The OL: Where it Stands Right Now - Where does it need to go in FA and Draft?

[ColoradoBills]

I'm in the "fix the OL first crowd" so this is my #1 priority for the off season.

Going into FA and the Draft this is where to OL is right now.

I am going under the assumption that all 5 of last year's OL stay on the team (I think they should).

 

LT - Dawkins (Doyle backup)

LG - Open (Bates played RG but he seems better at LG, many see him as Morse's replacement at C) - (NO LG backup)

C - Morse (A huge unknown going forward both with health and cost) (Bates backup)

RG - Open (No Backup)

RT - Brown (Inconsistent but improving) (No RT backup)

 

On the roster and going to camp (so far) are former PS players (C-Mancz, T-Anderson, T-Van Demark)

 

It seems to me the #1 question is the future of Ryan Bates.  Is he earmarked at age 26 to replace Morse at C?  If not, is he the future at LG?

Question #2 who is the RG starter?  (Day 1 Rookie or FA?)

Question #3 is Spencer Brown locked to be starting RT?

Question #4 is after all the above answers, who is depth?

 

I would like to hear what some options are from the board.  I will post this OP now and give my thoughts, as of right now, in a reply post.

 

[Ya Digg?]

1 minute ago, ColoradoBills said:

I'm in the "fix the OL first crowd" so this is my #1 priority for the off season.

Going into FA and the Draft this is where to OL is right now.

I am going under the assumption that all 5 of last year's OL stay on the team (I think they should).

 

LT - Dawkins (Doyle backup)

LG - Open (Bates played RG but he seems better at LG, many see him as Morse's replacement at C) - (NO LG backup)

C - Morse (A huge unknown going forward both with health and cost) (Bates backup)

RG - Open (No Backup)

RT - Brown (Inconsistent but improving) (No RT backup)

 

On the roster and going to camp (so far) are former PS players (C-Mancz, T-Anderson, T-Van Demark)

 

It seems to me the #1 question is the future of Ryan Bates.  Is he earmarked at age 26 to replace Morse at C?  If not, is he the future at LG?

Question #2 who is the RG starter?  (Day 1 Rookie or FA?)

Question #3 is Spencer Brown locked to be starting RT?

Question #4 is after all the above answers, who is depth?

 

I would like to hear what some options are from the board.  I will post this OP now and give my thoughts, as of right now, in a reply post.

 

Spencer Brown definitely did NOT show improvement and he better not be locked into a starting spot. The Bills should be looking to upgrade everything along the offensive line. The only spot I think is safe is Dawkins-not amazing but if you can get better play next to him he will be fine and money needs to be spent on other places 

[ColoradoBills]

My thoughts go like this:

 

If Bates is the heir apparent C, then he needs to start to train to be that.  He needs to take all the 2nd team C snaps and

should only be considered depth at G going into the season.

 

That leaves 2 G positions to fill.  One in the draft and one in the FA seems proper.

I like the idea of pursuing a player in FA like Andrew Wylie from KC.  He has played both RG, LG and RT for KC and has played

pretty good at all positions.  His "Market Value" on Spotrac is under $5M per year.  If he (or a similar player) can be secured

it takes one G spot out and gives Brown some good camp competition at RT.

 

Then draft a full time Day 1 starter at G.  I would need help with who and what round, but I would be willing to even consider Round 1.

 

[KDIGGZ]

Saffold coming off a pro bowl season at LG! 

[947]

I think we absolutely must add a FA Guard. Going into the draft needing 3 OL is a big risk, and not one I trust Beane not to reach for. If we can add a guy like Dalton Risner in FA, I like our options a whole lot better to get an OT and OG in the draft.

 

If Morse retires, I like Bates at Center if we don't draft one. But then we'd need to add an OG to start.

 

I don't think S Brown is locked in as a starter. I think he'll be better with a healthy offseason, but we need to add a Tackle in the first 3 rounds.

