"Who Stays and Who Goes?" - Offensive Line Edition

[rmw10]

Next up in the roster breakdown is the offensive line.  To choose the number of players, I will once again go by the Ravens' standard, which in this case is 9 offensive lineman.  Please, when choosing your players to make the team, pick only nine offensive lineman.

 

Here are the candidates:

 

1.  Bryant McKinnie (33) - McKinnie was just brought back, and will fill the LT position.  Hopefully we get out of him what we saw during the Super Bowl run.  He's always been considered lazy, but reports say that McKinnie has completely changed this offseason.  He's showed up in shape and has shown tons of motivation.  He's guaranteed.

 

2.  Kelechi Osemele (24) - KO was an absolute monster at guard last year.  He was a serviceable RT, but really came into his own at G.  He has All-Pro potential, and it's apparently Pro Bowl or bust for him this year.  KO will be starting for us, and may become one of the best G's in the league if last year was any indication.

 

3.  Gino Gradkowski (24) - Gino was considered kind of small when we drafted him, so he spent all year on the sidelines learning.  He got a chance to play in week 17, and dominated one of the best DL in the game in Geno Atkins.  Pending a complete downfall, expect Gino to be the starting C in 2013.

 

4.  Marshal Yanda (28) - Yanda is in the conversation for best guard in the league.  He's the true definition of a mauler on the line.  He's had a few minor injuries that have held him out for a few games, but he's one of the toughest guys in the league.  Him and KO together may account for the best G combo in the league.

 

5.  Michael Oher (27) - Oher is hit or miss.  There are times where he looks great, and other times where he doesn't.  He's a serviceable RT that can switch over and play LT in the event of an injury.  Regardless of the dislike for him among fans, he'll be starting at RT and is a candidate for an extension.

 

6.  Jah Reid (25) - Reid was pretty terrible last year.  However, in Yanda's absence in OTA's, Reid was running with the first team in his place.  Despite his poor play, he still has the intangibles that make him intriguing.  He's a big body that was a 3rd round pick just a couple of years ago.  He can play both guard positions and RT as well.

 

7.  Ramon Harewood (26) - Ramon was our project player that finally saw some action last season.  He started the first 5 games, and despite playing well, was benched.  He's still pretty raw in his game, but offers some versatility on the line in his ability to play both G positions and RT.

 

8.  AQ Shipley (27) - AQ was acquired in a trade this offseason for a conditional 7th round pick.  Colts fans were not happy at all.  He's a mauler type of guy at C.  He's bounced around a lot, but seemed to come into his own last year.  The Ravens saw a good player and pounced.  He's competing with Gino for the starting C job.

 

9.  Ricky Wagner (23) - Wagner is a do it all type of player that came out of the OL factory known as Wisconsin.  He's best suited at G, but has been seeing time on the 2nd team at both RT and LT in OTA's.  He may not play too much in the upcoming season, but will surely make the squad as a reserve lineman.

 

10.  Ryan Jensen (22) - Jensen is a 6th round pick out of small CSU-Pueblo.  The Ravens are using him as a C, although he has the ability to kick out and play G as well.  He's another play with a mean streak on the field, but is it worth giving him a roster spot to keep a 3rd C on the team?  Being a draft pick bodes well for him, but he could be the typical stash on IR.

 

11.  Jack Cornell (24) - Cornell was one of the standout UDFA's of last offseason.  He played with the first team in McKinnie's absence.  He has the ability to play at both G positions as well as RT.  Despite his great performance, he has a hard road ahead to make the team with all of the depth that is in front of him.

 

12.  Antoine McClain (23) - McClain is another UDFA from last year that saw the whole season on the practice squad.  He's injured right now, and the Ravens are unsure if he'll be ready to go for camp.  He likely doesn't have too much of a chance to make the team anyway, and being injured won't help.

 

13.  Reggie Stephens (25) - Stephens was added to the practice squad late last season, and was signed to a future contract for this year.  He plays C primarily, but can also play G.  He has a long way to go with Gino, AQ, and Jensen in front of him.

 

14.  David Mims (25) - Mims is a huge body.  At 6'8 and 335, he's one of the biggest on the team.  He doesn't use his size very well, though.  His footwork is questionable, likely relegating him to RT.  He could probably give LT a shot, but doesn't seem to have the skill set outside of his size to earn a spot there.

