Offensive Guards ~ My Short List!!
As I place a disproportionately enormous emphasis on Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed when evaluating Quarter Backs, so do I lend an extreme level of importance, when evaluating all Grizzlies, to Core Strength and Fluidity.
A Grizzly's inferior Core Strength can be exposed by any number of things: Displaying an insufficiently compact Coil...Bending at the Waist...Rising too high off the Snap...A tendency ~ even with a low initial stance ~ to get ridden back high...Inability to Mirror...and of course: Getting the stuffing beaten out of you on a regular basis!!
Outstanding Core Strength, on the other hand, takes years of dedication in the weight room, but goes a long way to establishing dominance In The Trenches!!
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David DeCastro ~ 6.5/312 ~ 1st ~ 1st
SuperBeast!! David DeCastro commands a breathtaking constellation of attributes: Outstanding Launch Velocity, exceptional Core Strength, amazing Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed, remarkable Torsion when he redirects, tremendous Fluidity, Lateral Agility, and Range...and inspiring Ferocity.
Hell, even his Mechanics are highly refined.
He has no weak points: Only varying degrees of strength.
O Guard is one of the most vital positions on the field, yet one of the most egregiously under rated: He ought to go Top 5, easily, and we know that ain't happening!!
Steal!!
Amini Silatolu ~ 6.3/320 ~ 2nd-3rd ~ 1st
Beast!! Amini Silatolu comes from a small School, and struggles with the raw Mechanics, as one would expect of him, particularly as he'll be kicking inside from O Tackle.
But his aggregate Skill Set is intensely intriguing: excellent Core Strength meets a truly intoxicating fusion of Fluidity, Lateral Agility, and Range.
There is true All Pro Potential, here.
Sleeper!!
Senio Kelemete ~ 6.4/300 ~ 3rd ~ 1st
Beast!! Senio Kelemete's resume is either sketchy or intensely intriguing, depending on how you look at it: As a Freshman in 2008, he played in 8 games and started in 4...as a Defensive Tackle!!
In 2009, he switched to O Guard and won the starting gig, there...only to be asked to switch to O Tackle in 2010!! And of course he projects best to swing back to O Guard in the Majors...So his Mechanics are certainly a bit raw.
But his Cross Training is invaluable...And so is his proven ability to pick up a new position ~ or a big jump in competition ~ quickly enough to start ~ and for a major team...and no less than 3 years in a row!!
But what's really impressive about this young man is his truly amazing constellation of skills: Outstanding Core Strength, exceptional Launch Velocity, impressive Torsion when he changes directions, and tremendous Athleticism: Beautifull Fluidity, excellent Lateral Agility, and extraordinary Range.
Just an astounding aggregation of Skills, all under the command of a Scrapper with an astonishing Work Ethic and insatiable Passion for this great Game!! There is undeniable Pro Bowl potential, here!!
Super Sleeper!!
Kelvin Beachum ~ 6.3/306 ~ UFA ~ 2nd-3rd
Starter!! Kelvin Beachum brings a startling blend of superior Core Strength, outstanding Launch Velocity, and tremendous Athleticism and Dexterity to the table!!
As an O Tackle Convertible, he'll need time to learn, but the Skill Set is definitely there to win a starting gig and perhaps even play at an high level in the NFL.
Super Sleeper!!
Wayne Tribue ~ 6.3/324 ~ UFA ~ 2nd-3rd
Starter!! Wayne Tribue commands exceptional Core Strength, superior Launch Velocity, and extraordinary Lateral Agility!!
Furthermore, he navigates well in on the move, boasting tremendous Diagnostic Acuity and Processing Speed as he seeks out targets.
Super Sleeper!!
Notes
1 ~ David DeCastro is just an exquisite O Guard Prospect, but I wouldn't want to break the bank to go get'm, not when there's so much Depth of Talent behind him.
2 ~ Amini Silatolu is a long-time favorite of mine, and, as feared and expected, his Market Value is approaching the point where I might pass on'm...But he's been in my Mocks from Day 1. I see him as an exceptional Right Guard Prospect, with multiple Pro Bowl potential.
3 ~ Senio Kelemete has been with me as long as Silatolu, and I'm happy to see that he is relatively Under the Radar, even now. He, too, I see as having multiple Pro Bowl potential. His best position, in my view, would be at Left Guard, and I would love to see him eventually bounce Logan Mankins over to Right Guard, which I consider Logan's more natural position.
4 ~ I consider
Kelvin Beachum and
Wayne Tribue definite Starting Stock, and would love to snatch either or both of them for Camp, and see what happens. If everyone stays healthy and develops as expected, then we'd have the enviable luxury of trying to figure out what the hell to do with them. Considering that Beachum is a borderline Day 3/UFA Prospect and that Tribue is clearly UFA at this point, it would be an inexpensive luxury to acquire, and approximately 8 Million times better than not snagging them, and then finding ourselves short, when a nasty injury or two hits us in Camp.
5 ~ I should note that I have been a big fan of
Brandon Brooks from Day 1, when he was in UFA Land, in the Autumn, and am particularly impressed with him at this point, in wake of his astonishing Pro Day. But from a philosophical viewpoint, I don't want Linemen of his size, for the simple reason that I want Grizzlies who can fly around the field all day long, and even with his raw athleticism ~ which I have faith Dante the Great could convert into
functional athleticism ~ I have grave doubts as to his ability to stay health for the long haul. Ditto,
Marcus Cannon, who I would ultimately like to move for a Late Rounder at the end of Camp, when another team gets hit with a shortage.
What's ideal about signing Gallery. When Light and Waters retire after this year. We have their replacements in house and ready to step in without missing a beat. Solder and Gallery(Provided we extend him).
