Fix the Offensive Line

By make a play I mean do his job, come on you should have picked up on that

 

We have a new position coach, new OC and scheme, Poutasi was moved to OG when Mularkey took over so those things have already happened.

First, we have to HOPE Grimm will fix the technique mistakes and make sure everyone knows what the heck they are doing (who they are supposed to block, combo block, etc). These were the two biggest problems we had across the board...from first round picks to undrafted free agents...same issues. So HOPEFULLY the new OL coach and new OC get that cleaned up. This SHOULD make a huge difference in Lewan, Poutasi, Schwenke, and Warmack.

Second, what scheme are we gonna run. Ostensibly, if we pencil in Poutasi at LG, Schwenke at OC, and Warmack at RG, we have a power oriented interior with our OG's at 330lbs+ and Scwenke pushing 320lbs. Lewan is lighter at about 305lbs so it 'looks' like we'll play more of a power game. Or, am I blowing this thing up with the idea that Schwenke can't stay healthy and neither Warmack nor Poutasi have locked down a position? I think the best strategy is to add value whee and when you can get it. We really don't know what we have in our current OL due to poor coaching and scheme issues. Time to pencil in those guys as potential starters, hope the new coaching brings them up to speed while also looking to bring in excellent players...FA vets or draftees.

Of course, with the ineptitude we've shown previously, the preference would be free agent players. The problem is, there isn't much there. Glenn is a LT and will want to be paid but I'll guess he'll be franchised. Okung isn't as good but also will want more money than he's worth and he'll want to play LT too although it looks like his injury should reduce his price and it looks like he WILL be a free agent. Andre Smith is the obvious choice except for 2 things. First, he's a very up and down player and inconsistency has been our trademark and downfall on the OL. I watched 2 games and saw him get beat quite a bit more than I'd pay big bucks for. So I don't see a really good RT I think will hit the market and who I know will lock down RT for us for 5+ years. Free agent targets would be Glenn, Okung, Smith (depending on price and contract), Barksdale, Long, McGlynn, Bell....but I think we may need to grab a RT in the draft and a vet as there isn't a lot available and the whole league is looking for OL help. Plus, a team like the

At OG, I see a player like Mathis who I think is good, but he's more of a finesse and movement guy. I would probably bring in a vet who wasn't gonna break the bank as competition (Ryan Wendell or Alex Boone) but hopefully more of a quality backup. There are some quality OG's in the draft too...

At OC, I like Schwenke, but don't love him and he's been injury prone. I would hope like heck that Alex Mack becomes a free agent and I would go get him! I would also accept him in PART of a trade back package with Cleveland in the draft IF Mack was willing to come here. But let's assume that doesn't happen. I would look to bring in a vet OC for competition and quality depth...say Wisniewski, Walton or Sendlein. There is quality depth at OC in the draft this year as well.

If things go our way, I'd lock up Okung at OT, Wendell at OG and Alex Mack at OC. My backups for those would be Jake Long at RT, Alex Boone at OG, and Wisniewski at OC. Outside of Mack or Okung, any other OL brought in would know they are in an open competition to EARN a job! If any of these players don't want to come here or are too expensive for their worth, I would draft at least 1 or more of these positions and add cut vets later one if needed.

I would NOT draft an OL at #1 overall.

Via free agency, my line would hopefully look like...

LT Lewan
LG Poutasi/Wendell
OC Alex Mack
RG Warmack
RT Okung

Backup plan would be

LT Lewan
LG Poutasi/Boone
OC Schwenke/Wisnieski
RG Warmack
RT Long

 

Poutasi does not belong on the roster.

 

he aint earned it but possibly he will not be a complete bust

 

JCB could have done a better job at blocking than Poutasi did! If not he'd squat that fool in the locker room just to show him who's boss.

 

He was thrown to the wolves. Hopefully that gave him a reality check how this level of competition is compared to college.

 

theres so much growth from year-1 to year-2 that he's at least worth having on the 90-man roster til someone better shows up.. I cant name 5 lineman worth keeping so holding on to him is a no brainier ATM

 

We should grab Igcognito. I think he can play for 3+ years. Top 3 guard in the game. Will get a manageable contract because of his age.

Lewan Igcognito Schwenke/Gallik , Warmack, Tunsil. Line is fixed.

Decent guard depth in Poutasi and a re-signed Bell to compete if Warmack continues to suck. Gallik challenges Schwenke along with a possible DP.

Push harder for Miller + Powell in FA. Maybe DeSean Jackson if hes cut in Washington. Those CBs from the Rams if they are not resigned. 'Snacks' Harrison if he doesn't get resigned in New York. Decent FS candidates out there to replace Griffin as well.