 

15.  Rogers Gaines (23) - Gaines is a developmental player that has a chance to play at LT in the NFL.  He didn't give up 1 sack in his senior season.  He's got tons of potential, and will hopefully be able to realize that on the practice squad.  He has a lot of players to overtake to earn a spot.

 

16.  Jordan Devey (25) - Devey received one of the largest bonuses for UDFA's this season.  He's a gifted lineman that has the size, speed, footwork combo to play all over the line.  Like Gaines, he's a prime practice squad candidate that would need to absolutely dominate to earn a spot.

 

17.  Joe Unga (26) - Unga is another UDFA that has an absolutely huge frame at 6'8 and 320.  He's a little old for a rookie at 26, but age isn't a huge factor for OL.  Like Devey and Gaines, he has potential, but isn't likely to make the team based on who's ahead of him.

[display name]

I'm most intrigued to see how Gino will do. And though he has had a season to learn from Birk and the system, he hasn't really been tested much in the NFL. 

I have confidence that the Shipley signing was a good one, and he seems like a guy we should keep on the roster just in case.

[GrimCoconut]

I think the entire projected starting OL is a lock unless someone gets hurt or we trade someone. That includes McKinnie|KO|Gino|Yanda|Oher. I can't see us cutting Jah Reid. I think one of Jensen and Wagner gets put on IR--most likely Jensen with Wagner making the team. I think Shipley will make the team unless a really good and old vet center gets cut. We will need an experienced or veteran player backing up Gino. So far that means I see it as the following:

1. McKinnie
2. KO
3. Gino
4. Yanda
5. Oher
6. Reid
7. Wagner
8. Shipley

That leaves the following guys fighting for one spot: (in my eyes)

1. Roger Gaines
2. Ramon Harewood
3. Jack Cornell
4. Jordan Devey

if I had to guess I'd say logic would predict Harewood or Cornell get it because they've been here longer. I'm not so sure though. Gaines has the most upside but he's raw and so I see him stashed on the IR or PUP. Harewood was impressive but he needs to get his head straight. Cornell is a favorite and my immediate guess because Ozzie raved about him last year and he's had a year here. I personally am cheering on Jordan Devey. I think he could play LT personally. I think Cornell beats him out however.

Also I believe Roger Gaines had an injury and surgery recently. Now I'm not sure what that means if anything because I can't remember the surgery but I can see the team stash him because of it. Lol. I know. Here I go with my PUP list again.

[5aiah]

I am really big on the AQ Shipley signing. Not yet sold on Gino though I am hoping he builds on his play vs Geno Atkins. I think this was an amazing move to give us some insurance. AQ is a guy who was really on the up and up in Indy and will be missed there. I think his experience and confidence makes him a huge threat to steal Gino's job. Hopefully he can overcome his"short arms" and become a steady guy.

[The Raven]

I'd love to be able to keep Cornell, but it's hard to justify taking him over the five starters, Reid, Wagner, and Shipley. I don't even know if he could make the team over Harewood, who I currently have being cut.

[rmw10]

I'd love to be able to keep Cornell, but it's hard to justify taking him over the five starters, Reid, Wagner, and Shipley. I don't even know if he could make the team over Harewood, who I currently have being cut.

 

That's where I seemed to get stuck.  I think the starters and the 3 you mentioned are all guarantees pending health.  That 9th spot seems to be up for grabs.  I picked Harewood, personally.  It could easily be Jensen or Cornell as well.

[The Raven]

That's where I seemed to get stuck.  I think the starters and the 3 you mentioned are all guarantees pending health.  That 9th spot seems to be up for grabs.  I picked Harewood, personally.  It could easily be Jensen or Cornell as well.

 

I can't see us keeping nine when we've only kept seven or eight at various points in the past few seasons.

[rmw10]

I can't see us keeping nine when we've only kept seven or eight at various points in the past few seasons.

 

Yeah I mean for this sake of these threads, I had to pick a number.  9 is pretty common to start the season for the Ravens and other teams around the league.  At the end of this series, I'm going to offer an opportunity for people to drop one position for another if there's enough support for it.

[Irish Raven]

End of the road for Harewood with this franchise I think. He'll be cut during training camp.

