LT Position Resolved ?

[BloodRaven]

Didn't the staff say Wagner was going to be an interior lineman?

 

I hope not, interior guys up the 6'5"+ range usually run into all sorts of leverage problems unless they're built like Carl Nicks or KO.

[GrimCoconut]

 

Okafor continued his week-long domination of Wisconsin tackle Ricky Wagner. Okafor burned him with two speed rushes around the corner. Jones did that to Wagner as well. The big Badger tackle had wins in other reps going against Sio Moore and Illinois defensive end Michael Buchanan. Overall, Wagner has had too many struggles with speed-rushers this week and hasn't helped himself.

 

 

Okafor also used his speed to beat Illinois guard/tackle Hugh Thornton. Going against Wisconsin tackle Ricky Wagner, Okafor had a draw. The former Badger left tackle looks like he will have to play right tackle in the NFL. Okafor later finished the one-on-ones by beating Fisher with a speed rush.

 

 

In the team scrimmage, Okafor used some power and quickness to smash Wagner into the backfield and start a tackle for a loss on Fresno State running back Robbie Rouse. Okafor and Short met in the backfield on a run to the right side which resulted in another tackle for a loss. It was a very impressive first day for Okafor. He is a natural upfield end who is going to put a lot of pressure on tackles to keep him out of the backfield.

 

 

 

One of the players who had success against Cave and the other interior linemen was Hill. He displayed a powerful bull rush to get numerous wins. Another one came against San Jose State's Dan Quessenberry. Hill's bull rush went through Thornton and Wagner for two more wins.

 

 

 

SMU defensive end Margus Hunt was one of the stars of the weigh-in, but overall, he had a quiet first practice. Hunt lost on some one-on-one reps, but did beat Wagner for a likely sack in the team scrimmage. It is easy to get wrapped up in the great physical skill set of the 6-foot-8, 277-pound Estonian, but he is still a work in progress as a football player. Hunt needs to work on staying low and not standing up too high. Offensive linemen get under his pads and neutralize him when that happens.

 

 

 

Okafor had some nice wins and gave Wisconsin tackle Ricky Wagner a lot of problems. Wagner held Okafor in their first rep, and in a game, Wagner maybe would have gotten away with it. Okafor later beat Wagner with a speed rush around the right side and on another rep with a cut to the inside.

 

 

Ricky Wagner hasn’t blown me away this week. I think he still has a shot at the top 100 but he’s not going to be a road grading right tackle and he has struggled with speed here in Mobile. He’s a right tackle only though because he doesn’t pass protect well enough to play on the left side, and that’s what I was afraid of coming into the week. He’s not a good enough pass blocker to stick on the left side and he’s not a good enough drive blocker to play on the right side. I think he could be a serviceable starter at right tackle, but I don’t think he has a lot of upside there or inside at guard. If you want a solid but not dominant starter at right tackle then Wagner could be your guy, especially if you have a good offensive line coach, but if you’re looking for dominant run blocking or great pass protection Wagner is going to leave you wanting more.

 

[The Raven]

 

 

 

 

 

Depressing.

[Guest Moderator 6]

Jonathan Ogden retired 5 years ago.  The LT position will never be 'resolved.'

[GrimCoconut]

Depressing.

Yeah...sorry, buddy.

[The Raven]

Yeah...sorry, buddy.

 

I still have hope!

[GrimCoconut]

I still have hope!

Hahaha, it's OK. Me too. I'm going to post some info on Devey. Give me some time. Keep checking here very soon.

[BloodRaven]

Wagner has enough footwork and range to block to the edge but his real problem is he has no punch, too bad that seems to be something we don't teach here after looking at Oher's "development".

[The Raven]

Hahaha, it's OK. Me too. I'm going to post some info on Devey. Give me some time. Keep checking here very soon.

 

Will do!

[The Raven]

Wagner has enough footwork and range to block to the edge but his real problem is he has no punch, too bad that seems to be something we don't teach here after looking at Oher's "development".

 

 

I've noticed that his punch is inconsistent. When it's there, he has a really damn good punch. But otherwise, it's like he's playing patty cake.