[ColoradoBills]

4 minutes ago, Ya Digg? said:

Spencer Brown definitely did NOT show improvement and he better not be locked into a starting spot. The Bills should be looking to upgrade everything along the offensive line. The only spot I think is safe is Dawkins-not amazing but if you can get better play next to him he will be fine and money needs to be spent on other places 

 

If you think that consider what my Option #1 is above.

[Success]

We really might not be THAT far off.  Morse is a solid center, and Dawkins is a solid LT.  Morse hasn't hinted at retiring, so he should be our starting C this year.

 

Personally, I still have some hope in Brown.  I think the injury set him back, and he has certainly had flashes of very good play.  It's not enough, but I'm not giving up on the idea that he could emerge as a solid starter this season w/ a full training camp.

 

They need to bring in legit competition at his position, and also address both guard spots.  Bates could potentially fill one of those, and be very good.  I see us bringing in 1 strong FA, and drafting 2 linemen in the 1st 3-4 rounds.

 

[ColoradoBills]

1 minute ago, 947 said:

I think we absolutely must add a FA Guard. Going into the draft needing 3 OL is a big risk, and not one I trust Beane not to reach for. If we can add a guy like Dalton Risner in FA, I like our options a whole lot better to get an OT and OG in the draft.

 

If Morse retires, I like Bates at Center if we don't draft one. But then we'd need to add an OG to start.

 

I don't think S Brown is locked in as a starter. I think he'll be better with a healthy offseason, but we need to add a Tackle in the first 3 rounds.

 

What's your thought of Wylie as an FA for RT?

[Einstein]

Just posting this thread because it has potential options to fill those holes you mention:

 

 

[ColoradoBills]

Just now, Einstein said:

Just posting this thread because it has potential options to fill those holes you mention:

 

 

 

I apologize and will look up the thread.  I did a search and didn't see.  Also, I took some time off the board after the CIN game so I wasn't

around at the beginning of the month.

If the mods want to merge it's fine with me.

 

Let me ask you what are your thought of a FA who could start both RG and RT like Wylie?

8 minutes ago, 947 said:

I think we absolutely must add a FA Guard. Going into the draft needing 3 OL is a big risk, and not one I trust Beane not to reach for. If we can add a guy like Dalton Risner in FA, I like our options a whole lot better to get an OT and OG in the draft.

 

If Morse retires, I like Bates at Center if we don't draft one. But then we'd need to add an OG to start.

 

I don't think S Brown is locked in as a starter. I think he'll be better with a healthy offseason, but we need to add a Tackle in the first 3 rounds.

 

Totally agree.  3 rookies would be a disaster.  Do you have any options at RG?  My thoughts would be a strong RG would help

Brown IF he ends up being a starter.

[Einstein]

4 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

I apologize and will look up the thread.  I did a search and didn't see.  Also, I took some time off the board after the CIN game so I wasn't

around at the beginning of the month.

If the mods want to merge it's fine with me.

 

Let me ask you what are your thought of a FA who could start both RG and RT like Wylie?

 

Nothing to apologize for. Personally I prefer new threads over bumping old threads. I was linking it so people can know what names are available.

 

I’d be fine with Wylie. Or Turner. i’d be shocked if Beane isn’t eyeing him.

 

I dream about getting Powers though.

Edited February 19, 2023 by Einstein

[Solomon Grundy]

Personally, I'd start with a stud RT in the draft (Jaelyn Duncan/Darnell Walker). Draft a center (Schmitz/Tippmann). Pick another guard later in draft. 

[ColoradoBills]

3 minutes ago, Einstein said:

 

Nothing to apologize for. Personally I prefer new threads over bumping old threads. I was linking it so people can know what names are available.

 

I’d be fine with Wylie and i’d be shocked if Beane isn’t eyeing him.

 

I dream about getting Powers though.