Cornell to take the last spot

[Ravensfan23]

End of the road for Harewood with this franchise I think. He'll be cut during training camp.

Cornell to take the last spot

 

 

I disagree. I think it will be Ried who is on the outside looking in at final cuts. I was far more impressed with Harewood at OG then Ried last year. I'm sure Yanda will be ready to go during camp, but I'd be much more comfortable with Harewood at RG then Jah.

 

My 9 would be the starters obviously. McKinnie, KO, Gino, Yanda and Oher.

The other 4 would be Harewood, Shipley, Mims and Wagner.

 

Harewood is able to play both G position and maybe even RT if need be.

Shipley is fighting for the C spot so if he doesn't win, he's a backup there and at G.

Mims has been running with the 2nd team offense at LT and I think he'll impress enough to lock down that spot.

Wagner is a guy that provides versatility along the Oline. We know Harbs loves those type of guys.

 

Cornell and Jensen will be PS guys.

[GrimCoconut]

I disagree. I think it will be Ried who is on the outside looking in at final cuts. I was far more impressed with Harewood at OG then Ried last year. I'm sure Yanda will be ready to go during camp, but I'd be much more comfortable with Harewood at RG then Jah.

My 9 would be the starters obviously. McKinnie, KO, Gino, Yanda and Oher.
The other 4 would be Harewood, Shipley, Mims and Wagner.

Harewood is able to play both G position and maybe even RT if need be.
Shipley is fighting for the C spot so if he doesn't win, he's a backup there and at G.
Mims has been running with the 2nd team offense at LT and I think he'll impress enough to lock down that spot.
Wagner is a guy that provides versatility along the Oline. We know Harbs loves those type of guys.

Cornell and Jensen will be PS guys.

I can see Reid gone but what makes you reach this conclusion?

[omar586]

This is the deepest OL I've ever seen ravens have

[Ravensfan23]

I can see Reid gone but what makes you reach this conclusion?

 

Just wasn't as impressed with him as I thought I would be once he got healthy. That coupled with the improved talent that i think we have, I think both Harewood and Reid will have to step it up this year.

 

From what I saw in games last year, Reid might be a RT only, but I know he spent a good amount of time at guard with Yanda out of practice, so maybe the coaches see improvement in his game. I'm not completely writing him off because last year was his first experience at LG, but I'd definitely want to see huge improvement in his game.

[rmw10]

Just wasn't as impressed with him as I thought I would be once he got healthy. That coupled with the improved talent that i think we have, I think both Harewood and Reid will have to step it up this year.

 

From what I saw in games last year, Reid might be a RT only, but I know he spent a good amount of time at guard with Yanda out of practice, so maybe the coaches see improvement in his game. I'm not completely writing him off because last year was his first experience at LG, but I'd definitely want to see huge improvement in his game.

 

I wasn't happy with his play at all, and I wouldn't complain at all to see him gone.  I'm just trying to put my personal bias aside and look at the fact that he was on the first line.  I really think that says a lot about his standing on the team.

[GrimCoconut]

Just wasn't as impressed with him as I thought I would be once he got healthy. That coupled with the improved talent that i think we have, I think both Harewood and Reid will have to step it up this year.

 

From what I saw in games last year, Reid might be a RT only, but I know he spent a good amount of time at guard with Yanda out of practice, so maybe the coaches see improvement in his game. I'm not completely writing him off because last year was his first experience at LG, but I'd definitely want to see huge improvement in his game.

Interesting. 

 

Between Harewood and Reid we have some very interesting storylines. With one, we have a player who was a project until he finally got his shot last year. He looked good in those few games he played, but then he mysteriously got benched for Bobbie Williams, right? It was Bobby or Jah. Anyway, Reid didn't look that good at all. He was okay but I found his play very average. Now, I find this interesting as the year before when he played for Oher in the AFCCG he looked pretty good. Then again, perhaps he doesn't feel comfortable at guard and prefers tackle. I don't know. I know if that's the case then he won't endear himself to the franchise by refusing to play guard (merely hyperbole on my part). 

 

We have essentially two players who seem to be kept around for whatever reason, but we as fans don't know why. There must be something to this. We must see something in them. Granted, Jah Reid could be Webb or he could be the next Chester. 

 

Unfortunately, I just have this feeling we're going to keep Jah Reid around. It's just a hunch. 

