what the OL? Rams OL shuffling

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  • #34321
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Battle hopes to replace injured ‘brothers’ on O-line

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/ram-notes-battle-hopes-to-replace-injured-brothers-on-o/article_dac8b6fc-ffa2-575d-bc54-2f8d05ee08dc.html

    It’s not exactly the way he wanted it to happen, but Rams rookie tackle Isaiah Battle has been added to the 53-man roster.

    Battle’s promotion from the practice squad was tied to two other rookie offensive linemen, starting guard Jamon Brown (fractured lower leg) and reserve tackle Darrell Williams (dislocated wrist) being placed on season-ending injured reserve Tuesday.

    “I feel bad for them, they’re my brothers and you never want to see anybody else get hurt,” Battle said following Tuesday’s practice at Rams Park. “But this is an opportunity for me, a chance to step up and have their backs like they had mine. Hopefully I can show the coaches what I’ve improved on and that I’m ready to contribute.”

    Battle, a Clemson University product, was selected by the Rams in July’s supplemental draft, with the team surrendering its fifth-round draft pick in 2016. The 22-year-old missed out on rookie orientation as well as Organized Team Activities in June. He arrived at Rams Park a week or so before the start of training camp, working with assistant offensive line coach Andy Dickerson. But he never seemed to catch up.

    “I missed out on a lot of practice time and time to learn and get comfortable with the playbook and the system,” 6-foot-7, 290-pound Battle said. “I was kind of thrown into the fire.”

    Battle struggled during the preseason and failed to make the 53-man roster coming out of training camp. He accepted the Rams’ offer to join the practice squad.

    “I like this system. I like the guys here,” Battle said at the time. “They’ve really helped me. They’re determined to be successful and I wanted to be here.”

    On Monday, Rams coach Jeff Fisher applauded the work Battle has done since arriving in St. Louis.

    “He wasn’t in good shape when he got here for obvious reasons,” the coach said. “He’s done a really good job in the weight room (and) he has a much better feel for what he’s doing.”

    Battle added: “Honestly, I knew I was kind of behind the eight ball when I got here, but I came in with a positive mindset, knowing that I needed to work hard every single day. And now, it’s on me. I’m in better shape from doing a lot of extra work. I’m better with my hands, I’m staying low and I definitely feel like I’m quicker now.”

    HOME for FOLKERTS

    One of a handful of new players to join the Rams on Tuesday, center/guard Brian Folkerts had no trouble finding his way to Rams Park. He grew up about 20 minutes away in Florissant and starred at Hazelwood Central High.“I’m so pumped to be back, to be playing for the hometown team,” the 25-year-old said following Tuesday’s workout. “I grew up rooting for the Greatest Show on Turf teams — Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, Isaac Bruce, Torry Holt — so this is pretty special. I can’t wait for the chance to play in front of my family and friends; for a lot of them, it’ll be their first chance to see me play as a pro.”

    Folkerts, who stands 6 feet 4 and weighs 310 pounds, played at Washburn (Kan.) University and was signed as an undrafted rookie free agent by New Orleans shortly after the NFL draft in 2012. He spent the next two seasons with Carolina Panthers, playing in 16 games in 2013 and 10 in 2014.

    Slowed by an ankle injury, he was cut at the end of training camp with an injury settlement and was with the San Francisco practice squad when the Rams called on Monday afternoon.

    “We’re all here for the love of the game; nobody wants to be on the sidelines during Sunday’s games,’’ he said. “You’re used to competing at a certain level and it can take a toll. But you have to be mentally tough and fight through.

    “When the Rams called, I jumped on the next flight and was here for practice this morning at 5:30.’’

    Folkerts continued: “I’m here to do whatever the team needs _ guard, center, special teams. The big thing right away is getting into the playbook and learning the language. Most teams’ systems are similar, but everybody uses different terminology. Right now, it’s like everybody here is speaking French.’’

    After hearing from the Rams, Folkerts said his first call was to his mom.

    “When I told her I’d been signed by the Rams, she just started screaming,’’ he recalled. “It’s been a pretty chaotic day or so. I was trying to pack and catch a flight and I just kept getting calls from my family. The team said I could stay in a hotel for a week, but getting a chance to stay at home sounds pretty good right now.’’

