This is the second part of a guest-post series written by Curtis Allen
#2 Offensive line
Roster Notes
Players under contract for 2021:
T (2) Duane Brown, Brandon Shell
G (4) Jamarco Jones, Damien Lewis, Phil Haynes, Chance Warmack
C (0)
Players under contract for 2022: Damien Lewis, Phil Haynes
Restricted Free Agents: Will Fuller
Unrestricted Free Agents: Ethan Pocic, Mike Iupati, Cedric Ogbuehi, Chad Wheeler, Alex Boone
Exclusive Rights Free Agents: Jordan Simmons
Futures Contract Signings: Tommy Champion, Brad Lundblade
Salary Cap Notes
2021 Cap Commitment: $22.4 million (12.51% of $178m cap)
Duane Brown has $11m non-guaranteed on his 2021 contract
Brandon Shell has $3.5m non-guaranteed on his 2021 contract
2020 Season Overview
The offensive line turned in a solid effort in 2020 all things considered.
Pass pro: They practically duplicated their 2019 stats for sacks, pocket time, and pressures allowed in 2020. However, they maintained those stats while experiencing an 8% increase in pass plays. Add in the frequent factor that the defense knew they are going pass-heavy and they have something to mark up as an accomplishment this season. But they still have a lot of room for improvement, particularly in the interior.
Run game: The team experienced a slight uptick in yards per rush over 2019, from 4.6 to 4.8. That is also laudable given the near-constant rotation of running backs this year due to injuries.
Penalties: The league-wide change in the way holding is called helped this group, no doubt. Still, it’s amazing to think that Duane Brown, Jordan Simmons and Ethan Pocic only recorded one penalty each in the regular season. The most troublesome of the unit was rookie Damien Lewis with nine flags. But even then, he was called six times in the first six games as he adjusted to the NFL. He only had three flags in his last ten games (two of those as emergency center vs Arizona), a nice improvement to list among his many accomplishments.
LT: Duane Brown is still a franchise Left Tackle. He put in a fantastic year for a player of any age. The program the Seahawks put in place to monitor his practice reps seems to both have helped maintain his health and have not negatively affected his play.
LG: Mike Iupati and Jordan Simmons split the majority of snaps in this role. Both played competently, but that is about the best we can say of these two. Iupati was frequently hurt and Simmons was a downgrade when filling in.
C: Ethan Pocic, a pleasant surprise. In the fourth year of a checkered NFL career, he grabbed a hold of the starting job and would not let it go. It is a shame that this is the last season of cost-effective team control but it is rewarding to have a degree of your draft evaluation validated by seeing a high draft pick make good after struggling so hard for so long to get healthy. Only one penalty in 14 full games of work speaks to his play, as does the fact that he rarely got any attention. He made BJ Finney expendable, which in turn allowed the Seahawks to make the defensive line better by shipping him to Cincinnati in exchange for Carlos Dunlap.
The excitement of the surprise should not overshadow the fact that he did not have an exceptional season. At times he struggled with the physicality of the opposition and that has always been a challenge for him.
RG: Damien Lewis has locked down the right guard job for the next few years. A sterling draft pick and a great example of a quality player you can get beyond the first round. The somewhat surprise cut of DJ Fluker was quickly forgotten once training camp started in earnest. Lewis claimed the job and there was no question he would be the guy at RG.
RT: Brandon Shell might be the best free agent pickup of 2020 for the Seahawks. As a replacement for Germain Ifedi he dramatically improved the right tackle spot — far exceeding low expectations after a dreary season in New York. He will be 29 in 2021 and on the last year of his contract.
Depth: Cedric Ogbuehi turned in a couple of very solid starting performances filling in for Shell at RT, particularly in the Washington game against one of the NFL’s best defensive lines. Oddly enough considering his athletic abilities, the team rarely used him as a jumbo TE in the package they employed frequently with George Fant in 2019. Perhaps they have phased it out of the offense, or perhaps they wanted to protect his health.
Jamarco Jones filled in at various spots around the line and while he is not a ‘super sub’ that can walk in and immediately maintain the level of the starters, the drop off is not of such magnitude that the Seahawks would not want to enjoy a versatile player that is both experienced and cost-controlled some more.