 

As for your predictions on David Mims I like him quite a bit. I'm not sure he makes it, but I can see him stashed on the PS. We'll have to see there, I suppose. Now you said he ran with the 2nd team, so perhaps there's more than I know here. Guessing the 2nd stringers is really just that--guesswork, lol. 

 

I like Mims, Gaines, Devey quite a bit. I think Mims will go on the PS, however. But we'll see. 

[Ravensfan23]

I wasn't happy with his play at all, and I wouldn't complain at all to see him gone.  I'm just trying to put my personal bias aside and look at the fact that he was on the first line.  I really think that says a lot about his standing on the team.

 

It not personal bias just what I see. It's a lot of talent out there this year. So Jah Reid is going to have to do more then just be the guy that the Ravens traded up for to select in the draft. The guy was hurt all last year in Training Camp, but because Bobby Williams was really the only competition at LG with he and Harewood, those guys weren't really pushed. Reid had great standing last year and he might every well have it this year.

 

I don't know what the reason why Harewood was removed from LG and never given another chance, but like I said maybe the coaches see something in Jah that I'm not right now. For the record I like the guy.

[rmw10]

It not personal bias just what I see. It's a lot of talent out there this year. So Jah Reid is going to have to do more then just be the guy that the Ravens traded up for to select in the draft. The guy was hurt all last year in Training Camp, but because Bobby Williams was really the only competition at LG with he and Harewood, those guys weren't really pushed. Reid had great standing last year and he might every well have it this year.

 

I don't know what the reason why Harewood was removed from LG and never given another chance, but like I said maybe the coaches see something in Jah that I'm not right now. For the record I like the guy.

 

Oh I wasn't saying you had a personal bias.  Sorry if it was implied that way.  I was just trying to use the point that I don't like him as a player, but can't write him off since the team seems to like him.  I have the personal bias lol.  I thought that Reid would be on the chopping block, but him being on the first team kind of confirmed that he isn't, to me at least.

 

Like you said, I hope it's something the team sees that we don't.  I think Harewood was the better player last year.  I still don't know why he was benched.

[Ravensfan23]

Interesting. 

 

Between Harewood and Reid we have some very interesting storylines. With one, we have a player who was a project until he finally got his shot last year. He looked good in those few games he played, but then he mysteriously got benched for Bobbie Williams, right? It was Bobby or Jah. Anyway, Reid didn't look that good at all. He was okay but I found his play very average. Now, I find this interesting as the year before when he played for Oher in the AFCCG he looked pretty good. Then again, perhaps he doesn't feel comfortable at guard and prefers tackle. I don't know. I know if that's the case then he won't endear himself to the franchise by refusing to play guard (merely hyperbole on my part). 

 

We have essentially two players who seem to be kept around for whatever reason, but we as fans don't know why. There must be something to this. We must see something in them. Granted, Jah Reid could be Webb or he could be the next Chester. 

 

Unfortunately, I just have this feeling we're going to keep Jah Reid around. It's just a hunch. 

 

As for your predictions on David Mims I like him quite a bit. I'm not sure he makes it, but I can see him stashed on the PS. We'll have to see there, I suppose. Now you said he ran with the 2nd team, so perhaps there's more than I know here. Guessing the 2nd stringers is really just that--guesswork, lol. 

 

I like Mims, Gaines, Devey quite a bit. I think Mims will go on the PS, however. But we'll see. 

 

Yea i don't think it'll be unfortunate for Jah to make the team, imo it'll mean he earned it. I actually think Jah can be a quality RT, but it seems the coaches like him inside more. Which is kind of understandable because he did have heavy feet at RT. But even with that said, I'd much rather see him develop at RT and leave the versatile Olineman role to someone better suited for it.

 

Yea I really like Mims. Much like Harewood he was one of those developmental guys coming out. The biggest difference is he didn't have the injury concerns of Harewood and was actually able to develop well with the Chiefs. It doesn't mean much, but their fanbase was really upset with his lost. I'm more intrigued by him then ready to consider him a lock honestly.

 

I could definitely see Mims on the PS, mainly because Oher can fill in at LT in a pinch, but if he plays well, which the uncertainty of our LT position going forward it might be a risk to try and stash him. I hear the Ravens really like Wagner's versatility to play LT, RT and both G positions. BMac gave him a ringing endorsement at LT, so he's definitely a guy to watch for. 