    RAM-BLINGS

    Other moves made by the Rams on Tuesday included releasing defensive tackle Doug Worthington from the roster and defensive end Gerald Rivers from the practice squad. Center-guard Eric Kush, a third-year pro, was claimed off waivers from Houston and guard David Arkin, a Missouri State product, was signed to the practice squad.“We’re still doing things,” Fisher said. “We have to wait until tomorrow for a few things, but things are coming together for us.”

    • The Ravens placed rookie wide receiver Breshad Perriman, their No. 1 draft pick, on season-ending IR Tuesday. The highly touted prospect from the University of Central Florida product was the 26th overall selection in the spring. He suffered a PCL strain on the first day of training camp and was never able to return to full strength.

    • Cornerback Trovon Reed, who started the season on the Rams’ practice squad, was signed to the Seattle Seahawks’ practice squad on Tuesday. In San Diego, safety Matt Daniels as cut from the Chargers’ practice squad. Daniels was with the Rams in 2012 and 2013.

    #34323
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Injuries force Rams to go (offensive) line dancing

    Nick Wagoner

    http://espn.go.com/blog/st-louis-rams/post/_/id/23755/injuries-force-rams-to-go-offensive-line-dancing

    EARTH CITY, Mo. — Lost in the midst of coach Jeff Fisher’s announcement that the St. Louis Rams are making a change at quarterback was the news that his team lost not one, but two, offensive linemen to injury for the rest of the season — on the same play.

    With 4:14 to go in Sunday’s 37-13 loss to the Chicago Bears, quarterback Nick Foles threw an interception to Bears linebacker Willie Young. On the ensuing return, guard Jamon Brown suffered a fractured lower leg and tackle Darrell Williams went down with a dislocated wrist.

    Brown had to be taken off on a cart. Williams played the final five snaps with the injured wrist. By Sunday night, it was clear that both required surgery and will have to go on season-ending injured reserve.

    “Coincidentally, it happened on the same play, both injuries happened on the interception return,” Fisher said. “So [Williams will] be lost for the remainder of the season as well.”

    That means the Rams will have to do some major shuffling on the offensive line this week. Brown and Williams will head to injured reserve and Fisher acknowledged Monday that tackle Isaiah Battle will be promoted from the practice squad to take one spot.

    “From a conditioning standpoint and a lower body strength and overall strength standpoint, he’s much further ahead than he was when he got here,” Fisher said. “He wasn’t in good shape when he got here for obvious reasons and so we had to get him in shape. He’s done a really good job in the weight room. He has a much better feel for what we’re doing. He’s got really long arms. He’s athletic. So, I spoke with him today. He’s a snap away from playing.”

    The Rams will scour the free-agent market and, presumably, other practice squads to fill the other vacancy.

    “We’re discussing stuff with our pro scouting department to see what our options are to get some depth in here and potentially some practice squad help,” Fisher said.

    In more promising injury news, right tackle Robert Havenstein’s calf injury isn’t as bad as the Rams initially feared. Fisher said he’s considered day-to-day, but it’s uncertain what his status will be this week against Baltimore.

    So while Battle and someone else will fill the two open roster spots, the Rams will have to do some shuffling on the offensive line. Fisher declined to offer specifics on how the Rams will line up but it’s safe to assume if Havenstein can’t play this week that rookie guards Andrew Donnal and Cody Wichmann would step in to the guard spots with left guard Garrett Reynolds moving over to right tackle.

    If Havenstein can play, the Rams would be able to leave Reynolds at left guard and have to choose between Donnal and Wichmann for the right guard spot. Fisher said Demetrius Rhaney is viewed as the primary backup on the interior.

    “Well, Andrew got to play last week,” Fisher said. “He got to start and played the whole game, so that’s valuable experience. Now, as we move forward, it looks like they’re both going to play. I mean, I’ve been pleased with Cody. Cody missed some time with the calf injury during camp, but since then, Coach [Paul] ‘Bou’s [Boudreau] getting him reps and he knows what to do — big, strong guy who can pull and can pass protect. So we’ll see.”

    For an offensive line that entered the season with a litany of questions, the list has only gotten longer.[

    #34342
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Team makes multiple moves to fill out roster

    Joe Lyons

    http://www.stltoday.com/sports/football/professional/rams-report/rams-report-team-makes-multiple-moves-to-fill-out-roster/article_f2ff5792-2fa7-5608-be6c-59a60641955c.html

    Another busy day in Earth City as the Rams made a number of roster moves and may have more in the works as they prepare for Sunday’s noon game in Baltimore against the Ravens.