 

He's going to cost, but at around $10M I think he is at the top of the "doable" list.  Anything more I feel is just not feasible with

the cap situation.

[ColoradoBills]

2 minutes ago, Solomon Grundy said:

Personally, I'd start with a stud RT in the draft (Jaelyn Duncan/Darnell Walker). Draft a center (Schmitz/Tippmann). Pick another guard later in draft. 

 

It would leave the G position pretty bare.  Bates and a late draft pick?  

Like others, I'm in the "draft 2 OL" not 3.  Too many rookies could be an issue.  That's why an FA at G seems rational.

 

I'm for drafting a C fairly early if Bates is not the long-term answer at C.

[Solomon Grundy]

9 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

Totally agree.  3 rookies would be a disaster.

I disagree. Definitely a stud RT and a replacement for Morse would work. This would allow Bates to stay at guard. Don't forget Boettger. Didn't KC do this with Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey?

[ColoradoBills]

1 minute ago, Solomon Grundy said:

I disagree. Definitely a stud RT and a replacement for Morse would work. This would allow Bates to stay at guard. Don't forget Boettger. Didn't KC do this with Trey Smith and Creed Humphrey?

 

Yes, but wouldn't you want an FA at RG instead of a late round rookie?  I fear starting both rookies at RG and RT.

[Solomon Grundy]

3 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Yes, but wouldn't you want an FA at RG instead of a late round rookie?  I fear starting both rookies at RG and RT.

Boettger and Bates at guard?

[ColoradoBills]

4 minutes ago, Solomon Grundy said:

Boettger and Bates at guard?

 

I see Ike as G depth, not a starter.

[DCbillsfan]

If the Bills let Edmunds walk, I could see them signing 2 FA guards and possibly drafting an OT in rounds 4 or 5.  If Edmunds is gone and Morse retires, I could see 2 FA agent guards and draft a Center who can start right away.  Bates and Boettger backup guards/center.

[Chaos]

The Oline needs a complete redo.  No one other than Dawkins should be on the roster in 2024, other than as a possible backup.  
 

If the team is committed to rebuilding the line, I think we need to borrow a first round pick from 2024, and combine it with pick 27 to move up in the draft.  On the points chart (I know that is far from perfect), that could allow us to move up to 12 by trading with Houston.   At 12, it is almost certain one of the top 3 Tackles in the draft, Paris Johnson Jr., Peter Skoronski, and Broderick Jones should be available. We likely would have our pick of them.   My personal choice Skoronski.  We our second pick might be able to add John Michael Schmitz. If not Joe Tippman from Wisconsin should be there.  Tippman would be able to start at Guard as long as Morse is Healthy.  

 

There are several good guard options who should be available with our later picks to compete with Bates & Spencer Brown for the other guard spot. These include 

Andrew Vorhees from USC and an interesting UCLA player Atonio Mafi. Chandler Zavala from NCS and Jarrett Patterson from Norte Dame. 

 

Bang, bang, bang,  new line is Dawkins, Tippman, Morse, Vorhees, Skoronski.

 

Edited February 19, 2023 by Chaos

[aristocrat]

Sign mike mcglinchey at right tackle. Guard in draft. 

[ColoradoBills]

4 minutes ago, DCbillsfan said:

If the Bills let Edmunds walk, I could see them signing 2 FA guards and possibly drafting an OT in rounds 4 or 5.  If Edmunds is gone and Morse retires, I could see 2 FA agent guards and draft a Center who can start right away.  Bates and Boettger backup guards/center.

 

Interesting.  You're going with 2 FA and 1 Rookie.  Also, you are the first to put Bates in a backup role.

I was high on Bates, but he didn't perform at RG as well as I wished.  I do think his best position is LG with a backup C role.

 

Your reply along with many others all revolve around what is going to happen with Morse and the future at Center like I suspect.

Beane HAS to see this too.  It starts with my OP Question #1, and everything flows from there.

