well to

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I'd prefer we actually avoid drafting OL, and instead go hard after them in FA....the problem is that drafting an OL takes time to develop. Look at AC, he's in year 2 and still having growing pains as a high draft choice.

I think a few key OL FA picks, and a few late round projects would go a long way for this team.

Use those picks on DBs and DL, or another weapon.

Wasnt Shipley like a 7th round choice?

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The problem with your scenario is that you automatically assume Grigson doesn't want or need a running back just because the fan base doesn't think we need one.  Grigson may see his future Ray Rice (or whomever you ideal RB is ) and grab him which would be exactly the right thing to do if he has the guy rated that high.  He would not trade back to get an Olineman just to fill a need, imo.   This is what he did last year which had the fan base so upset at first.  I think he will do much of the same thing again.    

 

As of right now, if Grigson could find Vick Ballard in later rounds and if he showed us anything last year, he showed us that he believes that you need more weapons in the passing category, and rightfully so with 2 WRs and 2 TEs drafted along with Luck.

 

As of right now, I do not see those kinds of RBs rated on the scouting websites highly (Ray Rice, Arian Foster kind) in the draft for round 1 close to the 20s where we pick. That was also my line of thinking when I said that about round 1.

 

Besides, I agree with Gavin above whole heartedly.

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As of right now, if Grigson could find Vick Ballard in later rounds and if he showed us anything last year, he showed us that he believes that you need more weapons in the passing category, and rightfully so with 2 WRs and 2 TEs drafted along with Luck.

 

As of right now, I do not see those kinds of RBs rated on the scouting websites highly (Ray Rice, Arian Foster kind) in the draft for round 1 close to the 20s where we pick. That was also my line of thinking when I said that about round 1.

 

Besides, I agree with Gavin above whole heartedly.

You are missing my point. I used running back as an example. It could be any position. If a potential star is there, regardless of position, I say Grigson has to pick him and I think he would. You guys are, for some reason, thinking that Grigson will pick for need. We don't NEED a running back so we just mark that off the big board. Grigson isn't going to take running back off his board. The only position off the board is QB.

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For the record, as of now (subject to change after the combines)  there are no RB's who project as a first round pick.

 

Lattimore might've been one,  but now that ship has sailed.

 

So, teams looking for a RB will find them in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th rounds...  

 

But I don't think anyone will find one to take in the first.

 

That's how things look right now.....

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You are missing my point. I used running back as an example. It could be any position. If a potential star is there, regardless of position, I say Grigson has to pick him and I think he would. You guys are, for some reason, thinking that Grigson will pick for need. We don't NEED a running back so we just mark that off the big board. Grigson isn't going to take running back off his board. The only position off the board is QB.

Why is QB off the board if he is the best player available going with what your example is, also remember our big need for Corner in last years draft,now we did not get one in the draft but Grigson tried hard to get one so he was thinking of need at some point in the draft, it does play a factor. we needed two Tight Ends, the two best were available to us, they were arguably not the best players available Janoris Jenkins who many talked about as the best Corner on the board  even better then Claiborne  depending on who you paid attention to, Courtney Upshaw, Cordy Glenn and Jonathan Martin were all available as well

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I'd prefer we actually avoid drafting OL, and instead go hard after them in FA....the problem is that drafting an OL takes time to develop. Look at AC, he's in year 2 and still having growing pains as a high draft choice.

I think a few key OL FA picks, and a few late round projects would go a long way for this team.

Use those picks on DBs and DL, or another weapon.

I agree on the DB's but I disagree on the DL with Chapman coming back next year and with what we got I think were good there. But I agree on the OL deal though. we need immediate help there not a bunch of projects. 

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