For Rebuild Year One - The OL Isn't That Bad

[Wozzy]

In the 6 games the pats had Sow at RG, Onwenu at RT & Stevenson playing they averaged 123 rushing YPG & 4.6 YPC. Sow was arguably the best rookie guard last season.

The pats have three good OL starters. That's more than a lot of teams. I agree that the OL is an underrated unit. LT will be a problem and limit their upside in pass blocking obviously. Depending on the play of Wallace the pats will be drafting a LT or WR in the top 10 next year IMO.

Now that we know Strange is out for half the season offensive line is a big question mark, but they only have two positions to fill at left tackle and guard.

We'll see how the collaboration station did in the draft and free agency this year, everyone knows by now how skeptical I've been about their OL acquisitions. They could have done a better job there.

 

[rkarp1]

Now that we know Strange is out for half the season offensive line is a big question mark, but they only have two positions to fill at left tackle and guard.

We'll see how the collaboration station did in the draft and free agency this year, everyone knows by now how skeptical I've been about their OL acquisitions. They could have done a better job there.

I actually think Sow will be better than STrange has played.
I also believe Onwenu-Robinson-Andrews-Sow will play well enough. at LT they have to sort it out between Okorfor, Wallace, Anderson and Lowe. they still can dip into free agency if needed.
I do believe they need a true blocking TE (Wilcox?). Zeke was a very under rated blocking RB.

 

[Wozzy]

I actually think Sow will be better than STrange has played.
I also believe Onwenu-Robinson-Andrews-Sow will play well enough. at LT they have to sort it out between Okorfor, Wallace, Anderson and Lowe. they still can dip into free agency if needed.
I do believe they need a true blocking TE (Wilcox?). Zeke was a very under rated blocking RB.

Sow was already starting on the right side next to Onwenu, he’s not replacing Strange so they need to find a left guard along with a left tackle… it’s a bigger question mark than before. There’s also the outside chance Sow kicks outside to tackle.

Sow and Strange are both plus athletes, I’d give the edge in pulling and athleticism to Strange and pure size and strength to Sow but they’re both very good.

They could use a 6th lineman for run blocking, but Austin Hooper is a very good pass blocker in space. They should have brought a 3rd TE in, ideally they should have brought Pharoah Brown back… the free agents they brought in behind Henry and Hooper aren’t good. Jaheim Bell has some tools but he’s more of a fullback/HBack.

 

[mgteich]

Sow was already starting on the right side next to Onwenu, he’s not replacing Strange so they need to find a left guard along with a left tackle… it’s a bigger question mark than before. There’s also the outside chance Sow kicks outside to tackle.

Sow and Strange are both plus athletes, I’d give the edge in pulling and athleticism to Strange and pure size and strength to Sow but they’re both very good.

They could use a 6th lineman for run blocking, but Austin Hooper is a very good pass blocker in space. They should have brought a 3rd TE in, ideally they should have brought Pharoah Brown back… the free agents they brought in behind Henry and Hooper aren’t good. Jaheim Bell has some tools but he’s more of a fullback/HBack.

Yes, we need an OG to start the season, and perhaps to play even longer.

LEFT GUARD
If we just accept the World According to Wozzy, then Sow isn't capable of starting at LG. We then have Jake who was the 2023 first in off the bench, or Leverett (or even Mafi).

RIGHT GUARD
In your world, Sow starts here. In mine, Sow might need to move to LG, while we have Leverett or Robinson (or even Mafi) at RG.

BUT, YES, WE NEED A GUARD
One of these needs to start at OG: Leverett, Jake Andrews, Robinson (or Mafi).

That isn't terrible given that this is a backup stepping up to replace a starter.

 

[Wozzy]

Yes, we need an OG to start the season, and perhaps to play even longer.

LEFT GUARD
If we just accept the World According to Wozzy, then Sow isn't capable of starting at LG. We then have Jake who was the 2023 first in off the bench, or Leverett (or even Mafi).

I never said Sow couldn’t play the left side, I said he was already starting on the right.

Either way you need a starting guard until Strange gets back and maybe longer if his injury is career ending.

Antonio Mafi started five games, Jake started one. Mafi played 44% of offensive snaps on the season, Jake played 7% of snaps. Mafi was clearly the first option at guard off the bench last season.

RIGHT GUARD
In your world, Sow starts here. In mine, Sow might need to move to LG, while we have Leverett or Robinson (or even Mafi) at RG.

I don’t care what side Sow starts on, you still need a starting guard. What’s the obsession with sides?

