How Would You Build The Offensive Line?

[stan]

If I were Steve Bischotti I would pay Bobby Beathard a million dollars to find me five good offensive linemen. It would be cost effective because Beathard can find quality linemen in a scarp heap. His drafting of offensive linemen is great. He once traded 2 first round draft picks for a third rounder named Russ Grimm. Bingo. He got rid of 2 high paid positions for a mid round paycheck for a player that went to the Pro Bowl.

Any other ideas?

[Alexir]

I would call up Drew Rosenhaus and tell him he won. Get Jared paid, move Oher to right tackle, and draft a center next year. Bam. Done. Guards stay the same (grubbs and yanda).

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='stan' timestamp='1292348836' post='575069']
If I were Steve Bischotti I would pay Bobby Beathard a million dollars to find me five good offensive linemen. It would be cost effective because Beathard can find quality linemen in a scarp heap. His drafting of offensive linemen is great. He once traded 2 first round draft picks for a third rounder named Russ Grimm. Bingo. He got rid of 2 high paid positions for a mid round paycheck for a player that went to the Pro Bowl.

Any other ideas?
[/quote]

We don't need five good offensive linemen, we only need two or three tops. Oher, Grubbs, and Yanda are all, at the very least, good enough. We need to draft or trade for a center to replace Birk. We need to resign Gaither if he can be had for cheap. I don't know of any reason why a team would pay a lot of money for someone like Gaither so it's possible we could afford him. If not we need to sign a veteran OT.

Resign Gaither (hopefully)
Draft a center
Find a serviceable T in FA

The end.

Edit: Alexir beat me to it haha

[stan]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1292349030' post='575075']
I would call up Drew Rosenhaus and tell him he won. Get Jared paid, move Oher to right tackle, and draft a center next year. Bam. Done. Guards stay the same (grubbs and yanda).
[/quote]

What do you think about Gaither's history of injury? Signing him is very risky.

[Alexir]

[quote name='stan' timestamp='1292349712' post='575107']
What do you think about Gaither's history of injury? Signing him is very risky.
[/quote]

Well, we will see where he is at in the offseason but if he passes the physicals, I say sign him. Give him LT money. Oher is still young but he is a better run blocker than pass protector. He will excel on the right side.

[Jamal]

Well you guys need to remember, Gaither has always had trouble staying healthy. Our o-line miss him dearly, but back issues almost never fully heal.

I would rather draft a tackle or center early in the draft.

[stan]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' timestamp='1292349256' post='575082']
We don't need five good offensive linemen, we only need two or three tops. Oher, Grubbs, and Yanda are all, at the very least, good enough. We need to draft or trade for a center to replace Birk. We need to resign Gaither if he can be had for cheap. I don't know of any reason why a team would pay a lot of money for someone like Gaither so it's possible we could afford him. If not we need to sign a veteran OT.

Resign Gaither (hopefully)
Draft a center
Find a serviceable T in FA

The end.

Edit: Alexir beat me to it haha
[/quote]
Dude. There are only five O linemen. Three new ones is a lot from where I sit. Do you want to sign Gaither or not? Obviously he can't be had cheap or he would be here.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Jamal' timestamp='1292349841' post='575111']
Well you guys need to remember, Gaither has always had trouble staying healthy. Our o-line miss him dearly, but back issues almost never fully heal.

I would rather draft a tackle or center early in the draft.
[/quote]

You're right. Didn't Gaither injure his spine last season? The guy is ridiculously talented but injury-prone.

A tackle or center within the first four rounds is a must.

[Alexir]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1292349947' post='575118']
You're right. Didn't Gaither injure his spine last season? The guy is ridiculously talented but injury-prone.

A tackle or center within the first four rounds is a must.
[/quote]

I just don't know how many drafts can go bye without addressing some serious age problems with our defense. We need a LE, OLB, MLB, SS. Im actually fine with the CBs we have after Foxy comes back. Josh Wilson and Webb are pretty darn solid.

[stan]

Thanks for your replys.