Phil Haynes once again could not stay healthy in 2020. He will try again in 2021.
Chance Warmack opted out and his contract rolled forward to 2021. Who knows if he can contribute anything. Alex Boone unretired and was on the practice squad for a cup of coffee at the end of the season.
Offseason Questions to Address
1. Who will start at Center and Left Guard?
The two tackle spots and one guard spot are locked for 2021 and that is a great place to start but the interior of the line needs addressing.
Starters Ethan Pocic and Mike Iupati are unrestricted free agents. The Seahawks have in-house options at LG in Phil Haynes. Jordan Simmons is an exclusive rights free agent and an easy choice to re-sign. He can play either guard position, has continuity with this team and has started at times. Cheap experienced depth is never a bad thing. But is he starter quality? He has shown some good play at times, but he must improve in order to break through.
They also have a minor option at center. They could tender RFA Will Fuller and lock in some depth immediately so they can explore the draft and the free agent market and then either release him or negotiate his contract down when they have a clearer picture of the line’s makeup.
Placing faith that all three of those players can be starters in 2021 is not a realistic option. Haynes and Simmons have complicated injury histories and Fuller lacks experience. They could start in 2021 but they would need to be mighty impressive and win the job in camp. The Seahawks will not go all offseason without adding depth and competition at these spots.
Pocic is a very intriguing situation. Making good in the final year of his rookie deal, with 14 starts, he could be a very attractive option for an enterprising team with some cap room. What is his value on the market? Is there potential for more improvement? Would a one-year deal with a nice raise for a decent season work for both sides? Or will the team go in another direction?
Carroll did hint near the end of the year that Damien Lewis could play center for them in the future. Lewis apparently made that good of an impression spot starting in the Arizona game with zero career center experience at any level. But do they really want to disrupt Lewis’ progress in 2021?
What about old friend Justin Britt? He came in for a workout last year after being cut. Would he be willing to come back in 2021?
Iupati will be 34 and with his injury history is probably looking at affordable one-year contracts from here on out if he wants to keep playing. The Seahawks had a $2.5m cap hit on him in 2020 but protected themselves quite a bit with roster incentives, per game bonuses and only $200k in guaranteed money. If he wants to keep playing it is very likely the Seahawks would sign him for another 1-year deal at similar or less money for depth. They value the toughness and experience he brings to the line. He pairs well with Brown and could be helpful breaking in a new center.
It would not be a stretch given their budget constraints to imagine Iupati, Simmons and Haynes all in competition for the job and rotated in as needed again in 2021.
However, Pete Carroll expressed in his end of year press conference that left guard is an area for improvement next year. Whether that is seeking options in the draft or spending some money in free agency remains to be seen.
But they do have depth in house.
2. How much does Duane Brown have left?
He has been outstanding since he arrived in Seattle. Any fan will tell you — the gap after Russell Okung and before Duane Brown was not pretty. It was hard to imagine Russell Wilson staying healthy long-term. Enter the ‘water buffalo’ as the coaching staff perfectly styled him. The Seahawks paid a high price in trade but the return has been outstanding. With Brown, they have been able to consider the left side locked down.
The Seahawks have tailored a specialized training and practice regimen just for him and it has kept him fresh. But he will be 36 when the season starts. It is fair to ask how much longer he wants to play.
The contract — he has just 2021 left at a $13.35 million cap number. $11m of that is non-guaranteed salary, so they have options. If he were to retire right now, they would just eat the $2.35m or so on the cap and that would free up the $11m.
But if he signals to the team that he would like to continue playing, an extension would be beneficial for both parties. The Seahawks could adjust his deal to free up some 2021 cap room and lock in a cornerstone piece of their offense.
What would an extension look like? Likely it would be a three-year deal that takes him to his age 39 season. The third year would be completely non-guaranteed salary and would allow both parties to have a mutual conversation after two seasons.
Andrew Whitworth signed a 3 year $30m deal with $12.5m guaranteed at age 38 earlier this year. That is probably the starting point in discussions for a possible extension.
3. The Seahawks need to address the future of the tackle position. Soon.
It is a great feeling to go into a season with successful bookend tackles slotted into your starting roles and the Seahawks will have that good feeling going into 2021. But as of this moment, both of those players are out of contract in 2022.