 

As to Edmunds left to walk.  I think that is going to happen.  I didn't until just recently.

1 minute ago, aristocrat said:

Sign mike mcglinchey at right tackle. Guard in draft. 

 

That would be great, but the money would be the issue I feel.

[Aussie Joe]

Brown definitely did not improve last year…

 

I would move Bates back to LG… but the thing with Bates is that he needs to be the 5th best OL… not 3rd like 2022…

 

Upgrades required at RG and RT… assume one in FA and the other in the draft

( it needs to be an early pick)

[aristocrat]

4 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Interesting.  You're going with 2 FA and 1 Rookie.  Also, you are the first to put Bates in a backup role.

I was high on Bates, but he didn't perform at RG as well as I wished.  I do think his best position is LG with a backup C role.

 

Your reply along with many others all revolve around what is going to happen with Morse and the future at Center like I suspect.

Beane HAS to see this too.  It starts with my OP Question #1, and everything flows from there.

 

As to Edmunds left to walk.  I think that is going to happen.  I didn't until just recently.

 

That would be great, but the money would be the issue I feel.

let edmunds walk there’s your money

[ColoradoBills]

4 minutes ago, aristocrat said:

let edmunds walk there’s your money

 

Would be tight even with Edmunds not signing.  Don't get me wrong I'm for anything to protect and give Josh more time.

It would mean I think that there would be no mid-level FA WR and about a 4th or later WR drafted.

The D would have some plugs versus prime players.

 

That being said, I do firmly believe Josh can make mediocre WRs better and good receivers great, given more time.

It's the hill I'm going to die on this year!

[DCbillsfan]

17 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

As to Edmunds left to walk.  I think that is going to happen.  I didn't until just recently.

 

I felt the same way but allowing Edmunds to walk affords Beane some flexibility to address some offensive issues in free agency.  I think Edmunds is a good player but not worth $100M contract.

[ColoradoBills]

13 minutes ago, Aussie Joe said:

Brown definitely did not improve last year…

 

I would move Bates back to LG… but the thing with Bates is that he needs to be the 5th best OL… not 3rd like 2022…

 

Upgrades required at RG and RT… assume one in FA and the other in the draft

( it needs to be an early pick)

 

I probably should not have said that in my OP.  I do believe Brown improved on run blocking.  That I am sure of.

IF, and I know it's a debatable IF, he ends up starting at RT the only thing I feel will work is the other 4 OL are strong and that

would include an extremely strong RG.  I think they could scheme around Brown at RT and give him another year to see what he could be.

[DCbillsfan]

19 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Would be tight even with Edmunds not signing.  Don't get me wrong I'm for anything to protect and give Josh more time.

It would mean I think that there would be no mid-level FA WR and about a 4th or later WR drafted.

The D would have some plugs versus prime players.

 

That being said, I do firmly believe Josh can make mediocre WRs better and good receivers great, given more time.

It's the hill I'm going to die on this year!

Where do you see the early picks rounds 1 - 3?  If Edmunds leaves, they would need to get his replacement.  I think WR could still be in play on Day 2.  Perhaps LB, WR, DE, S, DT, and RB assuming they get 2 starting Oline guys in FA.

Edited February 19, 2023 by DCbillsfan

[ColoradoBills]

1 minute ago, DCbillsfan said:

Where do you see the early picks rounds 1 - 3?

 

I started this thread to try to get my head around that question.  There are so many moving parts.

If Edmunds leaves, they have to replace him with a 3rd round minimum I would think.

MLB is too important in whatever D McDermott runs to go later.

 

A 1st or 2nd has to go to something on the OL.  Be it G, C or T.  That's already a big ask for the draft to fall that way.

The 3rd top 3 could go in a lot of different ways depending on FA.  I just see a WR in the top 3 tough, but I sure would like it.

 

It's going to be tough for Beane, but I'm in on a strong OL, replacing Edmunds and let the rest of the chips fall where they may.

