I don't think we're done with additions yet (OL depth)

I think the one area we still haven't addressed is depth along the OL. I believe we'll have something like 4-5 mil in cap room on June 1st, and Ian Whetstone posted on twitter he predicts that all our rookie signings will count as about 1.5 mil against the cap this season. (these are all approx based on my memory, so don't take that as fact).

The only real hole I'm still seeing is the backup positions along the OL. We brought in Antoine Caldwell who can play C and Guard, and has experience in Houston's ZBS. I'd put pretty good odds on him coming in.

We also have a serious lack of depth at OT. Behind the two young starters we have just Beachem, who will probably compete for the starting LG spot. Max Starks COULD be brought back, but I'm not sure he works in the new scheme... Personally I'd love to grab Eric Winston if he's been humbled by the lack of interest in free agency. He's an above average starting RT (in a ZBS) in my opinion. Would love to give the two young guys some real competition.

 

I'm surprised they don't use the CFL as a farm system. There have been several players over the years that have gone up there honed their skills and then played in the NFL. THere has got to be at least one Guard better than what we have now at LG.

 

we will sign someone , caldwell or brandon moore

 

nik embernate G., joe madsen C/G, mike ferrell LT/RT, ivory wade C/G, mike golic jr. G., chris hubbard T/G.

we may keep 3-4 out of this bunch. we still have Long LT, cheadle G., malecki C/G from last year. the cupboard isn't bare.

 

Malecki is literally the only guy there that I've heard of other than Golic for obvious reason.

I know we have other guys, but I'm talking guys that you'd actually be comfortable with coming into a game, or starting a few games if there was an injury.

 

that's what i thought too but who knows , in the quantity maybe we can find some quality , personally i would have draft reid fragel instead of justin brown that could have been brought has an ufa

 

And just after I posted this...

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/04/29/steelers-browns-meeting-with-winston-justice/

 

i think you are underestimating some of these guys.

nik embernate : all mountain west conference first team. 45 starts. we brought him in for a visit. he's an animal.
joe madsen: i had him as our 7th several times. 50 starts. all big 12 honerable mention. good center, good guard. he's an animal.
ivory wade: 42 starts. played C last year and the rest at guard protecting RGlll. they had a good year this year too. ranked as one of the top 3 lines in the country. all big 12 hon. mention.
mike golic jr.: all independent hon. mention. his team played ala. in the national championship game last year.
mike ferrell: all big 10 hon. mention in his first year as a starter at LT in the big 10. suprised everyone.

these guys are no slouches. very good depth. just young like the rest of our line.

 

can he play left tackle ?

 

What worries me if the starters on the O-line get injured these backups don't have much experience. GM Kevin Colbert better have Max Starks on speed dial.

 

They'll probably end up signing Starks again which I have no problem with. Say what you want about Starks but I'd feel very comfortable knowing he's on the bench ready to step in.

 

At this point I think they need to break from the pattern. As Mac has gone on and on about for most of the season they keep bringing back or resigning average players at best on the OL. I hate to parrot what others have been harping on but when the Chargers bring a rookie at tackle and put him in against the #1 defense last year and one of what is supposed to be the most confusing defenses to play against the kid looked like an all pro. We put in a veteran and he can't stop Suggs who has a bad wheel and isn't suppose to even be playing. So either it is the defense that stinks or the Oline and coaching but they can't keep up the pattern they have been using the last few years. I was alway down on Coach Z for not being able to teach zone blocking when Arians and Tomlin made the switch and gave Kugler the benefit of the doubt but I think I am ready to agree with mac some of these guys just aren't good at least not at a pro level.

 

I agree we must break the pattern but when you don't have the players good enough to replace the ones you got sitting on the couch you have no choice but to call them back. Because if we would have went with Jonathan Scott that year or Mike Adams his rookie year, Ben would be in the hospital. Now I'm not saying Starks is the best LT, but he's better than what we have or what we can afford. Unless someone comes in or is currently on the roster and beats him out we should stick to what we have. At least for our franchise quarterback sake.

 

did it help ben from getting hurt the last two years? yes max gave up 6 sacks but his qb pressures allowed tripled from the year before and he's not a good run blocker. he ended up ranked 35th amongst LT's. there are 32 starters in the league, so 2 backups were better then starks was. 3 steps forward and two steps back with max.