There’s also a third option… Sow moves out to play tackle… maybe left tackle. Not for nothing, but this is probably a best case scenario since they have some depth at guard with Mafi, Jake, Robinson and Strange potentially coming back midseason.

BUT, YES, WE NEED A GUARD
One of these needs to start at OG: Leverett, Jake Andrews, Robinson (or Mafi).

If Leverett starts, they don’t have a very good line. He’s a lot like Okorafor, a lot of experience, but on bad units and wasn’t very good. Hope lays in Mafi, Jake and Robinson having a great offseason and preparing well.

That isn't terrible given that this is a backup stepping up to replace a starter.

Before the Strange announcement they had one position to fill, LT, now they have two. It’s a bigger question than before, doesn’t mean they’ll suck… it’s just more of an unknown.

 

[mgteich]

I never said Sow couldn’t play the left side, I said he was already starting on the right.

Either way you need a starting guard until Strange gets back and maybe longer if his injury is career ending.

Antonio Mafi started five games, Jake started one. Mafi played 44% of offensive snaps on the season, Jake played 7% of snaps. Mafi was clearly the first option at guard off the bench last season.

I don’t care what side Sow starts on, you still need a starting guard. What’s the obsession with sides?

There’s also a third option… Sow moves out and plays tackle… maybe left tackle. Not for nothing but this is probably a best case scenario since they have some depth at guard with Mafi and Jake with Strange potentially coming back midseason.

If Leverett starts, they don’t have a very good line. He’s a lot like Okorafor, a lot of experience but on bad units and wasn’t very good. Hope lays in Mafi, Jake and Robinson having a great offseason and preparing well.

Before the Strange announcement they had one position to fill, LT, now they have two positions. It’s a bigger question than before, doesn’t mean they’ll suck… it’s just more of an unknown.

YES, WE NEED A GUARD
---------------------------
I am fine with Leverett as the replacement for Strange until he returns. I am also fine with backups Andrews and Robinson.

I stopped ready when you said that the best option was Sow at OT, maybe LT). Sow was one the best rookie OL's in the NFL, at GUARD. At OT, he was mediocre, at best. But, yes, if the team thinks that Sow and Onwenu should switch, that is doable, but imply removes one of the possibilities for LG and leaves us with 2 experienced quality starters instead of three.

Believe in Mafi if you wish. Leverett was acquired to replace him. After all, Jake (backup C/LG) and Robinson (4th round RG) are locks. 5 is the norm for IOL's on the 53. But yes, Mafi could beat out Leverett in camp.

AN ASIDE
I could see Wallace as a possible LG starter, if Anderson is our starting LT and Okorafor is our swing OT.

 

[Wozzy]

YES, WE NEED A GUARD
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And a left tackle…

I am fine with Leverett as the replacement for Strange until he returns. I am also fine with backups Andrews and Robinson.

Leverett = Mediocre

I stopped ready when you said that the best option was Sow at OT, maybe LT). Sow was one the best rookie OL's in the NFL, at GUARD. At OT, he was mediocre, at best. But, yes, if the team thinks that Sow and Onwenu should switch, that is doable, but imply removes one of the possibilities for LG and leaves us with 2 experienced quality starters instead of three.

Sow played tackle in preseason, but due to injuries he started and played exclusively at guard. I don’t know where you’ve determined he can’t play tackle, when drafted the Patriots suggested he was a tackle and he earned his stripes there and played well by the end of preseason which is how he earned a starting role.

I said Sow earning the left tackle job and Onwenu at RT would be the best case scenario because they’re the biggest baddest OLinemen on the roster.

Believe in Mafi if you wish. Leverett was acquired to replace him. After all, Jake (backup C/LG) and Robinson (4th round RG) are locks. 5 is the norm for IOL's on the 53. But yes, Mafi could beat out Leverett in camp.

Leverett was acquired to replace a backup rookie guard… based on what?

I believe if Mafi put in the work this offseason to improve, he will be a contender for a starting guard position. He’s massive and powerful, he needed to work on his fundamentals. Rookies often need to be developed, more often than not they don’t exit college finished products.

AN ASIDE
I could see Wallace as a possible LG starter, if Anderson is our starting LT and Okorafor is our swing OT.

Anderson can play anywhere if healthy, his health is a concern. Wallace hopefully can play pro football, we’ll see.

 

[mgteich]

I said Sow earning the left tackle job and Onwenu at RT would be the best case scenario because they’re the biggest baddest OLinemen on the roster.

I apologize. being the biggest and baddest is more important for you than actually being able to play LT at the NFL level; different strokes.

 

[mgteich]

Leverett was acquired to replace a backup rookie guard… based on what?