    After moving rookie offensive linemen Jamon Brown (lower-leg fracture) and Darrell Williams (dislocated wrist) on season-ending IR and promoting rookie Isaiah Battle from the practice squad, the team signed former Hazelwood Central product Brian Folkerts, a guard/center, off the San Francisco practice squad.

    Battle, a 6-foot-7, 290-pound rookie out of Clemson, was selected by the Rams in the fifth round of the supplemental draft last July.

    Folkerts, 25, is a third-year pro out of Washburn (Kan.) University.

    The Rams also claimed center Eric Kush, another center/guard, off waivers. A third-year pro, he was released on Monday by the Houston Texans.

    To fill a spot on the 53-man roster, the Rams released defensive tackle Doug Worthington, who may return as a practice squad player after clearing waivers.

    In a pair of practice squad moves made Tuesday, the Rams released defensive end Gerald Rivers and signed guard David Arkin, a third-year pro from Missouri State.

    #34356
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    I see that both Williams and Brown suffered season ending injuries on the Foles INT late in the game.

    who is williams?

    invader asked that in another thread.

    That’s Darrell Williams. He is the “gravy” OT they had. UDFA, was good enough to push Battle to the PS.

    As of now the Rams have acquired 10 linemen since last season.

    There was Reynolds, Havenstein, Brown, Donnal, Wichman, Battle, and Williams.

    Now add Folkerts, Kush, and Arkin.

    Why do they keep adding linemen? Because the Rams mission is to eventually injure every available lineman no longer in college.

    Last year neither Robinson nor Rhaney was injured previously and both got injured.

    Add to that this year’s list. Brown, Havensetin, and Williams.

    If you count Rhaney and Robinson they have actually added 12 they kept since 2014. As of now 5 of them have been injured. That is, 41.7%.

    Of course, compared to some years, that’s a low percentage.

    .

    #34358
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Eric Kush

    Kansas City Chiefs
    Kush was drafted in the sixth round of the 2013 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs. On September 5, 2015, he was waived by the Chiefs.

    Tampa Bay Buccaneers
    On September 6, 2015, Kush was claimed off waivers by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On September 14, 2015, he was waived by the Buccaneers.

    Carolina Panthers
    On September 16, 2015, the Carolina Panthers signed Kush to their practice squad. He was released by the Panthers on October 27, 2015.

    Houston Texans
    On November 5, 2015, the Houston Texans signed Kush to a two-year contract.[6] On November 15, 2015, Kush was released by the Texans.

    St. Louis Rams
    On November 17, 2015 Kush signed with the St. Louis Rams.

    —-

    OVERVIEW

    Kush was injured in the East/West practices so he’s flying under the radar. His foot quickness is unreal. He can make reach blocks than some NFL centers can’t dream of. He’ll probably go in the 5th round. During his career at California (Pa.)Kush appeared in 47 games and started 32 for the Vulcans. He was a first-team all-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference selection in 2012.

    Three-year starter who began his career at left tackle then right guard before moving to center. All-Conference selection as a senior.
    Positive: Explosive and hard-working lineman with a versatile game. Sets with a wide base, bends his knees, and keeps his head on a swivel. Shows good awareness and displays a nice sense for what’s happening on the field. Makes good use of blocking angles, effectively works his hands throughout the action, and knocks defenders from the play. Disciplined in pass protection and possesses adequate footwork in space.

    Negative: Not a dominant drive-blocking interior lineman. Average measurables for the next level.

    Analysis: Kush was a terrific small-school lineman who filled a variety of roles and showed a good feel for the positions he played. He offers limited upside for the next level, but the ability to be used at several offensive line positions will help him get into camp this summer.

    ====

    Bulked-up center Eric Kush brings energy to the Chiefs’ offensive line

    http://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article1220306.html#storylink=cpy

    One of Chiefs coach Andy Reid’s biggest pet peeves is low-energy players. He likes the men who play for him to be full of life and have juice. That is, to love the game and energetically attack the voluminous amount of hours they spend preparing to play football on Sundays. That said, it’s no wonder he loves having second-year center Eric Kush around.

    “You talk to him for five minutes and you feel it,” Reid said. “He is going to look you in the eye and every play he is going to give you 110 percent, whether it is right or wrong.”

