Where Do We Need Help on The Offensive Line?

Chris Samuels = solid but getting old
Pete Kendall = solid but old, arthritic knees
Casey rabach = average
Randy Thomas = costantly injured, and getting old
Jon Jansen = costantly injured, and getting old

I'd say we need to start bringing in some young talent that could eventually replace some of these guys. Maybe a vet free agent that you can plug in to some spots.

Heyer still doesn't strike me as being the best O Lineman in the world. Alexander is a bit intriguing.

Todd Wade is garbage.

Samuels is not old and a lot more than solid
Rabach is above average/good

Thomas/Jansen have been injured lately but let's give JJ the benefit of the doubt b/c of his 2 fluke injuries.


I think we do need to get younger but at who's expense. I think we can have a top oline as long as everyone is healthy.

The one area of improvement may be Pete Kendall. Some competition at that spot might be a good thing.

Todd Wade/Fabini....let's draft some competition for these guys or hope they don't get in the game

Guard is the most pressing position. Kendall would be better for us in a back-up role at G/C. Mark Wahle being released by the Panthers would be a good fix for the next 2-3 years at LG. Thomas is Pro Bowl caliber when healthy, but he's in his 30s and coming of a major injury. The Steelers have a big, young Guard who is a restricted FA, Chris Kemoeatu, who could add depth and push for a starting spot. Depending on the tender offer the Steelers make we would only have to give up a 6th round pick to get him. This will all depend on what the Steelers do with Faneca. If Faneca is re-signed Kemoeatu would probably get a lower tender offer. If not the Steelers won't let him get away.

I don't think there are any solid FA Centers. We need to draft a Center with our 3rd or 5th pick IMO.

Tackle is also an issue with Jansen's injury and age of both him & Samuels. Heyer will be solid, but Shelton from Miami would be a good signing to give Heyer more time to develop and provide injury insurance. He may beat out Jansen and start.

I don't think the "sky is falling" with the OL, but the high cap $$s and injury issues to Thomas & Jansen are killing us. I'm more confident Thomas can be productive for most of the remaining life of his contract, but I'm not confident in Jansen returning to a high level of productivity. If we have another injury at a key OT spot we are in HUGE trouble if we don't address the OL.

I think Kendall needs to be replaced. It was a bad idea going into last season thinking Wade was the solution at LG. Bad bad idea. Hopefully we can get another year out of Kendall. So perhaps we can draft a guard in the early rounds. Both times in 05 and 07 when we made the playoffs, lack of depth at O-line was a major reason we lost. It can't be ignored another year.

So I think we all agree that we need to bolster our offensive line, primarily the depth on the line.

But where exactly do we need help? Better said, if we had to choose what's our priority? Is it at the Center position? Guard? Tackle?

I'm inclined to think Guard (Scheuning or the dude from USC in the 3rd round?). But interested to get everyone else's take.

Is Fanaca out of the question? Big upgrade over Kendall but he's going to want big $.

We've got enough money as it is tied up amongst the OL starters. I really don't see where we would have much wiggle room to bring in another high priced starter only to move someone like Kendall to the bench. The best bet is to continue grooming guys like Heyer and Alexander and add some cheap veteran depth where we can.

We've got enough money as it is tied up amongst the OL starters. I really don't see where we would have much wiggle room to bring in another high priced starter only to move someone like Kendall to the bench. The best bet is to continue grooming guys like Heyer and Alexander and add some cheap veteran depth where we can.

And there is the result of over spending, with the exception of Samuels I believe the whole line could be over hauled, perhaps with 2 bull guards Rabach might have the support he needs on both sides to step his game up, I have no confidence in any one at right tackle, Heyer looks like a career backup, and I don't expect much from Jansen any longer, so lets go with 2 guards and a right tackle.

Just say no to ocho, and yes to offensive line help!

The guy who I am intrigued by, and who could be had a reasonable price for a young player -not cheap but not Dockery money either - is Andrews in Cinci. He's a young tackle and his brother the Philly pro-bowl guard. He's been behind both Willie Anderson and I've read a couple reports that the guy has a big upside. B/c he hasn't started he won't get big big money. But he hasn't started b/c he's been behind a couple of stud tackles. We would have to outbid Cinci but they have a lot of other concerns too.

How about draft a guard with a late round pick. I like Eric Young of Tennessee and he is projected to fall to these rounds. A lot of people have Young in the top 5 among offensive guards in the upcoming draft.


Eric Young, OG, Tennessee - 2008 NFL Draft Scout Profile, Powered by The SportsXchange (http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/profile.php?pyid=17501)

What I wouldn't mind seeing in the first or second round is seeing the Redskins draft a RT type that can play Guard while Jansen is still a Redskin.

I think the Skins need a guy who is a C/G combo type. Someone who can play either, but is a little better at one or the other. I'm sick of guys going down every single season and having to go to old backups who are barely holding onto NFL jobs. A couple mid to late round guards or a G and a C and I'll be happy. I like the depth at T right now, myself. I think Heyer will get better and Wade is serviceable.