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PATSNUTme said:If Neal does not sign, should we go after a FA or Draft a RG?
fisticuffs said:No! I am not comfortable with this line. I don't know how you guys are so content with this line-up. First off, who knows if Light will come back at full strength next year. Also, didn't you guys notice how Tom Brady constantly got smacked around? Plus, will Neal return? With that said, the Pats will use the #21 pick or move up to select an offensive tackle. Write that down!
texpat said:Rookies don't typically step right into the NFL and excel, whether they be first or last rounds. I would think that Mankins and Kaczur as 2nd year players and Light, Gorin, and Ashworth (with their experience) would be better than anyone we draft (for this year, not necessarily long term).
IMHO, feel free to rip me if you choose.
Fanfrom1960 said:The question is, did Mankins and Kaczur progress as the season wore on? I don't know because I don't see enough games being on the west coast. After all, they are closer to second year players than rookies in the final few games of the season.
that line is somewhere around OK for pass protection, and less than Ok for run blocking. it is not what you'd call a "pretty good" line. it is not outstanding. it is not excellent.Fanfrom1960 said:The question is, did Mankins and Kaczur progress as the season wore on? I don't know because I don't see enough games being on the west coast. After all, they are closer to second year players than rookies in the final few games of the season.
ilduce06410 said:.
gotta have an EXCELLENT O-line.
DaBruinz said:Fanfrom1960 -
Where abouts do you live on the west coast? There are a few fan clubs out here, particularly a very active one here in Orange County, California.
As for Mankins and Kaczur progressing, yes, they both did. In fact, I would say that Kaczur played better than Matt Light did in Light's rookie year.
that's the $90 million question.texpat said:OK, we all agree with that. But in a salary cap world, where are you gonna cut in order to pay Pro-Bowl lineman, the DL, LB's, K?
Using the draft is a hit/miss proposition, even in the early rounds (ex: Tony Mandarich - 2nd pick) and even if you hit early, it costs to pay those early picks. If you try the FA market, you will overpay in most cases and if a lineman is good enough, his team will put the franchise tag on them to keep them.
I think BB & DS have worked wonders with average to above average linemen working as a unit and this has allowed them to pay for defense, JMO. I don't think out OL is top quality, but I bet the 18 teams that don't make the playoffs every year would love to have the quality that we have.