It is time to start thinking about the long-term future of the position. One of the great benefits of addressing it while you have starters in place is you are not forced to negotiate in trade from a position of need, nor be tempted to reach in the draft when you know there are better players at other positions available.
Some felt like the 2020 offseason matched up very well with the Seahawks in this area. In a draft considered well stocked with quality tackle prospects, the Seahawks had a nice stable of picks to take advantage and set themselves up for the future. But they chose to address other positions.
They can ignore the position again in 2021 if they like but the price will very likely be jeopardizing future offensive functionality and risking the health of their star quarterback, followed by another expensive trade to bring in a player to get the offense back on schedule.
Would they consider extending Shell after a very nice season?
Does Cedric Ogbuehi have a future at a starting position? Pete Carroll has raved about his athleticism. They gave him a healthy raise to play for them on a one-year contract in 2020. Was that an audition for a bigger role? Extending him needs to be seriously considered.
Is there another diamond in the rough Brandon Shell type free agent out there to be had?
Rob’s Draft Position Overview and Potential Seahawks Targets
Alex Leatherwood is a tough, physical player who shares some similarities to Duane Brown. He’s not going to test brilliantly but his physique and attitude make up for it. Tony Pauline thinks he’s a top-20 pick, others like Todd McShay grade him in round three. If he’s available he could start at left guard and eventually move to tackle.
Aaron Banks is a terrific left guard with fantastic size, mobility and he fits what the Seahawks look for at the position. I think he’s a top-50 talent but I also said that about Damien Lewis and he lasted into round three.
Landon Dickerson could’ve been a top-50 pick if it wasn’t for the injuries. He’s had a long list of issues dating back to his time at Florida State and he injured his knee in the SEC Championship this season. Nevertheless, this could simply provide the Seahawks with an opportunity to get value. He’s a heart-and-soul player with great athleticism and tenacity.
Creed Humphrey is a tenacious center, loves to drive defenders to the turf, is adept at progressing to the second level and he easily passes off players to combo block. Wyatt Davis and Josh Myers at Ohio State are highly talented but should be off the board in the top-40.
For more on the draft please check out my interview with NC State’s Alim McNeill:
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Good stuff! Agreed with a lot of this. Unfortunate that a fairly solid group unraveled in the playoffs (except Duane Brown of course)
I think you have the FA designations on Fuller and Simmons flipped though. Unless OTC is lying to me, Fuller is the ERFA, Simmons is a RFA
Fuller has 3 accrued seasons and Simmons has 2. So I’m fairly certain that Fuller is RFA and Simmons is ERFA.
I think Fuller’s 2018 season didn’t accrue him a year, he was only on a team roster for 2 games, not enough to accrue a season
And I think Simmons’ 2019 season did accrue him a season, because he was on IR. Being on IR means accruing a season, being on NFI does not
I’ve hit my ‘accrue’ quota for this month … I might be mistaken on something here but not sure
Nice write-up and very much on point, Cha!
I hope we can keep Mr. Brown for 3 more years (and keep him healthy!) and also get Shell into a more long-term contract. Pocic finally hit his spot but now needs to own it. Will he? I don’t know but I like him even though he is almost as easy to push over as Joey Hunt.
Definitely need an answer at LG!
I agree, nice piece Cha. The O-line seems to have been problematical for years, yet other teams fix it?
Off topic, but I just found this. For anyone interested in RB-Javonte Williams, here is an evaluation from Matt Waldman’s site that shows a lot of what this RB is capable of doing by film breakdown.
https://mattwaldmanrsp.com/2021/01/14/matt-waldmans-rsp-boiler-room-unc-rb-javonte-williams-integrated-technique/
Guess who basically played every snap this season and was ranked a tolerable 65 by PFF? Yep, that 26 year old former Seahawk Germain Ifedi. He only had 4 or 5 penalties (I saw conflicting numbers) including only 2 false starts and only 1 hold, and only gave up 2 sacks.
He’d look very good in our interior line right now, and maybe still at RT-of-the-future, but we gave up on him too soon, and FAR too many fans used him as a target of blame and scorn that was undeserved.
