[News] Scouting The 2017 Senior Bowl: Offensive Linemen

[BR News]

USC's Zach Banner is a monster at right tackle who needs to prove he can move well enough. Indiana guard Dan Feeney could be a candidate to play center. Center Ethan Pocic is also massive, but is he too tall for the position?

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[Chuckx999]

Just draft anyone who can start PLEASE

[RailBird]

Exactly, we have seen enough of those "project" drafts who may or may not one day develop into a decent player. Especially our first couple of picks need to be players who can contribute.

[BigUgly]

Ozzie usually does a good job drafting talent along the O-Line; the center position since Matt Birk left is the glaring exception (Gradkowski in the 3rd was a bust, AQ Shipley was too small, and Zuttah gets pushed around too much). The question is, do we want to move away from a zone-blocking style line (generally smaller, quicker, more athletic guys) to more of traditional in-line/trap style line with beasts up front that can win 1-1 battles, but maybe can't get to the second level as easily. I used to love watching our line with Ogden and Zeus break the huddle and dwarf the opposing D-Line - it was like men against boys.

Alex Lewis can move to RT if we draft a Guard and Center, and there are guys who were protected by the Ravens by being placed on IR. Tackles Stephane Namebot and D'Ondre Wesley could slide in at RT, or move inside. On the practice squad, Skura has some intriguing upside, and local product Broxton is a mauler at OG (needs to improve his footwork, though).

Not sure we'll keep Ducasse, who has issues in pass coverage. Hurst, Urschel and Jensen are good options as back-ups and should compete for starting roles. Hurst looked rough as a rookie LT last year, but remember that was his first year back after a major leg injury his senior year. Before that, he was touted as one of the top tackles in the country.

[Willbacker]

Ozzie usually does a good job drafting talent along the O-Line; the center position since Matt Birk left is the glaring exception (Gradkowski in the 3rd was a bust, AQ Shipley was too small, and Zuttah gets pushed around too much). The question is, do we want to move away from a zone-blocking style line (generally smaller, quicker, more athletic guys) to more of traditional in-line/trap style line with beasts up front that can win 1-1 battles, but maybe can't get to the second level as easily. I used to love watching our line with Ogden and Zeus break the huddle and dwarf the opposing D-Line - it was like men against boys.

Alex Lewis can move to RT if we draft a Guard and Center, and there are guys who were protected by the Ravens by being placed on IR. Tackles Stephane Namebot and D'Ondre Wesley could slide in at RT, or move inside. On the practice squad, Skura has some intriguing upside, and local product Broxton is a mauler at OG (needs to improve his footwork, though).

Not sure we'll keep Ducasse, who has issues in pass coverage. Hurst, Urschel and Jensen are good options as back-ups and should compete for starting roles. Hurst looked rough as a rookie LT last year, but remember that was his first year back after a major leg injury his senior year. Before that, he was touted as one of the top tackles in the country.

Hurst has played 3 yrs for us and is not very good but I would like to see what Nembot and Wesley can bring to the table if Wagner leaves. Kyle Fuller is a guy at C that I like who is playing in this game.

[Halshayeji]

37 minutes ago, BigUgly said:

Ozzie usually does a good job drafting talent along the O-Line; the center position since Matt Birk left is the glaring exception (Gradkowski in the 3rd was a bust, AQ Shipley was too small, and Zuttah gets pushed around too much). The question is, do we want to move away from a zone-blocking style line (generally smaller, quicker, more athletic guys) to more of traditional in-line/trap style line with beasts up front that can win 1-1 battles, but maybe can't get to the second level as easily. I used to love watching our line with Ogden and Zeus break the huddle and dwarf the opposing D-Line - it was like men against boys.

Alex Lewis can move to RT if we draft a Guard and Center, and there are guys who were protected by the Ravens by being placed on IR. Tackles Stephane Namebot and D'Ondre Wesley could slide in at RT, or move inside. On the practice squad, Skura has some intriguing upside, and local product Broxton is a mauler at OG (needs to improve his footwork, though).

Not sure we'll keep Ducasse, who has issues in pass coverage. Hurst, Urschel and Jensen are good options as back-ups and should compete for starting roles. Hurst looked rough as a rookie LT last year, but remember that was his first year back after a major leg injury his senior year. Before that, he was touted as one of the top tackles in the country.

