The offensive line

[SidelineSid]

TACKLES
1) I strongly disagree with your assessment that Light would be a better RT than Kaczur. Light has never played RT and does not have the skill set to play RT. He does. If he doesn't, just let us know what he lacks. While he could play the position, I'd rather trade him and play Kaczur if that were the choice. Sure we could upgrade Kaczur. But I suspect doesn't see much value in the upgrade. That's an interesting take on the situation. If we trade him, we'd get a low second to a high third round pick. While if we let him walk, we'd get a third to fourth round compensation pick. You are right in there not being much of a difference.
2) I also think that we are set for the future with Vollmer at LT and LeVoir as a backup OT. If Vollmer is not judged ready for 2010, Light will play another year. True.
3) Light will be traded if he doesn't start at LT (or perhaps LG).
Well put.

CENTER/CENTER

4) Belichick has been fine with Koppen since the day he started. He's going nowhere. We had an opportunity to bring in Unger or Levitre. Either would have been at least a solid OG and C. Either would have pushed Koppen at center. Instead Belichick went with Connolly.
Consider this: Koppen's contract will expire at the end of the 2011 season. If we were to draft a center in this draft, we could groom him for a year. After that time, we could reassess the strength of the position. If Koppen want's big money, we have better leverage to pay him less. If we cannot retain him, we would have a back up that's been in the system for a year. The best case scenario is that Koppen resigns for cheap money because of improved leverage (provided by the rookie), and we upgrade our O-Line depth considerably.

5) I haven't seen Unger, but Levitre has looked solid. I agree that neither of these is of the quality of the first rounder Wood. And yes, I think that both Unger and LeVitre projected to be a stud or at least a solid future starter, as did Vollmer.

GUARD

6) We need to consider life after Mankins. We may or may not have him for 2010. That depends on the signing of the CBA. I don't see us paying the market value for Mankins.
I don't see us paying him market value either. The good news is that he hasn't had the best season so far. Then again, that isn't good news for us. I think his market value takes a huge hit after this season.

7) Neal may or may not be re-signed. I suspect that he will. But perhaps someone else wants this injury prone starter.
He's a very underrated player. He's not perfect, but he's been pretty damn good for us. Despite the fact that he does get injured, he's more than solid. I say we resign him for cheap, but also draft for the future. A young guard could learn under him for his final year.

8) I don't think that Ohrnberger is the answer at guard. I expect that (as now) he will compete with Connolly for reps in 2010. Pretty much.
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BOTTOM LINE

7) We have two holes that must be addressed in the offseason: LG and RG.

8) The 2009 OL is the best of the Belichick era. It is much, much better than any of the Super Bowl lines. Charlie might very well have been undefeated with this OL.

I wouldn't go that far. While we do pass block pretty well, we stuck at run blocking. Those teams didn't. They knew how to establish a physical presence on the field so that we could. But then again, Light, Mankins, and Neal all won rings with us. It's the same guys. Our teams just have a different offensive philosophy. That's why the same people look like completely different only a few years later. It has to be the blocking scheme.

Hey Folks,

I just have to jump into this conversation.

 

[mgteich]

Let's be clear. I like Koppen. However, I was an advocate of drafting a center at 34 in the last draft. I wanted Unger. Others thought Levitre was as good. Either would have had a couple of years to develop at center and guard. Belichick understood the need and chose to draft Ohrnberger in the 4th.

So, yes I would be absolutely fine with draft a center/guard backup to push Koppen and to be a backup at guard and center. Obviously, the need at interior lineman will depend on whether Mankins and Neal are still on the team on the day of the draft.

I wouldn't go that far. While we do pass block pretty well, we stuck at run blocking. Those teams didn't. They knew how to establish a physical presence on the field so that we could. But then again, Light, Mankins, and Neal all won rings with us. It's the same guys. Our teams just have a different offensive philosophy. That's why the same people look like completely different only a few years later. It has to be the blocking scheme.

Hey Folks,

I just have to jump into this conversation.

 

[RayClay]

Our offensive line is fine, in fact Vollmer is a steal.

However, if we want an offensive line that can pass defend for 60 minutes while receivers run long routes and Brady waits until they get open, then we'll have to pay big money and hope they meld into a pro bowl line.

Kansas City's pass protection was a thing of beauty when they had Roaf, Shields and others, and i imagine the salary went along with the level of play.

Personally, I think it would be a lot easier to simply vary the plays so the defense can't pin their ears back and go after Brady every play, but what do I know?

 

[SVN]

people forget thatour line is banged up. Other than mankins i think everyone has had injury in our line.

 

[RayClay]

I will say that whatever Kaszcur was doing playing pattycake with Mathis a few weeks ago, was pitiful. One two hand push in the chest, turn and watch him hit the quarterback. Did that about five times in a row, right in front of the live camera.

I'm no offensive line expert, but is that technique supposed to work? WTF?