Who starts at RT in 2007?

[cstjohn17]

obviously the pats saw something Kazur. O'Callaghan has had injury concerns in college but is tough. I am leaning toward OC and Britt as a backup. Trade Kazur.

I had initially thought Kaczur may be on the way out but I think he sticks, not sure if he starts but he has experience at both tackle spots and I think he could play guard in a pinch. I would rather have a quality swing T/G than a 5th or 6th round draft pick.

 

[AzPatsFan]

I think Britt has more intrinsic overal talent than either O'C or Kaczur. He can develop into a very good starting LOT, and that is a precious commodity.

It may even be hurting him. While Kaczur played LOT as a rookie in an emegency, and did OK, I think the coaches felt that he did not have much upside at that position. O'C is a natural ROT. He has the size and toughness to play that position; but that is the ONLY position taht he can play.

Kaczur may be a better Guard than either, Britt or O'C and a good but not exceptional tackle, except that the Pats have lots of good Guards.

It is a pleasant situation to be in. How much Britt is being held back because they need a spare LOT, is hard to measure. Bill has done that with other reserves who could be starters. Think Jarvis Green for example.

Britt is still young, but i see him following that career path. There is a difference however. Light is a good but not great LOT. OTOH, Seymour is the best Defensive Lineman in the league. Britt might eventually pass Light by and start; whereas Jarvis has a much tougher row to hoe.

 

[PATSNUTme]

Yesterday Nick took the reps with the first team and did well. That really means nothing as to who will be the starter on opening day.

Who starts the 3rd pre-season game will be a better indicator. That is when who ever has won the battle will be given the reps. It's a great spot to be in as you can't really have too many good big uglies.

 

[JackBauer]

I am going to say Britt. I have not been impressed at all with O'Callahan and Kaczur over th past few years. I really would like to see what this kid can do as a full time starter.

I don't know if this is what you meant, but you do know O'C has only been here a year, right? And how could you not have been impressed with his performance, albeit limited, last year?

 

[PatsFan37]

O'C is a natural ROT. He has the size and toughness to play that position; but that is the ONLY position taht he can play.

I'm not sure that makes sense. If a RT plays for a year as the starter, he'll need to have or need to develop the countermoves and recognition to control a speed rusher. While the best rushers are saved for the blindside, an opposing coach knows if the RT cannot stop a speed rusher, to move the rushers around to take advantage. We see that all the time with Jason Taylor switching sides. The Colts have two good speed rushers in Freeney and Mathis and they've been known to switch.

I would think the difference between a LT and a RT, is tendency rather than limitation. A LT tends to be the more agile blocker and a RT more powerful, but each should be able to do the other's job. I'm no OL expert, but that seems to make sense.

My concern about O'C is his durability -- the issue of concussions.