Just a reminder that even when we draft OL, we tend to give up on them far too early, and we rarely let them develop without casting immediate, harsh, and permanent judgement. Ifedi was never THE problem, he was A problem, but was judged as THE problem. The way we built the line in general was a much greater issue than was he.
I agree the general fan opinion was overly harsh on Ifedi. Possibly in large part due to Rob on this website accurately predicting the pick, and agreeing with the reasoning, I was fine watching the growing pains. The coaching staff didn’t do Ifedi favors. Just guessing, but maybe he wasn’t into changing positions until after he got cut. Same could happen with Shaq Griffin, he’d rather be an outside corner and get that money (tackle vs guard money is different too).
He’s from a D3 school and about 50-100 heavier than the defender but there’s six Minutes of pancakes. Pretty fun to watch. He’s graded so far as a 4th rd prospect
https://youtu.be/so5tF4_ICxU
As of today, grading the starting OL in 2021:
LT – Brown………..B+/A-
LG – Haynes……..C-/D+
C – Nobody……….F
*If it’s Pocic, pencil in D+/C- moving forward
RG – Lewis………..B-/B
RT – Shell…………C-/C
TE – Dissly………..B/B+ (based on ability to block from his position only)
If they’re going to run the ball like they want, it has to be via a legit LG (or star C). Sherff is perfect, but can they afford him? Probably not.
Rob – I apologize if you answered this already – but do you have any thoughts on Cam Robinson coming here? LG now, LT in future? I don’t think he’s a stud by any stretch of the imagination – I’m just trying to find an upgrade for what they can realistically afford. I like that he’s only 25.
Don’t think Pocic will cost too much to retain. He was unspectacular but was competent and I would like to bring him back and see if he can continue to improve. Would also love to take a Lewis-esque LG (easier said than done) in the draft to solidify both G positions for the next few years. With the lack of draft picks, hopefully we can turn out attention to T in the draft next year and pray Brown can maintain play at a high level for the next few years. More realistic to get a starting quality G in the middle rounds than a T.
If Pocic is more expensive than we think, then shelling out some more on an Alex Mack type sounds appealing if we can create some cap room, just cant imagine its likely we invest a bunch of money in the OL based on their history and the state of the cap next season.
Pete wants to run the ball. Pocic is a marshmallow technician in the middle of the OL. The only way you can survive a guy like Pocic on your OL is to surround him with a pair of mashing guards. They have a masher at RG in Lewis moving forward. They can’t afford some clown at LG. I can live with Pocic at C if they compliment him with a legit LG. If they try the “next man up” crap with what they have now – I’m not optimistic if the real goal is to win the Super Bowl. If they want to have a winning 9-7 record, by all means… go ahead and resign Pocic and insert Haynes or Simmons at LG. Lets continue to have fun going to the playoffs and losing early. Pete and John don’t seem to care.
Pocic was below average
Totally agree. Pocic would have been an average starting Center for the Peyton Manning Broncos – but he’s an absolute liability in this scheme and division. I’d contend that he unfairly dodged a lot of blame for some of the late season collapse – he was utterly overwhelmed by good interior DL play.
I have no idea what they saw in him with that pick. How does a team so committed to their “identity” outright draft guys, with high picks – who go directly against that (Penny and Pocic are truly WTF were you thinking picks). And I’m not saying they were bad players – but Pocic was a finesse technician and Penny was a slasher.
“We want to run the ball down your throats!…with the snuggle-soft bear.” The team building has just been odd.
Even dumber with the Pocic pick was they drafted him to play guard!
WOW! This guy plays in fast forward compared to everyone else on the field. Just look at the burst when he plants his foot and turns up field. Sudden, crisp routes, catches with hands away from body, a couple nice high points. Looks like exactly what we were talking about looking for in a #3, with potential to maybe become even more down the road.
D’Wayne “Dee” Eskridge | 2020 Highlights
https://youtu.be/T4hxASGk6RA
That shake and acceleration at 8:18. Whew!
5’9, 190, so good size for the slot. Averaged over 20yds/catch each of the past 3 seasons. Also played CB in 2019, broke his collarbone after 4 games. This year as a 5th-year senior had 768yds/8TD in 6 games. At that pace for a full 12-game season… That’s the level of domination you want to see at a lower level of competition.