[ravensdan]

Oh I wasn't saying you had a personal bias. Sorry if it was implied that way. I was just trying to use the point that I don't like him as a player, but can't write him off since the team seems to like him. I have the personal bias lol. I thought that Reid would be on the chopping block, but him being on the first team kind of confirmed that he isn't, to me at least.

Like you said, I hope it's something the team sees that we don't. I think Harewood was the better player last year. I still don't know why he was benched.

A couple points. Sometimes teams will run a player with the ones or even the twos alot when he is on the chopping block to make sure they know they are not missing anything before he is cut. So that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

So I looked up hardwoods stats on pff because I remembered personally liking his play. He had one very poor outing which was @phil. He dated -4.5 in pass blocking with 3 hurries and 2 hits allowed. He also scored negatively in pass blocking @kc, allowing 3 hurries. Overall in 5 starts he allowed 12 hurries, 2 hits and 1 sack. However his run blocking was solid throughout rating a +3 overall.

Jag Reid on the other hand started 7 games and came In 2 others. Overall he gave up 13 hurries 2 hits and one sack. He rated slightly negatively in run and pass blocking. His best game was vs Pitt allowing just one hurry and grading +1.6 pass block and +2.5 overall. His worst was @cincy with a -3.8 run block and -3.7 overall.

[rmw10]

A couple points. Sometimes teams will run a player with the ones or even the twos alot when he is on the chopping block to make sure they know they are not missing anything before he is cut. So that doesn't necessarily mean anything.

So I looked up hardwoods stats on pff because I remembered personally liking his play. He had one very poor outing which was @phil. He dated -4.5 in pass blocking with 3 hurries and 2 hits allowed. He also scored negatively in pass blocking @kc, allowing 3 hurries. Overall in 5 starts he allowed 12 hurries, 2 hits and 1 sack. However his run blocking was solid throughout rating a +3 overall.

Jag Reid on the other hand started 7 games and came In 2 others. Overall he gave up 13 hurries 2 hits and one sack. He rated slightly negatively in run and pass blocking. His best game was vs Pitt allowing just one hurry and grading +1.6 pass block and +2.5 overall. His worst was @cincy with a -3.8 run block and -3.7 overall.

 

I do disagree with the first statement.  I think the team has seen him long enough to know what they have in him, and I think they like him.  Even if I don't like him, he'll most likely be making the team barring a downfall or injury.

 

With that being said, I find those numbers very surprising.  Thanks for bringing it up.  I just find it weird that the OL combination with Harewood in it was very successful, while the line with Reid wasn't.  It seems like Harewood was benched because they wanted to move to a pass first type of offense.

[GrimCoconut]

I do disagree with the first statement.  I think the team has seen him long enough to know what they have in him, and I think they like him.  Even if I don't like him, he'll most likely be making the team barring a downfall or injury.

 

With that being said, I find those numbers very surprising.  Thanks for bringing it up.  I just find it weird that the OL combination with Harewood in it was very successful, while the line with Reid wasn't.  It seems like Harewood was benched because they wanted to move to a pass first type of offense.

Now, I could be wrong here but my interpretation of what he said was more on the lines of giving you facts not his opinion. It is true that a team will run a player with the ones to see what they have with their starting unit. He's correct in that manner. I'm not sure if this is what he was saying but that's how I read it. 

 

Yeah, that could be it. I'm not sure if that's solely the reason Harewood was benched. 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ramon-harewood-on-benching-you-could-call-it-disappointment-20121018,0,592107.story

I really have no idea why they benched him but I'm not sure pass protection was the only reason. That's all hyperbole, though.

[GrimCoconut]

Yea i don't think it'll be unfortunate for Jah to make the team, imo it'll mean he earned it. I actually think Jah can be a quality RT, but it seems the coaches like him inside more. Which is kind of understandable because he did have heavy feet at RT. But even with that said, I'd much rather see him develop at RT and leave the versatile Olineman role to someone better suited for it.

 

Yea I really like Mims. Much like Harewood he was one of those developmental guys coming out. The biggest difference is he didn't have the injury concerns of Harewood and was actually able to develop well with the Chiefs. It doesn't mean much, but their fanbase was really upset with his lost. I'm more intrigued by him then ready to consider him a lock honestly.