[GrimCoconut]

Jordan Devey

http://bloggingthebeast.com/2013/01/16/east-west-shrine-game-practice-notes-east-team-1-16-13/

 

Jordan Devey (OG, Memphis) is very aggressive, in good ways and bad.  You have to love a guy that wants to hit everything that moves until the whistle, but he seems a little too preoccupied with making the “highlight hit.”  On two different screen passes, rather than continuing to run up the field and block for the back, he peeled by and tried to lay out defenders in pursuit.  That wasn’t the better play on either occasion.

 

http://www.college2pro.com/showSingleArticle.php?id=121&page=browseArticles&category=All%20Star%20Games

 

 

 

Memphis - Offensive linemen Jordan Devey played well today. Repeatedly he was earning the praise of coaches for doing drills correctly. For instance one particular East linemen earned the opposite " you just missed everything we just taught you in the last five minutes," said the East o-line coach. Devey looked athletic with long arms. Seemed to have good bend in his knees, and could slide his feet and play with balance in his feet. 

 

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=6636

 

 

 

Jordan Devey/OL/Memphis: Looked unathletic and clumsy at times but controlled opponents once he got his hands on them.  Wed Again- does not look pretty yet consistently gets the job done and controls opponents at the point of attack.

 

If you want to watch it, you can. He was #64. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf3qKc5C1tM

[BloodRaven]

I've noticed that his punch is inconsistent. When it's there, he has a really damn good punch. But otherwise, it's like he's playing patty cake.

 

Some tackles just can't shake the habit of trying to catch and absorb pass rushers when they could be jolting guys and creating space, Oher still does it.

[GrimCoconut]

If you want to skip through it, he wears a bright blue helmet & he has the East white & red jersey, lol. Should be easy to spot. He makes an appearance at 1:13:27. 

[The Raven]

Jordan Devey

http://bloggingthebeast.com/2013/01/16/east-west-shrine-game-practice-notes-east-team-1-16-13/

http://www.college2pro.com/showSingleArticle.php?id=121&page=browseArticles&category=All%20Star%20Games

 

 

http://www.draftinsider.net/blog/?p=6636

 

 

If you want to watch it, you can. He was #64. 

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf3qKc5C1tM

Interesting prospect, for sure.

 

Edit: I really like him, but mainly as a guard prospect. He plays with a real nasty streak that is best suited for guard. He's really raw and doesn't have good technique at all. But man is he nasty!

[JoeyFlex5]

Was Eugene Monroe any good at left tackle?  Sorry to say I don't pay any attention at all to the Jacksonville Jaguars, so I don't know how well or poorly he's played over the years.

one of the best in the league, top 3 possibly. the fact that he has been on a garbage team with a garbage passing game will automatically lower his price, but the facts are that he had nothing to do with that team being garbage, hes a better player for the jags than even MJD was. if he is released in favor of joeckel ill be ecstatic and actually would just be begging to hear the news of leach being cut, love leach but ive been stressing all offseason that LT is the most important missing piece, and right now its practically our only missing piece. if we lucked out and got a monroe, that hole at wr wouldnt matter, because joe would always have the time to find the open man, and would pick apart any defense

[BloodRaven]

Are there any other tackles we can trade for besides Albert/Monroe/Saffold? Oher or KO at LT seems like a nightmare scenario.

[PolishRifle]

McKinnie is taking a physical in Miami today:

 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-bryant-mckinnie-visiting-dolphins-taking-physical-today-no-deal-yet-source-says-20130429,0,6260511.story

 

Oher's position at LT looks more and more save. He wants that job, right?

[izvoodoo]

McKinnie is taking a physical in Miami today:

 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-bryant-mckinnie-visiting-dolphins-taking-physical-today-no-deal-yet-source-says-20130429,0,6260511.story

 

Oher's position at LT looks more and more save. He wants that job, right?

It's looking more and more like we're going to have to do something very unraven (big free agent signing, trade) to get an LT.

[PolishRifle]

It's looking more and more like we're going to have to do something very unraven (big free agent signing, trade) to get an LT.

The current candidates for LT are Oher, KO and Wagner. I have the feeling at this point, that the Ravens are just trying to play this season out and see what happens. Same with the WRs.