I'm not sure if hurst will ever be a good enough LT or even RT in the NFL. Hes not strong enough to maul anyone and not fast enough to stay in front of good pass rushers. That's a disaster waiting to happen... I wouldn't mind sliding him inside just to see what we have in him but even then, he'd be on such a short leash that it's not even funny.

Jensen and Urschel are guys I like but still havnt proven they can keep Joe upright.

we have a solid foundation in Yanda Lewis and Stanley to build around. I just hope we don't throw a bunch of no ones in between them and expect much sucess. We need 3 good linemen if zuttah and Wagner leave and 2 quality backups if they stay. 

 

 

[bigcatfrank1]

The Ravens will most probably keep Wagner. His position is lower value than a LT and he is not contending as a top 10 in the league right now. He is much more valuable to the Ravens than to other teams.
If the Ravens play it smart they can probably keep Williams for 8 mill/5 yrs and Wagner for 5.5 mil. prog to 6.5 mil 3 yrs

My opinion is they can trade Doom for a CB (or any need player) that apply that cap savings 6mil- release Zutta 4mil and Aiken 3,5 mil. = 13.5
note -dooms trade money would apply to replacing the players at the position.

I think this would be a very smart approach, because I would absolutely keep Williams and Wagner over Zutta/Doom/Aiken at this point in their careers.

[bigcatfrank1]

  2 hours ago, BigUgly said:

Ozzie usually does a good job drafting talent along the O-Line; the center position since Matt Birk left is the glaring exception (Gradkowski in the 3rd was a bust, AQ Shipley was too small, and Zuttah gets pushed around too much). The question is, do we want to move away from a zone-blocking style line (generally smaller, quicker, more athletic guys) to more of traditional in-line/trap style line with beasts up front that can win 1-1 battles, but maybe can't get to the second level as easily. I used to love watching our line with Ogden and Zeus break the huddle and dwarf the opposing D-Line - it was like men against boys.

Alex Lewis can move to RT if we draft a Guard and Center, and there are guys who were protected by the Ravens by being placed on IR. Tackles Stephane Namebot and D'Ondre Wesley could slide in at RT, or move inside. On the practice squad, Skura has some intriguing upside, and local product Broxton is a mauler at OG (needs to improve his footwork, though).

Not sure we'll keep Ducasse, who has issues in pass coverage. Hurst, Urschel and Jensen are good options as back-ups and should compete for starting roles. Hurst looked rough as a rookie LT last year, but remember that was his first year back after a major leg injury his senior year. Before that, he was touted as one of the top tackles in the country.

I'm not sure if hurst will ever be a good enough LT or even RT in the NFL. Hes not strong enough to maul anyone and not fast enough to stay in front of good pass rushers. That's a disaster waiting to happen... I wouldn't mind sliding him inside just to see what we have in him but even then, he'd be on such a short leash that it's not even funny.

Jensen and Urschel are guys I like but still havnt proven they can keep Joe upright.

we have a solid foundation in Yanda Lewis and Stanley to build around. I just hope we don't throw a bunch of no ones in between them and expect much sucess. We need 3 good linemen if zuttah and Wagner leave and 2 quality backups if they stay. 

 

 

My opinion is , Let Zutta go as I describe below. Make Jensen the Center, he needs to spend time at the position, he has the talent he just needs the training and time at the position. Then I would Draft a Center or Guard and keep competition for FA and walk ons.

Keep Lewis, Hurst, Urschel, Ducasse and Nembot, Stanley and Yanda

[Halshayeji]

55 minutes ago, bigcatfrank1 said:

My opinion is , Let Zutta go as I describe below. Make Jensen the Center, he needs to spend time at the position, he has the talent he just needs the training and time at the position. Then I would Draft a Center or Guard and keep competition for FA and walk ons.

Keep Lewis, Hurst, Urschel, Ducasse and Nembot, Stanley and Yanda
 

I'd like that approach. Just scares the livin heck out of me to roll the dice at C. Keep zuttah or upgrade would be my approach. 