    Kush, who turns 25 in September, says he takes pride in playing hard and inspiring his teammates, even under the hot summer sun throughout organized team activities and training camp.

    “When we’re doing our team drills and even just seven on seven, it gets tough and people start getting tired,” Kush said. “I try to keep (the energy) up, I try to dap everybody up and keep us going so we can try to finish hard. It helps me too, because everybody wants to just kinda hang their head and feel sorry for themselves.”

    But for all his energy, Kush may find himself in position to best help his team with his contributions on the field — just not immediately.

    A sixth-round pick in 2013, Kush is currently behind entrenched starter Rodney Hudson, who is two years removed from a broken leg but is the most experienced starter on the offensive line and looks considerably stronger than he did last year.

    But Hudson, 25, is a free agent after the season, and with a strong year could command a sizable deal. So if there does come a point where Kush — who will be under contract for two years beyond this one at a very reasonable price — gets to play down the road, the front office can take comfort in the fact he’s working hard to be ready.

    Kush is listed at 6 feet 4 and 313 pounds, which is the same as last year, but is noticeably bigger and thicker than he was as a rookie last season.

    “Oh, he has. He has,” Reid said when asked whether Kush has gained strength. “He’s put on some weight. You see that with linemen. Normally you get about a 10-pound increase that first year on the average, so he has done that. He looks strong, more physical. He is not getting thrown around like he did when he was lighter.”

    There have even been occasions where Kush has managed to go toe to toe in pass-rush drills with star nose tackle Dontari Poe, who checks in at 6 feet 3 and 346 pounds and is generally respected for his rare combination of strength and athleticism.

    “The effort would have been there” last year, Reid said. “But the ability to hunker down and drop your weight and get in that strong position? He couldn’t.”

    Kush attributes his strength gains to an offseason spent with strength coach Barry Rubin, in which he followed his instructions “to the T” and saw some pictures of his buffed-up upper body land on social media.

    “We have a ‘Fat-Arm Friday’ so we go in there and just kill the arms and everything,” Kush said. “Somehow, someway, that thing found its way onto Twitter and Facebook and stuff.

    “I’ve been working,” Kush continued. “Haven’t put on too much weight, just converting a lot of body fat into muscle and working on that ratio.”

    #34359
    snowman
    Participant

    Brown had to be taken off on a cart. Williams played the final five snaps with the injured wrist. By Sunday night, it was clear that both required surgery and will have to go on season-ending injured reserve.

    “Coincidentally, it happened on the same play, both injuries happened on the interception return,” Fisher said. “So [Williams will] be lost for the remainder of the season as well.”

    Maybe Fisher felt he had to change QBs just to keep Foles from getting his OL hurt defending his interceptions.

    #34374
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    Brian Folkerts
    School: Washburn
    Position: G

    ===

    This is his fourth year in the NFL. He signed with the New Orleans Saints as a 2012 UDFA. After they waived him, he spent a day with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He got some time with the San Jose Sabercats after that. He subsequently signed with the Carolina Panthers in 2013, and spent two weeks o their 53-man roster to open the season. He was then waived and signed to their practice squad. He returned to the 53-man roster and appeared in ten games with the group in 2013, and all 16 in 2014 (no starts). The Panthers released him on September 5, 2015.

    ===

    Bio: Three-year starter at both tackle positions. Awarded all-conference honors since his sophomore season.
    Positive: Nice-sized college tackle who projects to guard in the NFL. Quick off the snap, explosive at the point and keeps his feet moving throughout the action. Sets with a wide base, works to stays square and blocks with a nasty attitude. Controls defenders at the point of attack, seals them from the action and keeps his head on a swivel. Anchors in pass protection and works his hands throughout the play.
    Negative: Lacks footwork and lateral blocking range. Struggles blocking in motion and is best in a small area.
    Analysis: Folkerts was productive and durable on the college level and offers size as well as growth potential for the NFL. He’s a versatile blocker who could find a home as an inexpensive backup.

    #34375
    Avatar photowv
    Participant

    Maybe Fisher felt he had to change QBs just to keep Foles from getting his OL hurt defending his interceptions.