 

I could definitely see Mims on the PS, mainly because Oher can fill in at LT in a pinch, but if he plays well, which the uncertainty of our LT position going forward it might be a risk to try and stash him. I hear the Ravens really like Wagner's versatility to play LT, RT and both G positions. BMac gave him a ringing endorsement at LT, so he's definitely a guy to watch for. 

I think you always need developmental guys on the team. That's why Gaines & Devey really interest me. I think they could be some great talents. I just don't know if they'll make the team this year, but I really think we'll find a way to keep them around. I really think Gaines ends up on the IR. That's just my hunch. I think Devey & Mims may end up on the PS unless they beat out Cornell or Harewood, of whom I find to be among the front runners for the 9th spot on the OL--if we do have 9 OL. 

 

Yeah, Jah Reid might suffer from the Michael Oher treatment where they want him to play somewhere that isn't where he should play. We do stupid things like that sometimes. 

[The Raven]

I think you always need developmental guys on the team. That's why Gaines & Devey really interest me. I think they could be some great talents. I just don't know if they'll make the team this year, but I really think we'll find a way to keep them around. I really think Gaines ends up on the IR. That's just my hunch. I think Devey & Mims may end up on the PS unless they beat out Cornell or Harewood, of whom I find to be among the front runners for the 9th spot on the OL--if we do have 9 OL. 

 

Yeah, Jah Reid might suffer from the Michael Oher treatment where they want him to play somewhere that isn't where he should play. We do stupid things like that sometimes.

 

If you ask me, this excuse is invalid. The league is changing, and offensive linemen need to be able to play multiple positions. Good offensive linemen should be capable of starting at one or more positions. That's just the way the league is moving. Linemen are only going to be moved around more and more with every passing season. 

[rmw10]

Now, I could be wrong here but my interpretation of what he said was more on the lines of giving you facts not his opinion. It is true that a team will run a player with the ones to see what they have with their starting unit. He's correct in that manner. I'm not sure if this is what he was saying but that's how I read it.

Yeah, that could be it. I'm not sure if that's solely the reason Harewood was benched.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/ravens-insider/bal-ramon-harewood-on-benching-you-could-call-it-disappointment-20121018,0,592107.story
I really have no idea why they benched him but I'm not sure pass protection was the only reason. That's all hyperbole, though.

I read it more as him saying Reid is running with the first team to see if he's worthy of making the team. I was trying to say that he's running with the first team because they feel he's the next best option if someone were to go down. Maybe I interpreted that wrong. No clue lol.

Yeah I don't think it's the only reason either. I've always wondered why, and that seems to be the only real reason I've seen so far. It could be for any number of reasons, though.

[GrimCoconut]

If you ask me, this excuse is invalid. The league is changing, and offensive linemen need to be able to play multiple positions. Good offensive linemen should be capable of starting at one or more positions. That's just the way the league is moving. Linemen are only going to be moved around more and more with every passing season. 

Well, that may be true but what is valid is that you shouldn't be moving your RT to the left back and forth. From what I recall, teams typically like to use their LG and move them over to LT than to move the RT to LT. They already have familiarity with the side. 

 

I'm all for versatile linemen. My only complaint with the Ravens is how they make use of this versatility. 

[The Raven]

Well, that may be true but what is valid is that you shouldn't be moving your RT to the left back and forth. From what I recall, teams typically like to use their LG and move them over to LT than to move the RT to LT. They already have familiarity with the side. 

 

I'm all for versatile linemen. My only complaint with the Ravens is how they make use of this versatility. 

 

In a perfect world, that's the way it would always be. I wish we could just peg Reid as a right side guy, but when you factor in injuries, inconsistent/inadequate play, and limited roster space, Reid needs to be able to play LG, RG, and RT effectively if he wants to make the team. Or at least more effectively than the other players.

[GrimCoconut]

In a perfect world, that's the way it would always be. I wish we could just peg Reid as a right side guy, but when you factor in injuries, inconsistent/inadequate play, and limited roster space, Reid needs to be able to play LG, RG, and RT effectively if he wants to make the team. Or at least more effectively than the other players.