We have drafted centers, guards and tackles but we still have the same problem. What's your solution to our REAL problem?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1292350166' post='575123']
I just don't know how many drafts can go bye without addressing some serious age problems with our defense. We need a LE, OLB, MLB, SS. Im actually fine with the CBs we have after Foxy comes back. Josh Wilson and Webb are pretty darn solid.
[/quote]

Well, the FO [i]has[/i] addressed those needs in recent drafts but as it happens with all NFL teams, a new season presents new problems.

[Jamal]

[quote name='Alexir' timestamp='1292350166' post='575123']
I just don't know how many drafts can go bye without addressing some serious age problems with our defense. We need a LE, OLB, MLB, SS. Im actually fine with the CBs we have after Foxy comes back. Josh Wilson and Webb are pretty darn solid.
[/quote]
Yeah, thats one of the problems. We have many desperate needs. Which is kind of odd when you have Ozzie drafting.

DE, WR(should only keep Q after this season, and start young), ILB, CB(Like you said, we have some good corners, but we play a lot of man to man, and I don't see a corner who I'd feel comfortable with against the elite WR's), OLB(depending on Kindle's health), OT, C, and FS,.

All these needs are pretty big, which really makes me wish we could have pressed Denver for a 1st round pick this year. I'll take that over Kindle and Dickson tbh (no offense to them)

[Guest RBates]

Yanda has got to go to the bench this guy misses blocks constantly. Chris Chester wow what a surprise i thought he was better than that. Jared Gaither can still save this team if you let him, how could Harbaugh and our front office be so insensitive when it comes to the handling of a supplemental draft pick. We could have got him at least a two year deal especially with the possibility of no football for 2011 looming around. He played his heart out for us and minus a few fans i think we all see that we need him back.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='RBates' timestamp='1292350873' post='575151']
Yanda has got to go to the bench this guy misses blocks constantly. Chris Chester wow what a surprise i thought he was better than that. Jared Gaither can still save this team if you let him, how could Harbaugh and our front office be so insensitive when it comes to the handling of a supplemental draft pick. We could have got him at least a two year deal especially with the possibility of no football for 2011 looming around. He played his heart out for us and i don't remember a game where i was like we couldn't get someone blocked all game.
[/quote]

What are you talking about? Insensitive? As important as he is, the guy inexplicably shows up to camp 30 pounds underweight and they should give him a one or two-year deal?

[ravensfan160]

Go back in time and draft better players.

In all seriousness, we are stuck with who we have. I doubt Ozzie will invest another 1st round pick on the o-line so we better hope somebody on the roster develops. Ramon Harewood is a possibility although he's probably another couple years away. I can't imagine Mattison is a future starter at any position on the line.

So I guess that just leaves resiging Gaither. Hopefully his remarks awhile back about wanting to finish his career in Baltimore were true.

We also have to keep in mind that Grubbs and Yanda's contracts have to be nearing their final year. I'm not sure on either but it has to be close.

[Jamal]

[quote name='RBates' timestamp='1292350873' post='575151']
Yanda has got to go to the bench this guy misses blocks constantly. Chris Chester wow what a surprise i thought he was better than that. Jared Gaither can still save this team if you let him, how could Harbaugh and our front office be so insensitive when it comes to the handling of a supplemental draft pick. We could have got him at least a two year deal especially with the possibility of no football for 2011 looming around. He played his heart out for us and minus a few fans i think we all see that we need him back.
[/quote]
LOL. Yanda is arguably our best o-lineman.....

[True]

Forgetting fixing the offensive line at this point, it's not going to happen.

1)Get Joe in more shotgun formations. Let him see the whole defense, point out guys that are unblocked, and get another crucial second to get the ball out. Throw to the middle of the field instead of to the outside 90% of the time.

2)Get Willis McGahee to block more. He's a veteran and a much stronger back than Ray Rice. Every time he's back there we all know it's because he's going to run. Don't be so predictable and have him keep guys out. Missing Heap also hurts cause he's very crucial in picking up defenders since the rookie TE's are still learning.

