There is no way in hell they start 3 rookies on the O-line next season. It would also be very foolish. Albert is the starting LT on this team. GTF over it.

I agree with the first part. But there have been a lot of teams that have opened the season with 2 rookies, and done fairly well.

And as far as Albert being at LT, I would tend to agree, but I'm not 100 % sure anymore.

Albert
Lilja
Hudson
Asamoah
Sherrod

from L to R maybe.

That I could see, but I still see Richardson manning the RT spot next season. I'd like to see a center added, that's for sure.

I sure as shit would rather overpay for Ryan Harris than start Richardson for another season. Richardson is fine as your backup/swing guy. He isn't starting material.

And having Albert and Lilja as your starters on the left versus Sherrod and Albert?

Tell me what looks better:

LT: Sherrod
LG: Albert
C: Hudson
RG: Asamoah
RT: Harris

or

LT: Albert
LG: Lilja
C: Hudson
RG: Asamoah
RT: Richardson

It's not even close.

I've got to agree with you here, but am going to be surprised if they will move Lilja out of the lineup. Not saying it shouldn't happen, just going to be surprised. And if we do draft Sherrod in the 1st, he better not be a backup to both Albert and Richardson.

I don't see Akeem Ayres on this draft board. Is that an accident or not?


PhilFree:arrow:

Just keep ignoring the fact that the man behind center contributed to most of the sacks the team allowed this season. The line is not in near as bad a shape as you paint it. Keep your head buried in the sand though.

Lilja did a quality job for us ... no reason he shouldn't start again this year. Maybe we slide him over to LG so Asomoah can be RG though.

we could certainly use an upgrade just about everywhere else but i don't think you want to completely change the entire Oline because you lose continuity.

The QB also contributed to a lot of non-sacks by throwing the ball away at the first sign of pressure... which often came very early in the play. The QB now has 3 full years of starting under his belt.

Of bigger concern to me is the inability to convert almost any short yardage situation by running the football. For the style of ball we want to play, that can not happen again this next season.

And this may be just my opinion, but I feel the offense has pretty much been ignored in the draft for the past 5 years or so outside of Bowe and Albert. It is time for the draft picks to focus a bit on that side of the ball and try and build a complete team, instead of one that is dominate on one side of the ball.

starting a rookie center is going to be dicey ... that's why i wondered whether or not it would be better to try Asomoah there. He was projected by some to be a C/G coming out of college. He has the natural bulk and leverage to snap the ball and still be able to maintain his position.

If we are going to draft/start a Center then he better be a stud.

Jets did it with Mangold... but he fits the stud category. Started Ferguson at T that first year too. Went to the playoffs too, IIRC. 1st year after Herm? :shrug:

so what's your point?

CAN it be done ... sure, teams have started rookie at all sorts of positions and been successful. Center is just one that is a little more difficult unless we decide to have Lilja make the line calls or something.

hardest positions to start rookies(offense) at imo

1. QB
2. WR
3. C


LT is just about whether they guy can do it or not as it is him being a rookie imo.

He handled the pressure well at times this season, but the last 2 games weren't pretty at all. That stands out in most people's minds.

The line definately suits Charles and the big play moreso than a bruising short yardgage game. That is for sure. They are able to get out well and block in space.

The team could definately use a C or WR that is for sure. I think the team likes it's G's and T's, but that's just my opinion.

That starting rookies on the O-line can work. But like you said, they had better be studs. Wasn't argueing with you at all.