BradyManny
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2006
- Messages
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Let's move to the offensive side of the ball. Since Neal has come back, and Kaczur has come back strong after a slow start to the season, the OL is shored up. But there are still long term and depth needs:
OFFENSIVE LINE (13), 7 signed, 6 unsigned
LT - Light (2010)
LG - Mankins (2009)
C - Koppen (2011)
RG - Neal (2009)
RT - Kaczur (2009)
OT - O’Cal (2009)
OG - Yates (2009)
FA
OG/C - Hochstein
OT - Wesley Britt (RFA)
OT - Mark Levoir
Practice Squad:
OT - Jacob Bender
OG/C - Dan Connolly
C - Ryan Wendell
LOCKS (5):
Mankins, Light, Koppen, Kaczur & Neal are locks.
SPOTS UP FOR GRABS (3):
Backup C/utility, Backup/future starting G, Backup T/competition for RT
CURRENT COMPETITION FOR OPEN SPOTS (8):
- Kazcur has played well since coming back from an injury that kept him out only 2 weeks. But his offseason issues and ensuing struggles early in the season are of concern. In two games filling in for Kaczur, Levoir played quite well.
- Yates has been inconsistent, but is signed for 09. Neal has had trouble staying healthy over the past few seasons, so a higher upside backup may be needed.
- Hochstein has been a valuable backup at C/G, but could be beaten out as the unit goes younger, perhaps by Connolly.
- O’Callaghan has looked good in limited time, but has had problems with injuries.
- Bender is mildly intriguing but will struggle to get a roster spot, especially if the team adds via the draft.
- Connolly has a decent chance of making the squad next year with Hochstein reaching free agency, unless the team opts for someone in the draft.
- Britt has proven to be good depth and looked good in preseason, but may not return given Levoir’s strong play, and the fact he is a FFA at the end of the season.
- Wendell does not have a good chance of making the 08 squad. He is PS eligible in 08.
PLAN OF ACTION VIA DRAFT/FREE AGENCY:
- If the opportunity presents itself, add a potential long term answer at starting OT through the day 1 of the draft or free agency. Need not be a polished OL, as the team has 1 year till Kaczur hits free agency, 2 until Light reaches the end of his contract. Otherwise draft a tackle in the mid rounds as depth at the position.
- Select an OG between rounds 1-4 as a potential long term replacement for Neal. The depth behind Neal is OK, but Yates does not appear to have the upside as a long term answer as a starting.
- Add at least one versatile utility OL to the current competition via the mid to late rounds of the draft.
Bottom Line: 3 players needed.
This unit could go either way in the draft. The team may feel they can fill the depth with players already in the organization. However, I'd personally love to see them add players via the draft, and use a Day 1 pick either on G or T.
OFFENSIVE LINE (13), 7 signed, 6 unsigned
LT - Light (2010)
LG - Mankins (2009)
C - Koppen (2011)
RG - Neal (2009)
RT - Kaczur (2009)
OT - O’Cal (2009)
OG - Yates (2009)
FA
OG/C - Hochstein
OT - Wesley Britt (RFA)
OT - Mark Levoir
Practice Squad:
OT - Jacob Bender
OG/C - Dan Connolly
C - Ryan Wendell
LOCKS (5):
Mankins, Light, Koppen, Kaczur & Neal are locks.
SPOTS UP FOR GRABS (3):
Backup C/utility, Backup/future starting G, Backup T/competition for RT
CURRENT COMPETITION FOR OPEN SPOTS (8):
- Kazcur has played well since coming back from an injury that kept him out only 2 weeks. But his offseason issues and ensuing struggles early in the season are of concern. In two games filling in for Kaczur, Levoir played quite well.
- Yates has been inconsistent, but is signed for 09. Neal has had trouble staying healthy over the past few seasons, so a higher upside backup may be needed.
- Hochstein has been a valuable backup at C/G, but could be beaten out as the unit goes younger, perhaps by Connolly.
- O’Callaghan has looked good in limited time, but has had problems with injuries.
- Bender is mildly intriguing but will struggle to get a roster spot, especially if the team adds via the draft.
- Connolly has a decent chance of making the squad next year with Hochstein reaching free agency, unless the team opts for someone in the draft.
- Britt has proven to be good depth and looked good in preseason, but may not return given Levoir’s strong play, and the fact he is a FFA at the end of the season.
- Wendell does not have a good chance of making the 08 squad. He is PS eligible in 08.
PLAN OF ACTION VIA DRAFT/FREE AGENCY:
- If the opportunity presents itself, add a potential long term answer at starting OT through the day 1 of the draft or free agency. Need not be a polished OL, as the team has 1 year till Kaczur hits free agency, 2 until Light reaches the end of his contract. Otherwise draft a tackle in the mid rounds as depth at the position.
- Select an OG between rounds 1-4 as a potential long term replacement for Neal. The depth behind Neal is OK, but Yates does not appear to have the upside as a long term answer as a starting.
- Add at least one versatile utility OL to the current competition via the mid to late rounds of the draft.
Bottom Line: 3 players needed.
This unit could go either way in the draft. The team may feel they can fill the depth with players already in the organization. However, I'd personally love to see them add players via the draft, and use a Day 1 pick either on G or T.
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