[izvoodoo]

The current candidates for LT are Oher, KO and Wagner. I have the feeling at this point, that the Ravens are just trying to play this season out and see what happens. Same with the WRs.

Remember when we needed a pass rusher and kruger stepped up and McPhee was a big steal after not drafting a pass rusher in 2010?  Receiever feels the same way.  We have a lot of guys who can step up, and it's more likely that a receiver who has had NFL coaching can step up over a 4th-5th round pick that we can develop. 

On the other hand we've seen what Flacco can do with a capable LT, and we've seen what he can't do with Oline issues.

 

That being said, at least we're not Chicago.

[redlobster]

Then pick up Winston......

Problem solved for LT.

 

Now what do we do about the WR problem?

 

Lmao Winston was such a disaster the Chiefs cut him after one year and he is still unsigned. No thanks

[PolishRifle]

That being said, at least we're not Chicago.

I'm not sure Cutler would be a winner with a solid Oline. He had one great season in 2008 at Denver and couldn't reproduce it ever since. That mytical season was still way worse than Flaccos best season in 2010.

 

Cutler scored 25 TDs to 18 INT

Flacco scored 25 TDs to 10 INT

 

Unless, passing yards are really important to you ofcourse. I personally value scoring and not turning the ball over more.

 

Oher is an okay LT, though. Just my opinion.

[GrimCoconut]

Lmao Winston was such a disaster the Chiefs cut him after one year and he is still unsigned. No thanks

I don't know why Winston was cut, but he graded better than Oher according to PFF. At least, that's what I remember reading. Don't have a source right now to substantiate.

[redlobster]

I don't know why Winston was cut, but he graded better than Oher according to PFF. At least, that's what I remember reading. Don't have a source right now to substantiate.

I believe he had injury issues as well or was rumored to at least in chiefs country

[GrimCoconut]

After taking sporadic breaks using Photoshop today, I went & researched Kelechi Osemele a bit. Here's what I found. 

 

References: 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/kelechi-osemele?id=2532922

http://www.drafttek.com/2012-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Profiles/Scouting-Report-Kelechi-Osemele.asp

http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/player/kelechi-osemele-72/

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2012kosemele.php

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=71222&draftyear=2012&genpos=OT

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1243444/kelechi-osemele

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/02/23/5-o-linemen-ravens-could-see-today/

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/04/27/round-2-ravens-select-t-osemele/

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/05/01/michael-oher-expects-to-stay-on-right-side/

 

Most of the info here suggests that Osemele can't handle the speed rushers to play the left side. I'd even agree; however, for some strange reason we seem to suggest that KO can play LT. I don't know why, but the reports I read keep comparing him to Cordy Glenn. I suppose that's a fair comparison. An interesting aspect of that comparison is that Glenn actually played left tackle for the Bills & did a damn fine job at it. 

 

I'm not saying I agree with the idea of putting KO at LT, but I think that may very well have been our plan the entire time. Bringing Castillo here is also a curious addition, as he adds an interesting wrinkle to things. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we do something like this: 

 

KO | Wagner/Reid/Harewood | Gradkowski | Yanda | Oher

[hawkprey]

After taking sporadic breaks using Photoshop today, I went & researched Kelechi Osemele a bit. Here's what I found. 

 

References: 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/kelechi-osemele?id=2532922

http://www.drafttek.com/2012-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Profiles/Scouting-Report-Kelechi-Osemele.asp

http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/player/kelechi-osemele-72/

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2012kosemele.php

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=71222&draftyear=2012&genpos=OT

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1243444/kelechi-osemele

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/02/23/5-o-linemen-ravens-could-see-today/

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/04/27/round-2-ravens-select-t-osemele/

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/05/01/michael-oher-expects-to-stay-on-right-side/

 

Most of the info here suggests that Osemele can't handle the speed rushers to play the left side. I'd even agree; however, for some strange reason we seem to suggest that KO can play LT. I don't know why, but the reports I read keep comparing him to Cordy Glenn. I suppose that's a fair comparison. An interesting aspect of that comparison is that Glenn actually played left tackle for the Bills & did a damn fine job at it. 