 

[LyndonvilleBill]

IMO, I still think it's too early to give up on Brown. Replace him next year if need be.

 

Personally, I'd like at least 1 FA G (Risner maybe. On a reasonable contract. Can play both LG/RG if needed) to pair with Brown. Don't want a rookie next to Brown. At this point I think Morse will play this season (unless cut). If Morse isn't back, Id rather put a rookie in at C sandwiched between 2 vets. Move Bates back to LG Where he played well. Re-sign Ike as a backup. Draft a C (maybe Tippmann) and a G (Vorhees). Could probably also sign Hart, Quessenberry and dare I say Saffold as backups if needed.

 

[MrEpsYtown]

On tackles, I don’t think they will replace Brown. I really don’t. I think they believe in him and I think they will continue to be patient. They see that enormous upside and I really don’t believe there is a massive cost effective upgrade out there. 
 

On Mike McGlinchey, just like Edmunds and Brown are the whipping boys here, he is the whipping boy for Niners fans. He is exhibit A why you don’t draft a RT player in the top ten, or the first round at all. He finally had a good year on his 5th year option. Sure on the surface and such it seems like he is so much better than Brown. He isn’t. I don’t really care what pff says. SF had to chip and use a tight end to his side all the time. He’s basically Spencer Brown in a year. A marginal upgrade who will not be worth the cost. I just think with limited cap, they aren’t going to go down this road. 
 

I see them maybe upgrading at the swing tackle. Perhaps a cheap vet like Josh Wells, Reilly Reiff, Kelvin Beachum or a Billy Turner. They aren’t going to pursue Orlando Brown and there is a marginal chance they go after Jawaan Taylor. 

I highly doubt they go RT early in the draft. Now if a guy like Broderick Jones falls to 27, I would not be opposed to grabbing him because I think the upside is tremendous. Does that mean he starts on the right side or does Dion move inside? I have no idea. What I do think I know is that they will not draft a RT in the first round of the draft and they will not commit big FA money to the position. 

[TheBeaneBandit]

1 hour ago, aristocrat said:

Sign mike mcglinchey at right tackle. Guard in draft. 

He's not even an upgrade to Brown. Sign a guard AND draft a guard, unless one of the top LT's drop to or near 27.

[MrEpsYtown]

2 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

What's your thought of Wylie as an FA for RT?

I actually think Wylie does fit and he is way more interesting than Mike McGlinchey. I think he is probably too expensive and a little risky. Mahomes has a way of making guys like this look good. Wylie has some strong athletic traits with a high RAS coming out. In a perfect world you sign him to play RG next to Brown, but I think Wylie is going to want to get paid a big RT salary. 

[ColoradoBills]

31 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

On tackles, I don’t think they will replace Brown. I really don’t. I think they believe in him and I think they will continue to be patient. They see that enormous upside and I really don’t believe there is a massive cost effective upgrade out there. 
 

On Mike McGlinchey, just like Edmunds and Brown are the whipping boys here, he is the whipping boy for Niners fans. He is exhibit A why you don’t draft a RT player in the top ten, or the first round at all. He finally had a good year on his 5th year option. Sure on the surface and such it seems like he is so much better than Brown. He isn’t. I don’t really care what pff says. SF had to chip and use a tight end to his side all the time. He’s basically Spencer Brown in a year. A marginal upgrade who will not be worth the cost. I just think with limited cap, they aren’t going to go down this road. 
 

I see them maybe upgrading at the swing tackle. Perhaps a cheap vet like Josh Wells, Reilly Reiff, Kelvin Beachum or a Billy Turner. They aren’t going to pursue Orlando Brown and there is a marginal chance they go after Jawaan Taylor. 

I highly doubt they go RT early in the draft. Now if a guy like Broderick Jones falls to 27, I would not be opposed to grabbing him because I think the upside is tremendous. Does that mean he starts on the right side or does Dion move inside? I have no idea. What I do think I know is that they will not draft a RT in the first round of the draft and they will not commit big FA money to the position. 