Ran a 4.33 laser in 2018 according to Draft Diamonds. (but I wouldn’t really doubt his speed anyways after seeing those highlights)
One to add to the list and look at more closely for sure.
Nice find!
Eskridge is a WR I’ve been studying as a potential mid-round Seahawks pick. Speed kills & this guy is indeed very fast. I could see him in the slot with Metcalf and Lockett wide in 3 receiver sets. The very definition of what a WR-3 could and should be. I’d also add that he has a year of KO returns with a line of 17/467/27.47-yds per return/1-TD (for 100-yds.) There are a couple of other interesting bigger WR’s I’m studying but this guy really deserves to be on peoples wish list as a possible (Rd-4-ish = ?) Seahawk pick. Also of note, if his 4.33/30 was laser timed, imagine what his pro-day hand held time might be, maybe in the 4.2-‘s or better with a little wind at his back?
Yup, probably a crazy fast time. But like I said above, his times don’t really matter cause he’s that dang fast on the playing field.
“Carroll did hint near the end of the year that Damien Lewis could play center for them in the future.”
This pisses me off and is just so typical of the Seahawks under Positive Pete. Damien Lewis excelled and could have RG locked down for the next decade giving you one less thing to worry about, so of course let’s move him. WHY?
Agreed! It’s like they’re idiots trying to outsmart themselves.
Well done Cha. Do not think your work goes under appreciated.
I totally agree, great article Cha.
You are both very welcome
Seconded!
Imo when Duane is done they will pay big money to some other vet. Only question is will they find him at FA or trade for him. Its damn hard to find LT if you dont select at top 15.
I think thats the position with lowest number pro bowlers who werent 1st round (top 20) picks.
Well it depends.
Depends on if you take the players when they are available.
There are quite a few good starters who weren’t top-15 picks. Some of which we talked about and they passed on.
But yes — the league is suffering a left tackle shortage and the Seahawks face a big dilemma when Brown does retire. If he retires this year or next then they are royally screwed.
Without 1st round pick in 2021 and 2022 we all know what are chances they find LT in next two year via draft. I think if Brown retires after 2021 1st round picks of 2023 and 2024 could be gone for new LT. And i wouldnt mind it.
I highly doubt the Seahawks are not going to have a R1 pick for four consecutive years
Great stuff Cha!
I don’t think it is any coincidence that the Hawks have never had a good pass blocking OL in the Russel Wilson era. I think he would be the hardest QB to pass block for by a wide margin. Perhaps they should focus on having a really dominant run blocking unit.
I think that’s exactly how they’ve approached their OL with Wilson at QB
But is that the right approach? If it was, fine, but is it any more? Especially as:
a) RW grows older and runs/scrambles less
b) RW has shown he is capable of dominating from a clean pocket under less pressure
c) we have two star WRs for him to throw to
Maybe under-discussed is the way we no longer use RW’s legs on many RPO and designed QB keepers early on to keep defenses honest and not allow the edge defender to automatically crash down on the RB on inside runs. Teams aren’t dedicating the extra man to respect the threat of Russ’s legs, and that’s perhaps allowing a lot of defenses to not worry about having one more guy up in the box and so they can keep sitting back in two deep to keep the deep threat in check. (while we still try to force it deep anyways and their pass rush feasts on our “run blocking” OL…)
Perhaps. I’m not sure to be honest.
Even with reduced speed I’d like to see RW on the move more.
I think he had big influence on decision (to run less). To reduce chance major injuries. And it is question is he trully elite if he doesnt use his legs at all.
I think it was both him and the team deciding to try to reduce injury risk.
The thing is, when they don’t get him on the move at times, he also gets beat up almost more than on designed QB runs, because at least on runs/roll-outs he can see the defenders coming and get down to protect himself. It also allows him to survey the field better.
Whereas scrambling around in a collapsing pocket and extending the play to the last second, he gets nailed from all different sides and I hold my breath every time until he pops back up.
I think he can be truly elite from the pocket and with his improv. skills, as we saw in the first 6 games. But I agree with Rob, sprinkling in a few QB runs and getting him moving outside the pocket a couple times early in the game is the way.