What is the alternative? Was Leverett guaranteed $575K to be cut before the season starts? I PRESUME that Leverett was signed to replace one of the backups not named Sow. I think that everyone expects that Jake is our backup and possibly future starter at center. To me, it is clear that signing Leverett AND drafting Robinson means little future for Mafi, unless he can beat out Andrews.

C: Andrews, Andrews
OG: Sow, Leverett, Robinson

We carry 5 IOL's: 3 starters and 2 backups.

BTW, that's one extra IOL when Strange comes back, but there is almost always an injury that will make this no issue.
===================
What is your proposal? Will you cut Andrews, Leverett or Mafi?

 

[mgteich]

Anderson can play anywhere if healthy, his health is a concern. Wallace hopefully can play pro football, we’ll see.

I suppose that, as Wallace, Anderson could be a starting LG. I don't see Anderson coming near the right side of the ball.

 

[mgteich]

Leverett = Mediocre

Mafi = less than mediocre

So, you disagree with signing Leverett, and would prefer to have Mafi starting. OK, we disagree.

 

[Wozzy]

I apologize. being the biggest and baddest is more important for you than actually being able to play LT at the NFL level; different strokes.

You have no proof to the contrary…none.

 

[Wozzy]

What is the alternative? Was Leverett guaranteed $575K to be cut before the season starts? I PRESUME that Leverett was signed to replace one of the backups not named Sow. I think that everyone expects that Jake is our backup and possibly future starter at center. To me, it is clear that signing Leverett AND drafting Robinson means little future for Mafi, unless he can beat out Andrews.

C: Andrews, Andrews
OG: Sow, Leverett, Robinson

We carry 5 IOL's: 3 starters and 2 backups.

BTW, that's one extra IOL when Strange comes back, but there is almost always an injury that will make this no issue.
===================
What is your proposal? Will you cut Andrews, Leverett or Mafi?

500K is the lowest salary in the league, it doesn’t guarantee Leverett anything. And you need 90 guys for training camp and preseason to run scout teams and practice, warm bodies… the guy is a jag. He started ten games two years ago and hasn’t started since.

 

[Wozzy]

I suppose that, as Wallace, Anderson could be a starting LG. I don't see Anderson coming near the right side of the ball.

Anderson has experience all over the line, some guys can play both sides well.

 

[Wozzy]

Mafi = less than mediocre

So, you disagree with signing Leverett, and would prefer to have Mafi starting. OK, we disagree.

Mafi and Jake showed flashes as a rookies. I didn’t say I prefer him starting, I said he had to work hard on his game this offseason, improve his flaws and come back stronger in year two. He needs to earn the spot.

Leverett is not good athlete. Mafi didn’t work out so he’s a little bit of an unknown but the Patriots coaching staff coached him at the Shrine Bowl so they knew a lot about him prior to the draft… plus he just pancakes opponents when he is on and is large.

 

[Zuma]

Mafi = less than mediocre

So, you disagree with signing Leverett, and would prefer to have Mafi starting. OK, we disagree.

5th round draft pick Mafi had brief moments of average play. Let’s see what he does in camp this year.

 

[mgteich]

500K is the lowest salary in the league, it doesn’t guarantee Leverett anything. And you need 90 guys for training camp and preseason to run scout teams and practice, warm bodies… the guy is a jag. He started ten games two years ago and hasn’t started since.

Oh well. Did we really GUARANTEE $575K of cap money to all the 35+ players we have who won't make the roster! What a silly argument!

 

[dex13]

Sidy Sow at LG is going to be a permanent home.

Having Caedan Wallace stay at RT—moving him to LT is not going to pay dividends—might just work well enough for Onwenu to go back to where he wants to be. Where he shines the most.

So a line of LT (TBD)-Sow-Andrews-Onwenu-Wallace could be decent.

LT, however, fills me with fear and trepidation. I’m hoping Anderson is The One.

Problem with your logic is that Onwenu wants to play RT and not Guard.

 

[rkarp1]

by all accounts from last summer, the attempt of Sow at Ot was a disaster. simply does not have the footwork in last years offense, never mind this years offense.

I like Bedards assessment of Turner as a sleeper at OC. we also saw Mafi get the nod over J Andrews all last season.
for me it comes down to Robinson or Andrews.

 

[dex13]

Weird thing is that Onwenu is at 350 lbs which is quite large for a tackle. Expected him to slim down. For reference, Strange is at 310, Sow, Okafor, and Wallace all around 320.

And the Chargers drafted Alt to play him at RT. Talk about an embaressment of riches.