WELL IF IT RELAXES HIM

You're missing the point. IMO, he's neither an elite pass blocker, nor an elite run blocker. He's not a piece of shit either. More of a jack of all trades, master of none.

He's above average at both though.

I see your point, but maybe "middle of the road" wasn't the best choice of words for him.

That would mean basically what Dane said. He's the 16th best LT.

But he's about 6 spots better than that.

If Branden Albert is not an elite runblocker, I'd like to see the guy who is.

I know you might not care but according to PFF Albert was a top 5 pass blocking LT.

And ranked 20th as a run blocker for LT's.

You're looking at OTs as a whole, not just LTs.

But you're right that he's not elite.

Even in 2010, his best year as a run blocker, he was ranked 7th among LTs as a run blocker.

Last year he fell off to 13th.

Be interesting to see what he is this year.

He'd be better if Lilja is gathering splinters while Allen is starting.

Lilja is definitely the weak point in the o-line. I hope Pioli doesn't try to re-sign him.

did you not watch the 2nd preseason game where the Rams 2nd string rookie d-line owned Allen?

The guy will be good but lets not act like he hasnt already been beaten against some 2nd teamers

I wouldn't re-sign Lucas Patterson. We already have Rob Bruggeman