[BiggMack91]

  4 hours ago, BigUgly said:

Ozzie usually does a good job drafting talent along the O-Line; the center position since Matt Birk left is the glaring exception (Gradkowski in the 3rd was a bust, AQ Shipley was too small, and Zuttah gets pushed around too much). The question is, do we want to move away from a zone-blocking style line (generally smaller, quicker, more athletic guys) to more of traditional in-line/trap style line with beasts up front that can win 1-1 battles, but maybe can't get to the second level as easily. I used to love watching our line with Ogden and Zeus break the huddle and dwarf the opposing D-Line - it was like men against boys.

Alex Lewis can move to RT if we draft a Guard and Center, and there are guys who were protected by the Ravens by being placed on IR. Tackles Stephane Namebot and D'Ondre Wesley could slide in at RT, or move inside. On the practice squad, Skura has some intriguing upside, and local product Broxton is a mauler at OG (needs to improve his footwork, though).

Not sure we'll keep Ducasse, who has issues in pass coverage. Hurst, Urschel and Jensen are good options as back-ups and should compete for starting roles. Hurst looked rough as a rookie LT last year, but remember that was his first year back after a major leg injury his senior year. Before that, he was touted as one of the top tackles in the country.

I'm not sure if hurst will ever be a good enough LT or even RT in the NFL. Hes not strong enough to maul anyone and not fast enough to stay in front of good pass rushers. That's a disaster waiting to happen... I wouldn't mind sliding him inside just to see what we have in him but even then, he'd be on such a short leash that it's not even funny.

Jensen and Urschel are guys I like but still havnt proven they can keep Joe upright.

we have a solid foundation in Yanda Lewis and Stanley to build around. I just hope we don't throw a bunch of no ones in between them and expect much sucess. We need 3 good linemen if zuttah and Wagner leave and 2 quality backups if they stay. 

 

 

hurst is a good right tackle like the first steelers game when wagner went down he stepped his game up and when he did get beat when he played LT look who it was against no scrubs for sure but yes he is raw but i think with some real coaching he could be good

[ravens4life86]

I like names I know like Feeney, Pocic.
But I also like names I saw play who are not on the list I know are good like Moton OT Western Mich 3rd rnd projection
Dorian Johnson OG Late 2nd likely to eary 4th rnd projection
Nico Siragusa OG 3rd to 4th rnd projection
Greg Pyke OG 5th rnd projection
Eflein OC 3rd to 4th rnd Projection

[RavensDieHard21]

1 hour ago, ravens4life86 said:

I like names I know like Feeney, Pocic.
But I also like names I saw play who are not on the list I know are good like Moton OT Western Mich 3rd rnd projection
Dorian Johnson OG Late 2nd likely to eary 4th rnd projection
Nico Siragusa OG 3rd to 4th rnd projection
Greg Pyke OG 5th rnd projection
Eflein OC 3rd to 4th rnd Projection

There is no chance that Pat Eiflein goes in the third or fourth. He is an anchor on he line and can play both center and guard.

he will be off the board by the end of the second. 

[RavensDieHard21]

Offensive lines can make QBs and RBs look like pro bowlers and elevate entire teams. Just look at Dallas, Pittsburgh, Oakland or heck even Tennessee. Mariota had a huge break out year and their RBs were extremely effective. 

It will all come down to how the board shakes up and who is left, but we need to get bigger and more physical at the line. Yanda is an all-pro and Stanley I have faith will be a top 5 LT. Wagner might be gone and Lewis looks to be a versatile piece to fill that role of needed. 

If for some reason no QBs go and the top talent is plucked, such as Barnett, Williams, Jones, Lattimore, Wilson, Hooker, Adams, even Davis, then Ozzie could make a huge move by trading back 5 or so spots and picking Dan Feeney. Mark my words, he will be a monster in the NFL.

if you get a 3rd rounder to move back then have a line with Stanley, Feeney, Zuttah, Yanda and Lewis, potentially adding a center in the 4th, such as Kyle Fuller or Jay Guillermo, we are sitting real nice for the next 3-4 years. 

[RavensDieHard21]

I am also curious, Could banner play guard or would he better serve staying at RT and working on his footwork? 

[Adreme]

I do not think the Ravens are going to be putting Lewis at RT.  If they thought he could play it than he would have been put there earlier in the year instead of Hurst.  It's the main reason that losing Wagner is a huge deal because unless the current backup tackles have been holding back the depth at that position is weak.

