I really like the 2 Penn St guys. My first priority is LT and what is the plan to replace Decker. I would prefer to keep Sewell at RT. If you are looking for a LT you need to get him in the 1st round. I know that if Decker don’t retire Dan will march him out there no matter how bad he plays until he can’t walk. I would prefer to have his replacement to play a year with Decker here instead of just starting a rookie from day 1. I know what I prefer doesn’t matter.
You’re not playing around with the OL
I know Brad takes all the heat for the roster construction but I think Dan is too loyal to his guys almost to a fault. I was glad Netflix got picked up by another team. Are guys like Skip, Awosika, Wright and Davenport Dan’s guys or Brad’s guys? I’d say guys like TeSlaa and Manu are more Brad guys.
As for the draft yes, I’m making sure we have an O-Line with quality depth and also cap friendly. I just find it more fun to watch when we can impose our will on the line of scrimmage. Did I ever mention it would be nice to have a TE that can also block? lol
Yeah I counted Kacmarek under the OL banner lol
I said all offseason our OL depth was my main concern with this roster, so I’m all for it. That said scheme and coaching goes a long way, I never thought I’d see the Jonah resurgence the way we’re seeing it in Chicago, and Ed Ingram has gone from bad to good in Houston of all places. I DO think issues at center really, really affect the overall product and in that sense the Bears were smart to sign Dalman and the Eagles smart to have Kelce’s replacement in the building. I kind of think that’s always been the issue with GB’s OL, they just haven’t gotten that right since Linsley left, and he was sort of a lucky 5th round find to begin with.
So, C that can pull to the second level is the priority dir the Line?
Would go after Linderbaum, he would help alot in that regard
I think it’s what takes our running game - and most running games honestly - from good to great. It’s what turns 3 yards runs into 10 yards runs and 10 yards runs into house calls, especially with a back like Gibbs.
The thing is, Tate is really good at the second level. He’s a really good athlete and a natural at squaring up the back seven LBs and DBs (as opposed to Glasgow, who is so two-footed a simple juke from a defender causes him to get his feet tied up and he falls over). He could really a positive in that respect, and I’m sure that was a big part of the appeal of drafting him.
BUT on top of talent at the second level, a center has to be smart enough to ID all the wild stuff defenses do nowadays, and that’s where Tate’s not ready. Most young guys aren’t ready, especially if they haven’t been playing center in college. I see no reason why Tate can’t get there, he seems plenty smart enough, it’s just a question of reps. Which is why I hope he gets some this year.
I would be really surprised if Linderbaum becomes available, but the Ravens have been pretty cutthroat through the years. Another guy I like is Erik McCoy. Actually when healthy I think he’s even more well-rounded than Linderbaum. BUT he’s coming off an ACL tear, and the Saints have never admitted they need to start over so whether he becomes available or not is up in the air. Dan has history with him though, and they share an alma mater.
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Yeah actually just saw that. Don’t know if that’s better or worse honestly. I usually think injuries that aren’t related to the lower body aren’t as bad, but then I’m basically just guessing.
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I agree on the IQ and mental side of stuff
If Linderbaum becomes available we gotta throw the kitchen sink at him imo
Nah
I honestly haven’t followed his career since he became a pro. Has he lived up to the hype? I know they declined his 5th year option.
He’s been pretty good for the Ravens, the issue rn is the whole line as a unit has been struggling, but hes been prolly the only “good” piece of it, especially early on
He’s a great run blocker, and a solid pass blocker, but that also can be due to poor OG play by the Ravens.
I think he fits us well personally, but hard to say his cost if he does hit the market
They wanted to give him an extension without picking up the option. I think picking up his option would have been for around 20 mil because of how high he was drafted and made him by far the highest paid C in the league. Something went south with the extension talks but the Ravens do want to bring him back.
Yeah I figured there might be some contractual chicanery going on, I just find it odd you don’t hear about him the way you do Hamilton and their other studs. Maybe you wouldn’t since he’s a center, but I generally keep my ears and eyes open for good OL play.
Actually here’s a pretty interesting discussion about their upcoming FAs amongst Ravens fans. Interesting how many prefer to re-sign Travis Jones or Dremont Jones than Linderbaum, though cost is clearly a factor.
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It seems like nobody appreciates a good center until you don’t have one. I doubt the Lions will be in any bidding war for him though.
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if we maybe have one shot at a big money outside free agent I really don’t want to spend that on a very good but IMO not great Center.
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Championship Day. Great day to watch some prospects. I think Sonny Styles might be a great add on day one. He reminds me a little of Anthony Barr with his size and yet fluid in coverage. Can play stack. Can play some EDGE. Can cover.
Who should I be watching today?
Vikings Barr? Bc college Barr was a game wrecking Edge.
Yeah, its not perfect but I find them somewhat similar in size and athletic ability. They both are extremely versatile, both started their careers at different positions because they were so athletic. I was viewing him as an AA replacement
A guy we may need to look at is the guy that took over for McCoy, I have read a lot of good stuff about him stepping in. The dude is grading pretty high I believe
Luke Fortner