Yes, I know Jasnen is done, and yes, I know the chances of Heyer developing into a stud RT are slim to none. However, when you look back to the problems on our line this year, more often than ont, Campbell was getting pressured in the middle. OT is a need, for sure, but we can get by with Samuels on one side and Jansen/Heyer on the other for another year if we have an upgraded interior line. if we go with more 2TE sets, Cooley and Davis can always help our Tackles out by staying into block or just getting a quick block in before going out on a route. Having a solid interior line is a MUST.
Unfortunately, we need some help at all three Interior line positions. Pete Kendall was arguably our best lineman this year, but he is a free agent. Rabach is DONE. he's finished as a starter. Randy Thomas is done too, but unlike Rabach, he has a ridiculous cap figure. While cutting Rabach is fairly pain-free, Thomas is going to be on the roster for years to come... but that doesnt mean he should start.
Considering all our primary needs (OL, DL, and LB), free agency is where we should focus on fixing our defense. There arent many good, YOUNG offensive linemen available in free agency (and we should absolutely resign kendall) but our two primary OL needs can be addressed in the draft with our first two picks. Here is who i feel we should target, with the following information taken from
WalterFootball.com: 2009 NFL Draft: Offensive Guard Rankings
WalterFootball.com: 2009 NFL Draft: Center Rankings
Round 1, Pick 13:
Quote:
Duke Robinson, Oklahoma
Height: 6-5. Weight: 330.
Projected 40 Time: 5.28.
Projected Round (2009): Top 25 Pick.
1/8/09: Easily an AP All-America first-teamer, Duke Robinson was a monstrous force on a line that was part of one of the greatest offenses in history.
11/2/08: Still the elite guard in this class by a wide distance. He could go in the top 15 if a team is desperate enough for a guard.
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If he falls to us, we HAVE to take him. He would be an immediate starter who could shore up our LG spot for a decade.
Round 3, Pick 77:
Quote:
Eric Wood, Louisville
Height: 6-4. Weight: 306.
Projected 40 Time: 5.09.
Projected Round (2009): 3-4.
1/8/09: Eric Wood has made 49 consecutive starts. Crazy. He was voted to the All-Big East First Team.
5/26/08: You're getting a rock at center if you draft Eric Wood; he's started 37 consecutive games. He was voted to the All-Big East first team last year.
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If we got these two guys, I see our line looking like this:
LT: Chris Samuels
LG: Duke Robinson
C: Wood
RG: Kendall
RT: Heyer
Our backups would be: Jansen(T), Rinehart (T/G), Thomas (G), and Geisinger (C).
At some point in 2009 and by 2010 at the latest, Rinehart should surplant Kendall at the RG position.