If the defense doesn’t respect his legs, he should make them pay until they do. That helps open everything up for both the run game and the pass game.
Good call and big factor Seamode.
Opponents don’t respect a quick outside attack by the Hawks. Niners with Deebo, Rams with Kupp and Chiefs with Hill use it well to keep the DE’s and OLB’s from just plugging the middle.
Good write up Cha, thank you.
At a minimum they need a big upgrade at LG. Upgrade at C and LT of the future would also be nice.
Thanks, but honestly this isn’t really about the quick outside throws. (That’s another topic: “how not to telegraph your quick outs and get picked off for 6 in the playoffs…”) It’s about moving Russ around a bit more by design, not just when he scrambles and the play breaks down.
Think younger RW + RB in the RPO: if the edge defender commits to RB, Russ pulls the ball and runs. When’s the last time you remember Russ doing that…? I’m having a tough time myself. So defenses aren’t worried about it either.
I wasn’t talking about the quick throws either. I meant the jet sweeps to those guys to keep the DE’/OLB’s honest.
*Husk Post*
UGH. Pete Kwiatkowski to Texas as DC. Huge bummer…. Sark will be creating a monster down there in TX.
Husky*
Thanks for the as usual fine breakdown cha. I’m pleased Pete has already stated that LG needs upgraded. Unfortunately the center position was not mentioned and I believe it needs to be better as well. I fear they’ll overpay to get Pocic back and to me he’s bang average (to use a term Rob uses iirc). Does anyone happen to know his PFF grades for the season? I’d like to know if my impression of his performance is correct.
Considering the lack if draft capital like others have said, I don’t see any chance of drafting a LT of the future.
And for the love of God Pete, PLEASE don’t screw up Lewis by shifting him to center!!
62.4 😐
Thanks. Bang average indeed. Not gonna cut it against the Rams and 9ers d lines imo.
Just one outstanding analysis. What a great addition to the blog Curtis and Rob! I love looking at the upcoming season like this, position group by position group.
Thanks for the kind words.
I think these looks are necessary, particularly this offseason. There are massive questions at nearly every position group that need to be answered.
Good article Cha.
Seems like left guard and center are the places the Seahawks can improve. I think both can be upgraded in the draft, but they could also hire vets if they are available. I see that late 2nd round as a sweet spot for guards and centers. Not the elite ones, but good enough to be starters.
On Shell – yes he needs an extension immediately. He has played well enough to earn it. I can’t really put a price on any of those positions because of the Seahawks limited cap. But the cap seems more of a suggestion than a requirement the way teams maneuver around it.
I like the idea of restructuring Brown to a three year contract. Probably the same thing that Shell deserves but he won’t get as much money.
As far as the offensive lines historic performance, it’s just been a struggle for the Seahawks to have a consistent team from year to year. There is usually two new players each year, and there were also the sliding around in positions that used to happen. Someone mentioned Ifedi’s play this year and not giving up on a player too soon. But the best advantage of drafting is locking their salary at a low rate for 4 years. I hate it when they make the guy a benchwarmer for 3 years (or he’s an injury magnet) and finally start him in the last year of his contract. If he isn’t any good by then, it hurts the whole team. If he is good, they have to sign him immediately or watch him go off on the free agent market.
Get Richard Sherman back on this team. Just wow. Watching that interview with Erin Andrews reminded me of the good old days with the LOB. Real toughness, grit, and they can back up all that trash talk. Not trash talking on Twitter after getting handled in the wild card in their own home field. He’s not going to be at the same level of talent, but he’s for sure better than any of the corners on the roster right now.
Re: OC hire
I’m having a hard time envisioning a top, up and coming candidate here. Is it attractive? The offense is well-stocked, but the HC/QB dynamic seems like a career killer. What’s the carrot? Certainly no one expecting a HC role this year or next will take that bait.
Also related, how do y’all even validate these guys? I can find very little intel on how any of the candidates were responsible for a teams’ success or not in either or both scheming or play calling.
Lastly, I think the notion of OC autonomy is an exception, especially on successful teams. In some cases, I think it’s possible to do more harm than good.
