I'm not 100% sold, but there is definitely some widom to this... and we might not have to settle for 8-8 if Stephensons as good as some think.

Trade Fisher. We can always get another MAC player 1.1 next year.

Yeah **** it, i'm sold now... love ya Branden, but it was happening next year anyway, bye.

there's still time to trade Bowe and next year's 1st and 2nd for Jake Long.

branden albert planet

I'd say there is a huge difference between a 4 win team and a 7 win team.

Sure not from 4 to 5 which is still in your prediction.

Kiss my ass, I guess.

does anyone know what the latest is on the Branden Albert trade situation? thx

Rumor is Reid traded him to the packers for a 7th and a case of cheese curds

too bad we didn't keep Winston on the roster ... we could trade his ass and get something now.

Yeah, we won't be getting a first for him.

The stephenson homerism around here is ridiculous.

I guarantee you that Stephenson was a better offensive tackle on the very same team at the same stage/class as 2013 top five draft pick Lane Johnson.

If Stephenson had stayed in school for his senior season, he definitely would have been in consideration as the first tackle off the board in this past draft. His size and measurables are even better than Fisher's and he's got very nice footwork and uses his hands very well. All he really needed to do is get into an NFL weight room/program and some additional reps.

In fact, because of the looming potential of being forced to franchise Albert yet again for the 2014 season, I'd definitely take at least a cursory glance at what the Packers might want. Then we could get Fisher over to the left side asap and get his reps in right now for building the continuity on the line now versus next season.

LT: Fisher
LG: Allen/Reynolds
C: Hudson/Kush
RG: Asamoah/Schwartz
RT: Stephenson

Both Reynolds and Schwartz can effectively play the tackle position in the event of injury, so there is your depth across the entire line.

If we could get the Packers first rounder in an Albert trade, I'd be all over that like stink on a monkey.

How is the Stephenson homerism ridiculous?

Alberts combine analysis:

STRENGTHS Positives: Rare size and athleticism for the guard position. ... Good initial quickness. ... Can get to and block effectively at the second level. ... Flashes violence in his initial hand punch. ... Good recoil and settle in pass protection. ... Massive player who can absorb the bull rush and anchor effectively. ... When he plays with leverage can be a very effective drive blocker. ... Ascending prospect who flashed foot quickness and balance in two starts at left tackle in 2007.

Negatives: A bit top-heavy. ... Can struggle against lesser players when he tires and plays with too high of a pad level. ... Good quickness to generate initial block, but too often doesn't sustain long enough. ... Flashes nastiness, but needs to play with more consistency. ... Marginal lateral quickness to pull.

Stephenson's combine analysis:

STRENGTHS Stephenson is very quick out of his stance, and this is his one shining quality. Has good footwork and is a lateral mover who can get beat by strength but recovers well to not allow sacks. Good when puling and working in the open field; has more value as a mover and second-level blocker. He can be nasty when finishing plays and is reliable to not allow sacks.

WEAKNESSES Stephenson is not very strong despite his size. Always in a stalemate and forces himself to use footwork. Quick off the line, but not explosive. Can get blown back by more explosive players in pass blocking




homerism liking the younger player with more potential and is cheaper on the salary cap? That also has the ability to be an NFL starter today? If that's homerism by all means.