A little bit of perspective to discuss.

[PancakeBlockPaul]

I could see him paying a one day visit to see old friends but the man is not coming out of retirement.

Hey now, he "unretired" before didn't he? Or had he not officially retired and just took a break then came back to us? One can dream though? =)

 

[Real fan 02]

I saw the same article and rolled my eyes a little bit. The other thing that same writer forgets is that having a player like Lowe provides valuable depth and starting experience. That's massively important, and he seems to forget Lowe's real role. It's not exactly like teams have multiple elite left tackles on their roster.

Lowe really wasn't meant to be a starter for a full year last year. He was still a developmental player, and in all honesty, he was the bright spot between the two tackles given how much better he did perform at a more difficult position compared to Demontrey Jacobs. The kid worked hard and did what he was asked, and was serviceable enough where they survived the year.

People also forget that Lowe was hurt when he stepped in for Okorafor in week 1 after they swapped him out 12 snaps in. If Campbell were to get hurt and miss a game, I'd be OK with Lowe filling in for one or two games. He's just not a guy you want to see out there for a full season.

I feel like people forget that yes, you need an elite starter when it comes to protecting a quarterback's blindside, but you also need a guy who can at least step in if that starter goes down. Lowe has grown into being that guy, and honestly, good for him. Although again, I'd prefer he doesn't see the field, but if he's forced out there for a game or two, while it's not ideal, they could definitely do worse.

While you are correct Ian lowe does provide valuable depth. He'll make the team based on that.

But we have to look at what the coaching staff did.

We had the 32nd ranked OL, poorly coached and injured riddled last season as well as worst performing.

we took the best rated OT in college in Campbell that we felt is better than anyone we have to call an OT on the current roster. We signed a great veteran leader in Moses to hold down the right side. If Vrabel was confident in Lowe and Jacobs as starters he likely wouldn't have taken Campbell and or signed Moses he would have went in a different route to add depth to the OL. This is no knock on Lowe , brown or Jacobs as players they were put in tough situations last season.

They are depth players, and we should be fine with that as fans. Depth is valuable

 

[Real fan 02]

Lowe will impress at TC this summer. He’s got a great character. No doubt working his butt off.

His wingspan is at 100%.
Will Campbell’s is at 0%.

Can Lowe overcome his lack of athleticism with better coaching—finally GOOD coaching—grit, and experience?

He has to get on the field first he's been rehabbing all off season. He's no where the complete player Campbell is we can't kid ourselves to thinking Lowe is more than what he is. A depth OT. Campbell has the attitude, mentality, strength and confidence to become an all pro OL in the league. He will greatly benefit from Vrabel.

 

[XLIX]

Hey now, he "unretired" before didn't he?

Yes, over a decade ago.

 

[The Gr8est]

Yes, over a decade ago.

 

[SlowGettingUp]

 

[patfanken]

I find these comparisons kind of interesting and in most cases not too dissimilar. Think about it. One of the areas Campbell has a big advantage is the 40. But does he? It seems that their 10 yd splits are exactly the same. Given that 90% of an OT's work is done in a 10yd box, what exactly is Campbell's speed advantage?

The clear difference is in the vertical and broad jumps and HERE Cambell is clearly the more "explosive" athlete, although I wish he'd have run the 3cone and shuttle to sort of confirm it. Was there a specific reason or was it just a continuing of the recent trend for top prospects to simply disregard the process.