3)Throw screens to Boldin. Why is one of the most physical WR and a beast with YAC not getting any screens at all with blockers in front of him? If you are getting pressured with blitzes, then throw some short quick passes and match them up with some open space.

4)Someone please pick up the safety?

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='ravensfan160' timestamp='1292351032' post='575157']
Go back in time and draft better players.

In all seriousness, we are stuck with who we have. [b]I doubt Ozzie will invest another 1st round pick on the o-line so we better hope somebody on the roster develops.[/b] Ramon Harewood is a possibility although he's probably another couple years away. I can't imagine Mattison is a future starter at any position on the line.

So I guess that just leaves resiging Gaither. Hopefully his remarks awhile back about wanting to finish his career in Baltimore were true.

[b]We also have to keep in mind that Grubbs and Yanda's contracts have to be nearing their final year. I'm not sure on either but it has to be close.[/b]
[/quote]

The draft process hasn't even started yet. I wouldn't be surprised if he did though.

Grubbs signed a five-year deal when he was drafted so the team will re-sign him in 2012. Yanda's in a contract year but he'll definitely be back.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='True' timestamp='1292351311' post='575172']
Forgetting fixing the offensive line at this point, it's not going to happen.

1)Get Joe in more shotgun formations. Let him see the whole defense, point out guys that are unblocked, and get another crucial second to get the ball out. Throw to the middle of the field instead of to the outside 90% of the time.

[b]2)Get Willis McGahee to block more. He's a veteran and a much stronger back than Ray Rice. Every time he's back there we all know it's because he's going to run. Don't be so predictable and have him keep guys out. Missing Heap also hurts cause he's very crucial in picking up defenders since the rookie TE's are still learning.

3)Throw screens to Boldin. Why is one of the most physical WR and a beast with YAC not getting any screens at all with blockers in front of him? If you are getting pressured with blitzes, then throw some short quick passes and match them up with some open space. [/b]

4)Someone please pick up the safety?
[/quote]

2) McGahee is a good pass blocker? That's news to Cam.

3) Screens to Q? Was Boldin ever successful on those in Arizona?

[gabefergy]

I dont know where to start...Gaither would be nice, but I dont trust his injury history. We obviously need a new C, Birk is seriously showing his age.

I'd say try to draft a center in the first couple rounds and maybe try to sign a FA Tackle, hope that Harewood develops.

We also need to adress the Pass Rush in the draft and look for a beast MLB

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='stan' timestamp='1292349941' post='575116']
Dude. There are only five O linemen. Three new ones is a lot from where I sit. Do you want to sign Gaither or not? Obviously he can't be had cheap or he would be here.
[/quote]

There are only five starting O-Linemen, but we need to consider depth. The FA signing I suggested would likely just be that kind of player, who could step in if someone was injured.

I do want to resign Gaither. "Cheap" is a relative term. I'm not opposed to giving him a nice contract, but I don't want a Haynesworth situation and Gaither hasn't been healthy or consistent enough to demand a monster contract.

[TreTheRaven]

What ever happened to Jason Brown? I know he threw the Ravens under the bus but why did the Ravens let that man go in the first place? I see a lot of people saying to find a replacement for Birk, which is why I bring up Brown.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='TreTheRaven' timestamp='1292352152' post='575204']
What ever happened to Jason Brown? I know he threw the Ravens under the bus but why did the Ravens let that man go in the first place? I see a lot of people saying to find a replacement for Birk, which is why I bring up Brown.
[/quote]

Brown wanted a big contract the Ravens weren't willing give him. After signing with the Rams, he criticized the organization for not wanting to pay offensive players.

[stan]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' timestamp='1292351824' post='575190']
There are only five starting O-Linemen, but we need to consider depth. The FA signing I suggested would likely just be that kind of player, who could step in if someone was injured.