 

I agree that Spencer Brown is the most likely man at RT this season.  I do believe he has a chance to improve but I sure would like to see

a strong RG next to him.  Which brings me to this question.  I'm not a big college fan (I passively watch it) but in my hunting of a strong

rookie RG I have watch some film and read that Torrence could be the real deal at RG.  Do you think he is worth pursuing?

 

9 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

I actually think Wylie does fit and he is way more interesting than Mike McGlinchey. I think he is probably too expensive and a little risky. Mahomes has a way of making guys like this look good. Wylie has some strong athletic traits with a high RAS coming out. In a perfect world you sign him to play RG next to Brown, but I think Wylie is going to want to get paid a big RT salary. 

 

I will admit when I saw that Spotrac had Wylie at $5M per year I thought it would be a no-brainer.

A lot of KC fans and fans in general think he is better at RG than RT so I was thinking he could be something to look into.

You may be right, and he could go for a lot more.  Something I'll keep an eye on.

Edited February 19, 2023 by ColoradoBills

[3rdand12]

Good Thread  Colorado !

 I have been getting an education reading this and will continue. Thanks also for maintaining it so well

[MrEpsYtown]

19 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

I agree that Spencer Brown is the most likely man at RT this season.  I do believe he has a chance to improve but I sure would like to see

a strong RG next to him.  Which brings me to this question.  I'm not a big college fan (I passively watch it) but in my hunting of a strong

rookie RG I have watch some film and read that Torrence could be the real deal at RG.  Do you think he is worth pursuing?

 

 

I will admit when I saw that Spotrac had Wylie at $5M per year I thought it would be a no-brainer.

A lot of KC fans and fans in general think he is better at RG than RT so I was thinking he could be something to look into.

You may be right, and he could go for a lot more.  Something I'll keep an eye on.

Torrence is a tough one for me. He just mashes people in the run game and he is really good in pass pro. He looks on the surface to be a gap scheme power type player, but honestly he looks really good in zone situations on film. He is very good in pass pro, giving up zero sacks in 46 college starts. That’s pretty astounding. Now when you take into account the first part of his career was at Louisiana before transferring to Florida, and that he was blocking for a very mobile guy at Florida, maybe that number isn’t as impressive. However zero sacks is zero sacks. I think he will struggle with counter pass rush moves in the NFL. 
 

He’s huge and long and looks to have good feet. He’s a guard only prospect so there is no versatility there. And that is the type of prospect the Bills have yet to show interest in as a first round pick. That includes Beane’s time here and in Carolina. The entire Bills offensive line were LTs in college except for Spencer Brown who was a RT in deference to Trevor Penning. 
 

Torrence to me is a second round pick. That doesn’t mean he won’t go in the first round. We saw guards in Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green go super early last year, and Torrence is better than those guys. I do think he will be, at the very least a serviceable guard with the potential to be dominant. Personally, I would really dislike the pick at 27, but you could do a lot worse with a First round pick. 

[Success]

2 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Would be tight even with Edmunds not signing.  Don't get me wrong I'm for anything to protect and give Josh more time.

It would mean I think that there would be no mid-level FA WR and about a 4th or later WR drafted.

The D would have some plugs versus prime players.

 

That being said, I do firmly believe Josh can make mediocre WRs better and good receivers great, given more time.

It's the hill I'm going to die on this year!

 

We shouldn't re-invent the wheel.  The bolded was the Patriots' blueprint for almost 2 decades. They made one exception, when they got Moss - and that notably did not yield a title.

 

Ultimately, it's a big part of the reason Brady left - but you can't argue the results for so many years.  Their best receiver in some of those SB years would barely be a #3 on most of the top teams.  But they used that money saved on skill players to build a top 5 line, year in & year out.  

