Is the OL Set with 8 Players?

[MHS831]

Thanks to BC's versatility and the addition of Nijman as a swing OT, the costs we have spent on the OL may save us a roster spot.  First, Brady Christensen has played OT and OG for Carolina, and he has always been a notch below average, according to PFF.  Last season, they talked about giving him looks at center, but his injury prevented that from happening.   Most of his experience here is at G, but he also has swing OT abilities.  Nijman is an excellent swing OT, an important addition that gives us Ekwonu insurance and depth at both T spots.  If you consider Cade May has been mentioned as the new backup Center behind Corbett, then he also has the ability to play 3 positions.  Here is how you have solid depth three deep and you do so with better and fewer players.  In the past, the OL has been a madhouse when a lineman goes down--we had 2.  It seems we had someone new in the game every week.  The OL needs to know the system and they need to communicate.  If I were coach, I would carry 8 total OL on the 53-man roster, saving at least one roster spot, and I would feel confident that I had depth on three levels.  Here is what it would look like:

(I would keep Zavala on the PS to begin the season--he needs it)  Green indicates a free agent addition

[TheSpecialJuan]

35 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

Thanks to BC's versatility and the addition of Nijman as a swing OT, the costs we have spent on the OL may save us a roster spot.  First, Brady Christensen has played OT and OG for Carolina, and he has always been a notch below average, according to PFF.  Last season, they talked about giving him looks at center, but his injury prevented that from happening.   Most of his experience here is at G, but he also has swing OT abilities.  Nijman is an excellent swing OT, an important addition that gives us Ekwonu insurance and depth at both T spots.  If you consider Cade May has been mentioned as the new backup Center behind Corbett, then he also has the ability to play 3 positions.  Here is how you have solid depth three deep and you do so with better and fewer players.  In the past, the OL has been a madhouse when a lineman goes down--we had 2.  It seems we had someone new in the game every week.  The OL needs to know the system and they need to communicate.  If I were coach, I would carry 8 total OL on the 53-man roster, saving at least one roster spot, and I would feel confident that I had depth on three levels.  Here is what it would look like:

(I would keep Zavala on the PS to begin the season--he needs it)  Green indicates a free agent addition

Looks pretty good, Nash Jensen is another guy who can compete for a backup spot. Best case scenario would be to draft a starting caliber C and have Corbett backup all 3 inside spots. 

[csx]

I doubt it. It's March 

[ProcessBlue2]

I think they will draft a C at some point in the draft. It’ll be somebody who can also play G if needed. 
 

Overall I think you’re right it’ll be 8-9. You have BC who can play guard or slide out, Corbett can move around, Ickey can move in during a pinch and the new T or BC can step in. Looks like OL is finished barring some Day 2 or 3 guy.

 

[Panthero]

Yes, I do see them drafting later round developmental guys but carrying 8 is likely the plan. Corbett makes me nervous. We'll learn if he and Icky can carry their weight. Otherwise in 2025, we'll be looking for at least 1 new starter, assuming they don't keep icky for a guard spot, if he fails at tackle. 

[kungfoodude]

I don’t think there is any chance we will carry only 8 OL. That's one position that racks up the most injuries.

[Panfan35]

What could be in the cards is trading our 2 2nd round picks up to 21 and get a elite center in powers

[rayzor]

We'll probably look to draft a center. Either one that can start right away (preferred) or developmental (most likely) who can be depth at guard. And maybe another swing tackle.

I think we're in good shape, but I doubt we are done trying to get the OL right.

[Xtreme]

I would say yes, but it wouldn't surprise me they get one more. Either via the draft or maybe they'll get lucky with an UDFA. 

[MHS831]

6 hours ago, TheSpecialJuan said:

Looks pretty good, Nash Jensen is another guy who can compete for a backup spot. Best case scenario would be to draft a starting caliber C and have Corbett backup all 3 inside spots. 

He had his ups and downs, but he could easily be kept on the PS without fear of being purged.

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, rayzor said:

We'll probably look to draft a center. Either one that can start right away (preferred) or developmental (most likely) who can be depth at guard. And maybe another swing tackle.

I think we're in good shape, but I doubt we are done trying to get the OL right.

C bothered me, in that nobody on this roster has experience as a C in games.  I guess we will see how serious he is about Corbett and Mays--I am not sold on it, but this was based on what we know they have stated or past history

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, Panfan35 said:

What could be in the cards is trading our 2 2nd round picks up to 21 and get a elite center in powers

That would freak some people out. 

[mickeye76]

Center.  Barton, Frazier, Van Prann, Zinter, Limmer, etc.  We need a young guy to develop there. I'm not trusting moving Corbett or BC there. 

I agree with your assessment though. I'd like to add one in draft and look at UDFA too. 

[rayzor]

39 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

C bothered me, in that nobody on this roster has experience as a C in games.  I guess we will see how serious he is about Corbett and Mays--I am not sold on it, but this was based on what we know they have stated or past history

yeah i'm not happy with it. can't imagine that they are settled on it as well. 

i'm thinking it's probably likely that one of the first 2 picks will be a center because i don't think there's much in the way of FA OCs out there and they are probably going to want someone who could at least compete for the starting job.