I understand your point, but I'm not so sure. We could do this: 

 

LT: McKinnie, KO, Wagner (just going off of what RF23 said)

LG: KO, Wagner

C: Gradkowski, Shipley

RG: Yanda, Reid

RT: Oher, Yanda, Reid

 

Now, I obviously realize it's not ideal to move Reid to RG & move Yanda to RT or KO to LT & Wagner to LG. It's just an example of how the primary backup at those positions could work just fine and that's 8 OL. 

[The Raven]

I understand your point, but I'm not so sure. We could do this: 

 

LT: McKinnie, KO, Wagner (just going off of what RF23 said)

LG: KO, Wagner

C: Gradkowski, Shipley

RG: Yanda, Reid

RT: Oher, Yanda, Reid

 

Now, I obviously realize it's not ideal to move Reid to RG & move Yanda to RT or KO to LT & Wagner to LG. It's just an example of how the primary backup at those positions could work just fine and that's 8 OL. 

 

That's also a possibility. I'm just trying to say that in the very near future, it will be very common to see back ups filling in on both sides of the line depending on the situation. Therefore, I think we need to stop using the "musical chairs" excuse for guys like Reid and Oher. It's starting to become commonplace. 

[GrimCoconut]

That's also a possibility. I'm just trying to say that in the very near future, it will be very common to see back ups filling in on both sides of the line depending on the situation. Therefore, I think we need to stop using the "musical chairs" excuse for guys like Reid and Oher. It's starting to become commonplace. 

You seem pretty tired of that excuse, so I'm guessing you're a bit sensitized to the label, lol. I understand why since Oher gets a lot of excuses in that we keep switching him from left to right and it doesn't let him "settle" into a position. While I don't personally buy that excuse as I don't think Oher's got the skill to hold up at LT in the offense we run, I do think it's somewhat valid. I'll explain but I don't want to derail the thread. This has to do with the thread, so I'll just make this point and probably be done with it. 

 

Oher's first year he looked pretty good at RT. Then we yo-yoed him ever since. Now, I agree that a player should be able to play wherever you put them, but the footwork is very different from left to right since it's like writing with your right hand then writing with your left. That's not easy to do. It's tough to change your form especially when it becomes muscle memory. With that said, I think it speaks more to Oher's talent or lack-thereof that he can't stay on the left side. That's more indicative than anything, IMO. Now, I believed for a while that Oher would do well if he was in a short-passing WCO where he didn't have to hold up long but I'm not so sure about that, either. I just don't think he can do it. He's serviceable but he's a better backup than a starter. 

 

As for Jah Reid, I think he's a lot like Jimmy because he's been injured quite a bit. I think that's held back his development. When he was in and supposedly healthy he didn't look good either, but I'm not sure if he just sucks or if he needs to get some experience. I do think he's on notice. 

[The Raven]

You seem pretty tired of that excuse, so I'm guessing you're a bit sensitized to the label, lol. I understand why since Oher gets a lot of excuses in that we keep switching him from left to right and it doesn't let him "settle" into a position. While I don't personally buy that excuse as I don't think Oher's got the skill to hold up at LT in the offense we run, I do think it's somewhat valid. I'll explain but I don't want to derail the thread. This has to do with the thread, so I'll just make this point and probably be done with it. 

 

Oher's first year he looked pretty good at RT. Then we yo-yoed him ever since. Now, I agree that a player should be able to play wherever you put them, but the footwork is very different from left to right since it's like writing with your right hand then writing with your left. That's not easy to do. It's tough to change your form especially when it becomes muscle memory. With that said, I think it speaks more to Oher's talent or lack-thereof that he can't stay on the left side. That's more indicative than anything, IMO. Now, I believed for a while that Oher would do well if he was in a short-passing WCO where he didn't have to hold up long but I'm not so sure about that, either. I just don't think he can do it. He's serviceable but he's a better backup than a starter. 

 

As for Jah Reid, I think he's a lot like Jimmy because he's been injured quite a bit. I think that's held back his development. When he was in and supposedly healthy he didn't look good either, but I'm not sure if he just sucks or if he needs to get some experience. I do think he's on notice. 

 

Trust me, I know it's tough for some people to change sides. I had to do it back in high school. It's a tough thing to do sometimes. It's just good, considering the limited roster space, to find guys that can play both sides adequately.

 

There, we're done now, lol.