Andre Smith article

Well I hope we don't draft Smith to be a RT, because that job is Jansen's and he's going to the pro-bowl this year. According to him anyway.

Washington Times - Jansen says starting job is his (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/19/jansen-says-starting-job-is-his/)

That's Jansen for you. You can't question his heart or determination, but at this point his skills are in serious question. I'd love for him to prove us all wrong. Sounds like he's in good shape, so who knows maybe he can catch lightning in a bottle for one more year.

The draft is easily the most overanalyzed and overthunk thing in the world. It's simple, when you turn on the tape the guy can really play. He's a good choice, I'd be all for him.Tape doesn't lie, and long arms are much more important for an OT than the number of bench press reps at the combine. I would be happy if we took Smith - it's time for the FO to address our situation at OT

Good article on the Tackles in the draft, plus some old fashioned play diagrammin'

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Football analysis and NFL stats for the Moneyball era - Authors of Pro Football Prospectus 2008 (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/walkthrough/2009/walkthrough-tale-tackles)

Well I hope we don't draft Smith to be a RT, because that job is Jansen's and he's going to the pro-bowl this year. According to him anyway.

Washington Times - Jansen says starting job is his (http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/mar/19/jansen-says-starting-job-is-his/)

I hope Big John can back it up but age and past injuries may not let him. It won't be from a lack of trying if he can't. I'm sure he'll give it whatever he has.

Good article on the Tackles in the draft, plus some old fashioned play diagrammin'

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Football analysis and NFL stats for the Moneyball era - Authors of Pro Football Prospectus 2008 (http://www.footballoutsiders.com/walkthrough/2009/walkthrough-tale-tackles)

Yes that is a good article. Interesting how different they are.

I hadn't put as much on his injuries this past year as I assumed that he was back 100%, but I realize some injuries are still healing even as a player is back on the field. Maybe his health was a big part of it, but at 33 I just don't see him being able to win the job against a good rookie prospect.

Tape doesn't lie, and long arms are much more important for an OT than the number of bench press reps at the combine. I would be happy if we took Smith - it's time for the FO to address our situation at OT

You are absolutely right!

The question about this guy isn't "can he play"? He can play. The question is whether or not he can become a 10-year fixture at Left Tackle. If not, then he may need to become a starter at Right Tackle or, worst case, Guard. We would want him for RT now, anyway. He would only move to LT later in his and Chris Samuels' careers.

The fact that he showed his immaturity by screwing up at the Combine and then had the audacity to run shirtless with man-boobs at his Pro day workout (both of which are superficial things that turn people off) may turn out to be the only way we could draft him at #13.

If we take him, he'll be coming to a place where there is outstanding peer leadership. He'll come under the influence of Chris Samuels, Randy Thomas, Jon Jansen, and others. He'll be fine.

If he's there at #13, he will almost certainly be the best player available - and at a position of need. With him, we would get a true Top 10 player (after deducting 3 slots for immaturity and man-boobs). If I were Vinny, I'd turn in my selection card for him PDQ.

Pass on Smith, too much bust potential. From the article:

"For a player who isn't emotionally ready for the demands of NFL life, a good support system is vital. Smith may not have one. "Smith hasn't been getting stellar advice," Rapoport said."

We don't have the luxury of a Vince Young or worse scenario to happen on us. Trade down, get Britton later. If we have to pick an OT, make it Oher.

Pass on Smith, too much bust potential. From the article:

"For a player who isn't emotionally ready for the demands of NFL life, a good support system is vital. Smith may not have one. "Smith hasn't been getting stellar advice," Rapoport said."

We don't have the luxury of a Vince Young or worse scenario to happen on us. Trade down, get Britton later. If we have to pick an OT, make it Oher.

Britton has very short arms. I see that as a problem for him as an NFL Tackle. Oher might be a good pick, if he's available.

Pass on Smith, too much bust potential. From the article:

"For a player who isn't emotionally ready for the demands of NFL life, a good support system is vital. Smith may not have one. "Smith hasn't been getting stellar advice," Rapoport said."

We don't have the luxury of a Vince Young or worse scenario to happen on us. Trade down, get Britton later. If we have to pick an OT, make it Oher.

I see it just the opposite, We have a solid group of OL guys that could give him that support system. We arent talking QB, and he could get huge benefits from Samuels and Dockery. This is a positive for him coming here.