[sizzlingdoom]

I am also curious, Could banner play guard or would he better serve staying at RT and working on his footwork? 

right? I think he could. Then he could essentially replace KO as a huge mauling Guard

[The Greek]

we r set with yanda stanley lewis at g or rt. zuttah is serviceable but he is not the mauler we need if a power running game is on the menu. wagner unfortunately will demand too much so we r looking at bringing in 2 new starters for the o-line. new line coach will hopefully be a plus for the backups as far as coaching them up. team needs parts at wr, edge rusher/olb, ilb with orr gone, cb and safety and d-line if williams leaves. we will keep one between williams and wagner and i believe that the best move would be williams.need to ask guys to take pay cuts or let them walk. would be big of flacco to do so but i would not hold my breath for that to happen. need to hit a homerun in free agency, draft and ufa's. a lot of jobs on the line this coming season so i hope there is a sense of urgency from the coaching staff, front office and players that need to step their game up.

Edited January 29 by The Greek

[KidNme]

I can't tell you why or who we'll get but, I just get the feeling we're going to hit this draft out of the park. I just hope that whoever we end up with in training camp, stays healthy and out of jail and that we end up with one Phenom star, at least one additional full time starter, and a couple players that may take 1 yr to develop.
We need depth at a few positions so I could also see us trading back at some point but not until after we get our next Ogden/Reed/Lewis combo :-)

[BigUgly]

After watching the Senior Bowl yesterday, I found the O-Line play to be generally poor, particularly at the tackle positions. The best prospects I saw were on the interior: Pocic (C/G), who was quicker than I expected; Feeney (G), who was the best lineman out there; Toth (C) did a great job with seal blocks and getting to the second level; Orlovsky (C), who didn't give up pressure up the middle and opened some nice holes for Hunt, and Morgan (G) who was solid next to both Pocic and Orlovsky.

Banner is too slow and sloppy, as is Moton. Dawkins looks like an Urschel-type of pick, and may require a year or two as a backup to develop. Davenport, the tall athletic kid from Bucknell is very raw and lacks strength - PS player at best for now.

Edited January 29 by BigUgly

[TheConquerorWorm]

21 hours ago, RavensDieHard21 said:

I am also curious, Could banner play guard or would he better serve staying at RT and working on his footwork? 

No. Guards have to pull to get out front of the play, his footwork is not good and he's way too slow for that. He's a statue and that won't work in the NFL. Watched his tape against Cal and he was consistantly getting manhandled by Saffle (245 lbs) & Westerfield (250lbs) despite having 3 inches and 100 lbs over them. Plenty of times he would get a free run at a LB downfield and whiff as the LB flowed to the play. His tape against Washington is just as bad - many times the much smaller LB he was run blocking would make the tackle. Practice Squad material

Edited January 29 by TheConquerorWorm

[RavensDieHard21]

Then Id def take Feeney in a trade back in a heart beat. I think Orlosky would be a really big steal at center if we could land him in the third. Pocic looks impressive but he will just go too early for me. 

[billiejean]

On 1/29/2017 at 4:16 PM, TheConquerorWorm said:

On 1/28/2017 at 6:38 PM, RavensDieHard21 said:

I am also curious, Could banner play guard or would he better serve staying at RT and working on his footwork? 

No. Guards have to pull to get out front of the play, his footwork is not good and he's way too slow for that. He's a statue and that won't work in the NFL. Watched his tape against Cal and he was consistantly getting manhandled by Saffle (245 lbs) & Westerfield (250lbs) despite having 3 inches and 100 lbs over them. Plenty of times he would get a free run at a LB downfield and whiff as the LB flowed to the play. His tape against Washington is just as bad - many times the much smaller LB he was run blocking would make the tackle. Practice Squad material

Yea I am with you there. The guy has no urgency to his game.  It looks like hes out for a stroll in the park.  The weight issues are also worrisome.

Edited January 31 by billiejean

[BigUgly]

20 hours ago, RavensDieHard21 said:

Then Id def take Feeney in a trade back in a heart beat. I think Orlosky would be a really big steal at center if we could land him in the third. Pocic looks impressive but he will just go too early for me. 

Not worth trading back in the first for an interior O-Lineman.  I agree with you that Orlovsky could be the target in the third, though we may have to move up a couple of spots to get him.  I think Pocic projects better at OG than C, due to his height, and I think he goes before the 3rd.  None of the OTs in the senior bowl looked good, Banner being the prime example.