Mr. Scot

Is this a bad time to mention pictures have shown DT Mike Panasiuk working with the O-line?

Only Christensen and Tremble left to sign. (can't imagine those being difficult negotiations)

You not getting it isn't exactly a shock.

It's of primary relevance to this discussion.

Rivera actually started Moton at left tackle for one game a couple of seasons ago, then moved him back after the first series. It was kind of hard to judge anything because Ron wimped out so quick. I remember thinking that was one of the stupidest things I'd seen him do.

Actually, if you check out Darnold's highlight reels, you'll find he's perfectly capable of running. (given how bad the Jets were, he got plenty of practice) He's just not necessarily somebody you call a bunch of designed runs for.

Moton didn't initiate trying him on the left side though. The coaches did.

Wasn't Wharton's path tackle first and then guard later?

Grier was primarily a pocket passer in college. Capable of running, but I don't really think anybody would call him a run threat.

From the article... Coach Matt Rhule said he wasn’t concerned with Thomas’ drops. (cough) bullsh-t (cough)

Quoting from today's presser via The Athletic... “We have purposely taken the approach of developing Sam – and all of our quarterbacks this spring – as a drop-back passer and put a lot on them,” said Rhule, the Panthers’ second-year coach. “More than most teams will probably do with a quarterback – more than probably the coaches are comfortable with. “But for me it’s about just putting so much on those guys — not giving them a bunch of easy plays where they can go out and feel confident and look good,” Rhule added. “Our defense is giving us a lot of different looks. So I want to stretch those guys and see what they do well and then we can be more targeted in training camp and into the season.” The first part of that statement interests me, specifically the part about developing their quarterbacks as "drop back passers". Neither Bridgewater nor Darnold would rightly be seen as big run threats (neither are statues either, but still). And of course, the team passed on drafting a quarterback who was. It makes me wonder if Rhule and/or Brady aren't necessarily concerned with superior athleticism at the quarterback position. You'll note he talks a lot about mental preparation here, but physical...not so much. Arguing against that idea though is the fact that the team seems extremely interested in athleticism at pretty much every other position. With that said though, there are plenty of successful teams whose quarterbacks aren't amazing athletes (including the one that captured last year's Super Bowl trophy). So is this an indicator of Rhule's QB philosophy or just an emphasis they have right now?

Even if you do plan to sign Moton long term, it would be smart to have a backup plan just in case you can't.

There's a part of me that still thinks next year's draft is when we try to get our left tackle of the future. Obviously though, if a guy like Taylor Moton were to win the job and do it well, that plan changes.

I'm starting to feel like Christensen probably will spend his first year as a backup. The bigger question right now might be who he's going to be backing up.

So if Christensen is not in the mix at left tackle, that means our current options are Erving, Daley, Scott and Little. Gotta admit I'd feel a lot more comfortable if Taylor Moton has a legitimate shot at that role.

My guess is Okung wasn't brought back because they need somebody they can depend on for more than just half the season.

One thing to remember regarding Christensen: lots of future left tackles play their first year or so on the right. (that other Utah tackle we drafted went that route)

Interesting timing... I already know one thing that's going to generate some discussion

In his post practice presser, Coach Matt Rhule said the team views rookie tackle Brady Christensen's best fit as being at right tackle. He added that Christensen can also slide inside to guard, but he prefers him at the tackle spot. Obviously, the team already has a starter in that role. However, Rhule also referred to Taylor Moton as "a guy who can flip-flop" between the tackle spots. Mentioned elsewhere that this makes me think they're gaining more confidence in his ability to play on the left. Rhule also reiterated today what he had previously said regarding Cam Erving, that he's primarily slotted as a left tackle right now. Erving hasn't been able to practice there due to an injury though. Hence, why other guys are getting looks. One of those guys is Dennis Daley. Previous expectation was that he'd be looked at primarily at guard this year, but it's starting to sound less and less like that's the case. Definitely sounds like the lineup on the OL is getting some different looks. Might not be so easy to predict what it's ultimately going to look like come week one.

Asked about Christensen, Rhule says the team sees him as a right tackle at the moment. Also mentioned Taylor Moton as "a guy who can flip flop", which makes me think they're gaining more confidence in his ability to play on the left.

Rhule presser...

Hope it's a good one

This pic strikes me funny

Certainly hope so. As mentioned above, it's been a while since we've seen much in the way of "Hail Mary" type touchdowns.

Injury to a depth guy on DL...