    Well lets face it, the Rams OLine was not keeping up with its
    usual injury-rate. Something ‘had’ to be done.
    So Foles stepped up.

    w
    v

    #34376
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    David Arkin

    Position: Offensive guard

    Height: 6 ft 5 in
    Weight: 306 lb

    College: Missouri State

    ====

    Professional career

    Dallas Cowboys
    Arkin was drafted with the 110th pick of the 4th round by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2011 NFL Draft, with the intention of playing him at offensive guard. After being inactive for every game as a rookie, in his second season he was forced to learn the center position in training camp, after the team suffered a series of injuries. His lack of strength and experience, kept him again inactive in every game despite being healthy.

    In 2013, the team decided to have him focus on the right guard position. As he has done in previous training camps, he proved to be one of the most durable players on the team and was activated for the first regular season game of his career in the season opener against the New York Giants. He was released on October 26, to make room for Jakar Hamilton and later signed to the team’s practice squad.

    Miami Dolphins
    On November 5, 2013, he was signed by the Miami Dolphins from the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. The signing was a direct result of the issues the Dolphins where having on their offensive line, after Richie Incognito alleged role in the harassment of teammate Jonathan Martin. He was active in only one game (against the Carolina Panthers). The following season after being tried at center, he was waived on August 30, 2014.

    Seattle Seahawks
    The Seattle Seahawks signed him to their practice squad on September 3, 2014, but was waived five days later.

    Indianapolis Colts
    Arkin was signed to the Indianapolis Colts practice squad on September 16, 2014. He was promoted to the active roster on December 31, when Gosder Cherilus was placed on the injured reserve list.[8] On September 5, 2015, he was released and signed to the practice squad the next day. He was cut on September 23, and re-signed to the practice squad on October 26. On November 3, Arkin was released.

    ===========

    OVERVIEW
    Arkin’s an experienced, durable offensive guard prospect with the intelligence, work-ethic and toughness to make it in the league as a reserve and possibly a starter down the line. Improving his overall technique as a pass and run blocker would go a lot way in moving him up a depth chart. Needs to do a better job with his hands, sink his hips more and watch his pad level. Displays good awareness. Has the killer instinct that can’t be taught and we don’t expect him to be afraid of the jump in competition.
    ANALYSIS
    STRENGTHS Arkin has a mean streak. Plays angry and always finishes his blocks but still has a cool head, helps out in blitz pickup when free, and isn’t baited by defensive line play. Legs are always driving while run blocking and gets some movement. Can take on the bull rush.
    WEAKNESSES Pass blocking technique needs improvement. Doesn’t sink his hips and hand play is a bit sloppy. Quicker, athletic defensive tackles can beat him laterally. Doesn’t have great burst off the ball, needs to watch his pad level and can lean and lunge. Footwork out in space is only adequate.

    ===

    2011 NFL Draft Picks: Cowboys Select David Arkin, T/G, Missouri State – Beefing Up The Line

    By Dave Halprin  @BloggingTheBoys on Apr 30, 2011

    http://www.bloggingtheboys.com/2011/4/30/2145198/2011-nfl-draft-picks-cowboys-select-david-arkin-t-g-missouri-state

    With the #110 pick in the NFL draft (#13 in the 4th round), the Dallas Cowboys selected offensive lineman David Arkin from Missouri State. A tackle at a lower-level school, Arkin will likely move inside to guard. A versatile guy that could swing between tackle and guard if needed. Versatile is a word that goes with Arkin. 6′ 5″, 300 lbs. Wasn’t projected by most services to go this high in the draft.

    It was hard to find solid scouting reports on the guy but jump below to read some. Also, Rick Gosselin had him as his #100 player, so that’s good.

    The best review I found was from Scott Wright at NFL Draft Countdown, he had him as his #8 guard:

    Strengths:
    Has experience at guard and tackle. Great size. Thick thighs. Adequate strength and lateral quickness. Had a strong showing at the East-West Shrine Game. Anchors well. Has strong hands and uses them quickly. Does a good job of sustaining blocks.

    Weaknesses:
    Struggled early in the year at a new position as he would keep a poor base when drive blocking, didn’t always finish, and was too high on first contact to the second level. Needs to bend more. Lunges at defenders on the second level. Needs to get stronger.

    Outlook:
    Arkin has dominated his entire career at MSU and is one of the most versatile linemen in this draft with good tape at both tackle and guard for at least one full season. I like his ability to swing from guard and tackle as a backup early in his career and believe he could eventually start at guard with improved strength and some coaching. His ability at both positions could draw him up boards as high as 4th or 5th round.