So far, the media rumor mill is saying they’ve had a conversation with Adam Gase and soon Mike Kafka. However, what does that mean? We have no idea of the length of the leash Pete’s willing to give.
I am wondering if anyone is approaching Brent Vigen the associate head coach/offensive coordinator out of Wyoming. He helped coach Josh Allen and Carson Wentz. Vigen’s offense is often criticized as “outdated”, and he’s really devoted to the inside run. I think they could really help each other refine their offensive approaches.
Lets just be frank: our offensive blueprint should almost duplicate the browns (multiple starter level rb’s, blue chip OL)
Prime Brees’ always had time in the pocket to dissect the defense, partly in thanks that his LG-C-RG were almost always blue-chippers (Jahri Evans, Unger, Ben Grubbs, Larry Worford, Andrus Peat).
As devastating as a DE can be, they usually over-attack the rush lane vs Mobile Quarterbacks which leads to opportunities to step up. All us 12s have seen Russell BLOW these opportunities countless times trying to run through a gap instead to find throwing room/scramble.
Give the man a pocket! so that he rid himself of the paranoia/lack of trust he presents within those 2.5 of less seconds he has post-hike to find intended targets.
I know our draft capital is low, make that sole 2nd round pick imperative that we use it on a LG, C or a cant-miss future LT/RT. trading down for picks is too risky in this unstable time of the Wilson Era.
We must be prepared to set a new market with our FA offer to a LG. why? because when in the pcjs era have we got a blue-chip FA to sign?? did we forget the embarassing courting of TJ who was past his prime and still turned us down? (i believe he had no intention and only made the visit for negotiating power with detroit).
Joe Thuney and Brandon Schereff are the only 2 blue-chip LG available this off-season, to which we must be prepared to make either the top-paid (possibly highest ever) LG in order to come be apart of at best – blurry offensive vision. My pick would be Schereff, as I think Thuney is very good but is boosted by NE’s scheme.
In order the cap space to make such an expensive signing, i know painful cuts will have to be made but don’t ya’ll have more faith in PCJS to assemble a strong cheap LB-core rather than another cost-effective OL-core like they have been previously? Cut Wagner, let KJ walk, Sign Lavonte David to front loaded short deal (his deal would closer to the top LB market but still way less than wagner+KJ) and have Bruce barton+Cody barton+a draft pick battle for the SAM lb spot
Bruce Irvin* TJ Lang*
Keep Wagner. I dont understand all this talk about cutting him. Would cutting him be even cheaper than his deadcap plus Lavonte David? David is not going to sign for vet minimum… Bobby still a first team all pro MLB. Let KJ walk, maybe S. Griffen, Carson, D. Moore.
Where’s ‘Bama LG Deonte Brown when talking about potential targets?
Absolute unit, moves dudes off the ball, hasn’t allowed a sack in 4 seasons (856 snaps). Monster.
I wasn’t that impressed. Struggles to move. Has to block straight up. Will struggle with any kind of quickness.
👀 struggles to move? Looked really damn explosive for a 350 lber to me, combined w/ his initial movement. I actually think he doesn’t stay square enough. There’s also some hesitation at times too. But a LOT to like. Love the aggression, raw power, hand strength, body stays in control, faced excellent opponents.
Don’t see anything like what you’re seeing I’m afraid.
Looked like a total phone booth guy who loses all semblance of balance and control as soon as his feet need to move.
He just looks like a typical big, heavy footed guard.
Love him or hate him you have to respect Nick Saban. He’s going to get Bill O’Brien and Doug Marone on his staff for this year’s redemption tour. As head coaches they may not have been great but that’s a lot of firepower in the offensive meeting room.
Come on Pete you can do something similar!
Says it all.
Big names coaches will go and run Nick Saban’s offense. Big name coaches seemingly don’t want to work for Pete.
Who is the most innovative offensive coach Pete has ties to? I would say Sarkisian before he went to Texas. Lane Kiffin is the only name I can come up with. Would people freak if it ended up being him?
Lane Kiffin isn’t leaving Ole Miss to coach Pete’s offense.
When PC first started at USC, he had a good pipeline with Norm Chow & Lane Kiffin/Sark underneath Norm.