 

I'm not saying I agree with the idea of putting KO at LT, but I think that may very well have been our plan the entire time. Bringing Castillo here is also a curious addition, as he adds an interesting wrinkle to things. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we do something like this: 

 

KO | Wagner/Reid/Harewood | Gradkowski | Yanda | Oher

Everyone's reading too much into what Ozzie said about KO being the current favorite at LT (before the draft). That's doesn't mean he's going to play there. Marshall Yanda might be the best RT we have, but he doesn't play there because he's also our best guard. KO's our best LG too, but that's not what the question was about. He will play guard unless someone else really shines there.

 

My guess: there's almost no chance that our best O-line combination would involve our best LG playing at his second best position.

[GrimCoconut]

Everyone's reading too much into what Ozzie said about KO being the current favorite at LT (before the draft). That's doesn't mean he's going to play there. Marshall Yanda might be the best RT we have, but he doesn't play there because he's also our best guard. KO's our best LG too, but that's not what the question was about. He will play guard unless someone else really shines there.

 

My guess: there's almost no chance that our best O-line combination would involve our best LG playing at his second best position.

I guess we'll see. The fact that we've barely addressed the OL in the draft outside of Wagner (and I just have my doubts he can play LT--more than KO) & I won't be surprised if we have KO at LT. The only way I think KO doesn't play LT is if some veteran is cut, we re-sign McKinnie, or the Ravens move Oher back to LT which looks unlikely. I highly doubt Wagner or Jah Reid play LT for the Ravens.

[Bltravens]

My money is on if Juice Check playing well the first while of TC, cutting Leach and signing McKinnie with the cap space.

Though I wasn't really impressed with Check's lead blocking ability or pass protection.  Leach was able to block friggin DEs on his own at times.  Check was getting lifted off his feet by LBs at the Senior Bowl sometimes.

[Bltravens]

After taking sporadic breaks using Photoshop today, I went & researched Kelechi Osemele a bit. Here's what I found. 

 

References: 

http://www.nfl.com/draft/2011/profiles/kelechi-osemele?id=2532922

http://www.drafttek.com/2012-NFL-Draft-Prospect-Profiles/Scouting-Report-Kelechi-Osemele.asp

http://www.profootballweekly.com/prospects/player/kelechi-osemele-72/

http://walterfootball.com/scoutingreport2012kosemele.php

http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=71222&draftyear=2012&genpos=OT

http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/players/1243444/kelechi-osemele

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/02/23/5-o-linemen-ravens-could-see-today/

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/04/27/round-2-ravens-select-t-osemele/

http://blogs.baltimoreravens.com/2012/05/01/michael-oher-expects-to-stay-on-right-side/

 

Most of the info here suggests that Osemele can't handle the speed rushers to play the left side. I'd even agree; however, for some strange reason we seem to suggest that KO can play LT. I don't know why, but the reports I read keep comparing him to Cordy Glenn. I suppose that's a fair comparison. An interesting aspect of that comparison is that Glenn actually played left tackle for the Bills & did a damn fine job at it. 

 

I'm not saying I agree with the idea of putting KO at LT, but I think that may very well have been our plan the entire time. Bringing Castillo here is also a curious addition, as he adds an interesting wrinkle to things. I wouldn't be at all surprised if we do something like this: 

 

KO | Wagner/Reid/Harewood | Gradkowski | Yanda | Oher

Hate Reid at LG, he was brutal, no punch at all inside, too long. Harewood would be perfect at LG if he could increase his football IQ somehow, he was a pretty pounding run blocker.  But I shiver at Gradkowski at Harewood/Reid standing beside each other.

[hawkprey]

I guess we'll see. The fact that we've barely addressed the OL in the draft outside of Wagner (and I just have my doubts he can play LT--more than KO) & I won't be surprised if we have KO at LT. The only way I think KO doesn't play LT is if some veteran is cut, we re-sign McKinnie, or the Ravens move Oher back to LT which looks unlikely. I highly doubt Wagner or Jah Reid play LT for the Ravens.

I think we didn't address LT during the first 4 rounds because we just had better players available and other needs to satisfy.

 

Wagner, Reid, Harewood, Cornell, Mims - one of them should step up into the LT spot. The best of that group can't be much worse than McKinnie. Just like Oher shouldn't move from RT, I think KO shouldn't move from guard. At least keep the line from being average across the board.