    Here’s what Sideline Scouting says:

    Positives: Smart… Good pass blocker… Reasonably quick pass set… Good short area quickness… Very solid lateral movement and slide… Good footwork and agility… Does a nice job changing direction… Plays with good balance… Can pull and get to the second level… Good flexibility and body control… Blocks reasonably well on the move… Good strength at POA… Can control once locked on… Solid drive blocker… Takes good angles… Does a nice job turning defenders from the running lane… Has some suddenness to his game, flashes some explosion… Physical… Relentless, gives a good effort, competitive.

    Negatives: Needs to bulk up a bit… Plays too upright… Can be beat by outside speed.

    #34377
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    As of right now, barring any other developments, and before they add anyone else, these are the linemen the Rams could be taking with them to camp next summer. I include their seasons of league experience, counting 2016 since this is about 2016. Eg. next year Havenstein would be in his 2nd year.

    I bolded the 3 new additions.

    Tackles

    * Robinson, 3rd year
    * Havenstein, 2nd year
    * Williams, 2nd year
    * Battle, 2nd year

    Centers & C/G swingmen

    * Barnes, 6th year
    * Rhaney, 3rd year
    * Kush, 4th year

    Guards & G/T swingmen

    Saffold, 7th year
    Reynolds, 8th year
    Brown, 2nd year
    Donnal, 2nd year
    Wichman, 2nd year
    Folkerts, 5th year
    Arkin, 6th year

    That;s 14 in total.

    They’ve added 10 guys this year alone. 3 of them (Arkin, Kush, Folkerts) are this year’s Barksdale/Mike Person types.

    Looks to me like they are bound and determined to have a 2016 line that is deep, more experienced, and as a group immune to the “since the dawn of time” Rams OL injury curse.

    By adding the 3 recent guys (4th, 5th year, 6th year) they went from the 2016 group have 3 guys with 4 or more years experience to 6.

    I think they are also bound and determined not to draft any OL next year.

    .

    #34394
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    well i think most of us knew that the oline would be a problem this year given the amount of inexperience on the line. but i didn’t think it’d be this bad. i do think the rams will be in good shape though next year. the young guys will have that much more experience. some will be possibly be ready to step in as a starter.

    but i think they’d be making a mistake if they didn’t draft at least one olineman. doesn’t have to be a premium pick but somewhere in the middle rounds would do.

    #34396
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    but i think they’d be making a mistake if they didn’t draft at least one olineman. doesn’t have to be a premium pick but somewhere in the middle rounds would do.

    My thinking is, they have young talent and then they added a bunch of developmental veterans of the kind Boudreau has done well with before. I can’t think of any team that drafted 5 linemen in one year. Plus they added a good UDFA find (Wms) and then 4 vets. 10 new linemen in one year. That’s a lot.

    And one of the ones who hasn’t seen the field yet (Wichman) has a lot of promise and word is they are high on him.

    They really don’t need to draft anyone. They’ve barely scratched the surface with what they have, in terms of potential going forward and good depth in camp.

    .

    #34399
    Avatar photoInvaderRam
    Moderator

    i personally wouldn’t just rely on boudreau to work his magic with these young guys. i’d count on maybe two ot three of those guys panning out. and then i’d draft more in the middle to late rounds and throw them in the mix but i definitely agree that they have more young guys with potential in there than they have in the past.

    part of that reasoning is cuz of saffold. i think he’s unreliable. so even if wichmann and one other lineman pan out, they still need some depth. is it already there? i don’t know. we haven’t even seen enough of these guys to really know. i just think the odds are they won’t pan out. not even most of them. i can see rob, brown, wichmann, and maybe one other but then you need guys to backup and develop.

    #34402
    Avatar photozn
    Moderator

    personally wouldn’t just rely on boudreau to work his magic with these young guys. i’d count on maybe two ot three of those guys panning out.

    Well at this point they have 14 linemen and counting.

    I also pay attention to the “ronin vet” types, because Boudreau has gotten things out of guys like that before.

    There will no doubt be other pick-ups, including UDFAS and other modest FAs and cuts.

    I think so far it looks like at least 3 of the 2015 draft picks have a future: Brown, Wichman, Havenstein. Jeez that’s a lot in one year.

    They have plenty to work with and now it’s more veteran than it was if you just average the years.

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