I do want to resign Gaither. "Cheap" is a relative term. I'm not opposed to giving him a nice contract, but I don't want a Haynesworth situation and Gaither hasn't been healthy or consistent enough to demand a monster contract.
[/quote]
Understood. If Gaither comes back he should get veteran left tackle money. We don't know if he has a back injury, some say he's faking to stay out, or not. He was being moved to the right side which means a lot less money. I agree. Sign him if possible as a left tackle but don't hand the check book to him.

Good point.

[stan]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1292352412' post='575209']
Brown wanted a big contract the Ravens weren't willing give him. After signing with the Rams, he criticized the organization for not wanting to pay offensive players.
[/quote]
That's Ozzie's philosiphy. He does a great job of keeping the check book in order. I trust him there. Art Modell was a good one for over paying players. Billick was the same way. I believe we're still trying to recover from his dibacery.

[PuRock]

[quote name='stan' timestamp='1292352492' post='575212']
Understood. If Gaither comes back he should get veteran left tackle money. We don't know if he has a back injury, some say he's faking to stay out, or not. He was being moved to the right side which means a lot less money. I agree. Sign him if possible as a left tackle but don't hand the check book to him.

Good point.
[/quote]

He has a back injury. Why the hell would he fake it when it greatly impacted how much money is next contract would be for. The guy's value went down crazy amounts this season. If he is faking it, then he is making some bad, bad decisions.

I disagree with giving him LT money. The guy hasn't been on the field enough. Has created more headaches than not. We should be able to get him back at a decent price since no other team is going to break the bank for a guy that might/or might not play a whole season.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='stan' timestamp='1292352774' post='575228']
That's Ozzie's philosiphy. He does a great job of keeping the check book in order. I trust him there. Art Modell was a good one for over paying players. Billick was the same way. I believe we're still trying to recover from his dibacery.
[/quote]

Ozzie is going to have to pull off some fiscal magic this offseason. We need to get Ngata extended (I don't think this will be a problem but I will be a lot of money). We need to make a decision on Housh (does he stay or go?). I think Housh would be willing to take a pay cut to stay on the team. He's a competitor and if he gets to be a bigger part of the offense I think he will stay.

I think that trading down in this draft was a great idea. We don't need to dish out big money for a first-rounder and we got a lot of young talent (Reed, Cody, and Dickson have all made a few plays). Not to mention that once we get Kindle back it will be like we got a first-rounder for second round money. Not bad.

[BloodRaven]

I'm pretty sure Yanda is on his final year as well as Gaither, so we'd have to look to the draft for some young maulers, something like:

1st round Marcus Cannon T/G
2nd round Ben Ijalana T/G
3rd round Kristofer O'Dowd C

[PuRock]

[quote name='Ngata92NT' timestamp='1292353053' post='575236']
Ozzie is going to have to pull off some fiscal magic this offseason. We need to get Ngata extended (I don't think this will be a problem but I will be a lot of money).[b] We need to make a decision on Housh (does he stay or go?). I think Housh would be willing to take a pay cut to stay on the team. [/b]He's a competitor and if he gets to be a bigger part of the offense I think he will stay.

I think that trading down in this draft was a great idea. We don't need to dish out big money for a first-rounder and we got a lot of young talent (Reed, Cody, and Dickson have all made a few plays). Not to mention that once we get Kindle back it will be like we got a first-rounder for second round money. Not bad.
[/quote]

Housh won't be back next year. He certainly won't take a pay cut to stay on a team that he thought would be beastly (and get more reps than he is). Housh is gone. He's a one year deal guy.

[Ngata92NT]

[quote name='BloodRaven' timestamp='1292353081' post='575239']
I'm pretty sure Yanda is on his final year as well as Gaither, so we'd have to look to the draft for some young maulers, something like:

1st round Marcus Cannon T/G
2nd round Ben Ijalana T/G
3rd round Kristofer O'Dowd C
[/quote]

.... no way in hell that happens. Two tackles and a center? When we already have two first rounders on the O-Line? We have substantial needs at ILB, FS, SS, DE, and WR. We are definitely resigning Yanda. I would be OKAY with taking a tackle or a center in the first two rounds but we have a lot of other needs and there's no way our first three picks are all O-Linemen.