When we were all thinking that having Josh Kline as your starting RG as Plan C, it should be noted it's probably the best plan C in the league. When healthy, Kline has proven to be quite adequate as a starting guard....and THAT's plan C.
Here's the thing. Mason showed signs of being something special on occasion last season. While he was inconsistent in his pass protection, that was understandable given he played for a college (GA Tech) who didn't have their OL pass protect. He was actually much better that we had a right to expect. Certainly not where we want him to be, but much better and WITH the likelihood of seeing a big 2nd year jump.
And then there is Cooper. What we know for certain is that he can be a decent starting OG. What we don't know is whether he can BECOME the monster offensive lineman that he was universally projected to be when he was drafted in the top 10. Injuries and coaching issues haven't helped, but now he has one of the best OL coaches in recent memory, but the injuries obviously have still been an issue.
Even if he starts to string together some practice time, I don't see a way for him to crack the starting lineup with just 2 weeks remaining before the first game. So whatever contribution Cooper makes to this team, it probably isn't going to happen before October. BUT make no mistake. Cooper IS going to make this team. How much of an impact remains the question that is not going to answered for a while
If he's healthy, Mason will get the nod. He will make a difference in the run game, and we can only hope he's taken a step up in pass protection.
So right now it is likely that Volmer and Jackson will start the year on the PUP. Waddle will back up Cannon and Solder. Kline will back up Tunney and Andrews, and Cooper will back up Mason, and Flemming will be the 4th OT and 4th TE. Those are the 9 offensive linemen, though it might get interesting when or if Volmer and Jackson are ready to come off the PUP.
I wouldn't be surprise to see Jackson got to IR at some point this season. Right now we have a plethora of competent OG's between Tunney, Kline, Cooper, and Mason. If they are all healthy when he's ready to come off the PUP, it might be safer to just stick him on the IR and see where we are at OG next spring. While he's a lock for THIS season, Cooper certainly isn't a lock for 2017.
And let's all say a novena or two for Sebastian Volmer. Cannon has had a great camp so far, but Volmer is still one of the best RT's in the league and would be a big boost to the OL and it's depth if he is ready to play the 2nd half of the season.
