lts offensive line with no outside additions

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by Dam8610

There were three additions through the draft, two of which could see PT, one of which could win the starting RG spot. I get them feeling okay about OC, Kelly may bounce back and if he doesn't, Pinter plays well there, that seems to be the only spot he plays well. I think more could've been done with OG, but Ekeyor was seen as a round 3-4 guy by most pre-draft, so he's the type who should be able to come in and compete for a starting spot.

A rookie 4th rounder MAY be counted on to provide some depth. I still want to see a completion. He shouldn’t be handed anything.

A rookie 7th rounder and a rookie UDFA should not be counted on for jack shit. It doesn’t matter than some mocks had the UDFA as 3-4 rounder. The team obviously didn’t see him that way.

It’s still plenty early in the offseason so I’m not going to bitch about it too much, but if nothing else is done this will be another example of one of my major issues with Ballard - gifting young guys spots. Betting it all on his drafting ability. You have a rookie QB, there is nothing more important to his on the field learning than the damn OL. Don’t repeat last years mistake.

[Dam8610]

Originally Posted by rm1369

A rookie 4th rounder MAY be counted on to provide some depth. I still want to see a completion. He shouldn’t be handed anything.

A rookie 7th rounder and a rookie UDFA should not be counted on for jack shit. It doesn’t matter than some mocks had the UDFA as 3-4 rounder. The team obviously didn’t see him that way.

It’s still plenty early in the offseason so I’m not going to bitch about it too much, but if nothing else is done this will be another example of one of my major issues with Ballard - gifting young guys spots. Betting it all on his drafting ability. You have a rookie QB, there is nothing more important to his on the field learning than the damn OL. Don’t repeat last years mistake.

I didn't say pencil them in the starting lineup, I said I could see them getting playing time, not necessarily for emergency reasons, and doing well in that playing time.

[ukcolt]

Originally Posted by rm1369

A rookie 7th rounder and a rookie UDFA should not be counted on for jack shit. It doesn’t matter than some mocks had the UDFA as 3-4 rounder. The team obviously didn’t see him that way.

I suspect his talent they all valued him as a mid rounder, it is his knee injury that seems to have been the real cause for concern. But that might have been overblown from what he has said.

Only time will tell what reality actually becomes.

[rm1369]

Originally Posted by ukcolt

I suspect his talent they all valued him as a mid rounder, it is his knee injury that seems to have been the real cause for concern. But that might have been overblown from what he has said.

Only time will tell what reality actually becomes.

I hope he becomes the starter and plays 10 years. My only point is that Ballard has to stop expecting young guys to step up and fill every role. Beyond round 1 and maybe round 2 you shouldn’t be depending on these guys for anything other than competition. Make them earn it. Quit expecting it and damn sure stop gifting it.

[JAFF]

Originally Posted by rm1369

I hope he becomes the starter and plays 10 years. My only point is that Ballard has to stop expecting young guys to step up and fill every role. Beyond round 1 and maybe round 2 you shouldn’t be depending on these guys for anything other than competition. Make them earn it. Quit expecting it and damn sure stop gifting it.

Mannings best O line had 1 first round pick, a second rounder, a couple mid rounders and one walk on.

There is a cap, you need young guys to fill 30 spots after the starting 22.

[IndyNorm]

Originally Posted by JAFF

Mannings best O line had 1 first round pick, a second rounder, a couple mid rounders and one walk on.

There is a cap, you need young guys to fill 30 spots after the starting 22.

Don't you always say that it's Monopoly money since teams always find ways around the cap?

After the disaster that was last year's OL you would think Ballard wouldn't be so trusting of the guys on the roster, and that he'd bring in some vets to ensure he can give his rookie QB adequate pass protection in order to develop. Maybe he can find some Chris Reed types, but I'm not going to hold my breath.