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The OL - Celebrate and Extend
The OL coach seemed lost at the beginning of the season when Mankins was traded and Stork was injured. Obviously, he over-valued Devey (100% of reps pre-season and a starting RG job). He also over-valued Cannon as an OG (left guard no less!).
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THAT WAS THEN AND NOW IS NOW
This is a very fine OL, without Mankins. Obviously, we are better against the the 340 lb. DT's of the world with Stork playing, but Wendell is fine against everyone else (as is Kline).
It is time to celebrate our success. IMHO, we should not create holes by losing Connolly, Solder or Vollmer.
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2015
Going forward, this line would be at least as good for 2015 with the continued development of Stork and Solder (and Kline). I would like to replace Devey with Connolly's future replacement, but that is my personal evaluation. Maybe Devey indeed has future value.
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FIVE STEPS TO TAKE
Our backup OT (Cannon) has already been extended. Two top OL's have been added this year (Stork and Fleming).
1) Re-sign Connolly
I expect a 2-year deal, including lots of incentives. He is our best LG. Even we acquired a top LG, Connolly would be a fine backup.
2) Extend Solder
This is a bit more difficult, but hopefully it can be done. The default is a $7.45M cap hit and the need to find a starting LT for 2016. A long-term deal for Solder would provide cap relief.
3) Extend Vollmer
This would help the cap some.
4) Draft an OG in the first three rounds and late flyer.
5) Extend Wendell
He's an experienced veteran who is producing, and he is not old for OL's.
=================
Solder-Connolly-Stork-Wendell-Vollmer
Fleming-Cannon-Kline-top draftee-(Devey)
The OL coach seemed lost at the beginning of the season when Mankins was traded and Stork was injured. Obviously, he over-valued Devey (100% of reps pre-season and a starting RG job). He also over-valued Cannon as an OG (left guard no less!).
=========================
THAT WAS THEN AND NOW IS NOW
This is a very fine OL, without Mankins. Obviously, we are better against the the 340 lb. DT's of the world with Stork playing, but Wendell is fine against everyone else (as is Kline).
It is time to celebrate our success. IMHO, we should not create holes by losing Connolly, Solder or Vollmer.
==========================
2015
Going forward, this line would be at least as good for 2015 with the continued development of Stork and Solder (and Kline). I would like to replace Devey with Connolly's future replacement, but that is my personal evaluation. Maybe Devey indeed has future value.
=====================
FIVE STEPS TO TAKE
Our backup OT (Cannon) has already been extended. Two top OL's have been added this year (Stork and Fleming).
1) Re-sign Connolly
I expect a 2-year deal, including lots of incentives. He is our best LG. Even we acquired a top LG, Connolly would be a fine backup.
2) Extend Solder
This is a bit more difficult, but hopefully it can be done. The default is a $7.45M cap hit and the need to find a starting LT for 2016. A long-term deal for Solder would provide cap relief.
3) Extend Vollmer
This would help the cap some.
4) Draft an OG in the first three rounds and late flyer.
5) Extend Wendell
He's an experienced veteran who is producing, and he is not old for OL's.
=================
Solder-Connolly-Stork-Wendell-Vollmer
Fleming-Cannon-Kline-top draftee-(Devey)