 

Allen can do the same thing Brady did.  I love that we have Diggs, and we'll have him for at least a few more years - but we don't need to make big investments in skill players. Just give Allen time in the pocket.

 

[ColoradoBills]

2 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Torrence is a tough one for me. He just mashes people in the run game and he is really good in pass pro. He looks on the surface to be a gap scheme power type player, but honestly he looks really good in zone situations on film. He is very good in pass pro, giving up zero sacks in 46 college starts. That’s pretty astounding. Now when you take into account the first part of his career was at Louisiana before transferring to Florida, and that he was blocking for a very mobile guy at Florida, maybe that number isn’t as impressive. However zero sacks is zero sacks. I think he will struggle with counter pass rush moves in the NFL. 
 

He’s huge and long and looks to have good feet. He’s a guard only prospect so there is no versatility there. And that is the type of prospect the Bills have yet to show interest in as a first round pick. That includes Beane’s time here and in Carolina. The entire Bills offensive line were LTs in college except for Spencer Brown who was a RT in deference to Trevor Penning. 
 

Torrence to me is a second round pick. That doesn’t mean he won’t go in the first round. We saw guards in Zion Johnson and Kenyon Green go super early last year, and Torrence is better than those guys. I do think he will be, at the very least a serviceable guard with the potential to be dominant. Personally, I would really dislike the pick at 27, but you could do a lot worse with a First round pick. 

 

Thanks Epsy, you are confirming everything I think about the guy.  RG only and best if he can be had in the 2nd but might not last till then.

 

I guess my thinking is the right side of the OL has been iffy the entire time Josh has been here and I'm looking to put some "rebar in the concrete".

He's a guy I think might be able to do that and be the rock on the right they need.  I'll look to see about a perceived weakness in counter moves.

 

As to Beane and the whole OL concept of tackles and guys that play multiple positions, I'm hoping that could be swayed some this year

by Kromer and others. 

 

Good stuff, thanks again.

[The Jokeman]

3 hours ago, ColoradoBills said:

My thoughts go like this:

 

If Bates is the heir apparent C, then he needs to start to train to be that.  He needs to take all the 2nd team C snaps and

should only be considered depth at G going into the season.

 

That leaves 2 G positions to fill.  One in the draft and one in the FA seems proper.

I like the idea of pursuing a player in FA like Andrew Wylie from KC.  He has played both RG, LG and RT for KC and has played

pretty good at all positions.  His "Market Value" on Spotrac is under $5M per year.  If he (or a similar player) can be secured

it takes one G spot out and gives Brown some good camp competition at RT.

 

Then draft a full time Day 1 starter at G.  I would need help with who and what round, but I would be willing to even consider Round 1.

 

Wylie gave up 9 sacks last season. Ja’Waun James was a good RT at one time but been injury prone lately but could be a low cost/veteran to bring in to compete. The one UFA I'd love to sign is G Chris Lindstrom yet he could get tagged by the Falcons. David Andrews has worked under Kromer in the past. 

[MrEpsYtown]

2 minutes ago, ColoradoBills said:

 

Thanks Epsy, you are confirming everything I think about the guy.  RG only and best if he can be had in the 2nd but might not last till then.

 

I guess my thinking is the right side of the OL has been iffy the entire time Josh has been here and I'm looking to put some "rebar in the concrete".

He's a guy I think might be able to do that and be the rock on the right they need.  I'll look to see about a perceived weakness in counter moves.

 

As to Beane and the whole OL concept of tackles and guys that play multiple positions, I'm hoping that could be swayed some this year

by Kromer and others. 

 

Good stuff, thanks again.

Thank you! Great thread. Heres a nice little breakdown of Torrence’s reps vs Jalen Carter, if you dont want to sit and watch a full game. You kind of see a bit of everything in here, pros and cons, great blocks, some high pad level and losing on counter moves. Pretty much everything we are talking about in this thread with Torrence vs a top level NFL prospect.