The ickey ekwonu question...

[LinvilleGorge]

7 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

We will have to either sign or draft someone. Yosh will be a disaster at LT.

If someone is available at 19 worth taking, it's a good idea. If for no other reason that we will be needing a RT in short order too.

I fully expect the team to so something insane like have Zavala or Mays at LT. The choices we have made on the OL with personnel have absolutely been next level insane under Canales.

I think we've made some less than ideal choices for sure but anyone who watched the Gettleman era saw true next level insane management of the OL where we trotted out a UDFA at LT and a UDFA converted college DT at RT as literally our planned starting OTs.

[kungfoodude]

Just now, LinvilleGorge said:

I think we've made some less than ideal choices for sure but anyone who watched the Gettleman era saw true next level insane management of the OL where we trotted out a UDFA at LT and a UDFA converted college DT at RT as literally our planned starting OTs.

But we have done basically the same thing. We have tried for two seasons to make Austin Corbett a starting NFL C despite never having played the position in college nor the NFL. We have literally had multiple UDFA's play significant time at OL over the past two years here, as well.

Like I said, don't be shocked if you see some crazy poo from this FO or coaching staff that defies any and all logic.

Hoping it doesn't but preparing for it to.

[Growl]

seems most likely that they sign a veteran stop gap for a season 

[LinvilleGorge]

21 minutes ago, kungfoodude said:

But we have done basically the same thing. We have tried for two seasons to make Austin Corbett a starting NFL C despite never having played the position in college nor the NFL. We have literally had multiple UDFA's play significant time at OL over the past two years here, as well.

Like I said, don't be shocked if you see some crazy poo from this FO or coaching staff that defies any and all logic.

Hoping it doesn't but preparing for it to.

We've definitely made some less than ideal decisions, but we haven't even come close to the idiocy of planning to trot out the duo of Bell and Chandler as our starting OTs. That's quite possibly the worst mismanagement of OL I can recall in the NFL. I mean, if you get hit with a rash of injuries (which is why a lot of these "poor decision" guys have been playing) and you have to scratch together the best you can on the fly that's one thing. But to literally plan on Bell and Chandler as your penciled in starting OTs is just insane.

[WarPanthers89]

1 hour ago, kungfoodude said:

We know.

Lol suck an egg dude. You are the ultimate troll. Tell me one thing that I said, that you disagree with….also…..sources:

https://www.sanfordhealth.org/-/media/org/files/medical-professionals/resources-and-education/5-patellar-tendon-repair-rehabilitation-guideline.pdf

https://www.resilienceorthopedics.com/knee/patellar-tendon-surgery-recovery/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21573-patellar-tendon-tear

https://www.sanfordhealth.org/-/media/org/files/medical-professionals/resources-and-education/5-patellar-tendon-repair-rehabilitation-guideline.pdf

Edited January 12 by WarPanthers89

[WarPanthers89]

Like I said before…a return mid season is possible if his quad strength is at a level they are happy with. 8-12 months is the expected return time. Let’s all pray that’s the case and that his age is a factor in the healing process being expedited. Someone in a skill position would be much more impacted so I hope the young man can make a full recovery. 

[frankw]

OT is a big need again unfortunately.

But we should weigh all options. Our first round pick should go to the defense unless someone falls.

[MHS831]

5 hours ago, micnificent28 said:

It's a foregone conclusion he will miss 6-12 months. That leaves a significant hole at the position but not long term. A lot of reporters are penciling us in for a tackle at 19, which I don't think is a bad idea at worst you can slide him to right tackle seeing as moton is getting up there in age. But I don't think that does anything to get us over the hump.

If we draft a tackle at 19, does that make us better than we are vs the rams? Does that give us better pass rush or more play makers? I think you can draft a tackle down the line sure just to fill in for a while until ickey is back but I wouldn't invest a first round pick in a position just because a guy might miss a month at most of football or so. I would resign josh, brady chris and address holes we have no answers 2. 

If you want to take a tackle or lineman after the 3rd round a project go for it.. but the holes at linebacker edge and a play making tight end and deep threat are the reason we are at home now. Not the back up left tackle who played decently. What say you?

Here is what you did not mention (and I have not read the thread--but will--it is a needed) and that is the MAFF.  He is in a contract year (2026-5th year) and we will not know (in all likelihood) how the knee is healing by the time we have to decide on a mega deal.

 

If you consider the time it takes to fully heal is 12 months if all goes well, the injury is known to shorten careers.  Of course, a man of 330 lbs who needs agility to perform at a high level makes the injury a bit more serious than it was for Jimmy Graham, for example, who recovered in a remarkable 9 months.  Having said all that, I think he should be moved inside to guard.  

While many NFL linemen

can return to play after patellar tendon surgery, studies show a significant failure rate and reduced performance, with return-to-play (RTP) rates often cited around 50-56%, meaning roughly 44-50% don't make it back, and even those who do often see reduced careers and statistics, highlighting it as a devastating injury for linemen."

I think you have to go after an elite OT, and I think it should be a first rounder because you don't sign elite LTs in free agency.  Ickey is already going to get paid $18m or so in 2026.    However, the money you save by not locking him down long term could go to a free agent edge or ILB.  It is very complicated if you start factoring in contracts, risks, cap, and the odds of recovery.

 

 

[dep]

43 minutes ago, WarPanthers89 said:

Lol suck an egg dude. You are the ultimate troll. Tell me one thing that I said, that you disagree with….also…..sources:

https://www.sanfordhealth.org/-/media/org/files/medical-professionals/resources-and-education/5-patellar-tendon-repair-rehabilitation-guideline.pdf

https://www.resilienceorthopedics.com/knee/patellar-tendon-surgery-recovery/

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21573-patellar-tendon-tear

https://www.sanfordhealth.org/-/media/org/files/medical-professionals/resources-and-education/5-patellar-tendon-repair-rehabilitation-guideline.pdf

I just think most people recognize chatgpt can send misinfo and just make things up so having actual sources like this is the best idea

[rebelrouser]

Really makes the rebuilding that much more difficult. Hate it for Icky and hope he gets back 100%, but we can't rely on that, especially with such a small quarterback.  If they still believe in Bryce (which i think they do), they have to make a big move for tackle. That probably means our no. 19 pick: PFF rankings: Spencer Fano (Utah) #18, Francis Mauioga (Mia) #20, Kadyn Proctor (Bama) #27, Caleb Loum (Utah) #29.  

[strato]

To look at it without any empathy for Icky, pure business, this may have saved us money but cost us a first round pick. 
 

We should not be putting any 100 million offers on the table, so there is 100 million that can go elsewhere.  

Edited January 12 by strato

[MHS831]

6 hours ago, Shotgun said:

We need to be prepared for him not to return at all. Hoping for the best but that's a serious injury.

I think his knee would make a good reason to switch to guard IF he returns.  Half don't.  Half of those don't last too long.  The strain on a knee (320lb man) vs speed rushers is more substantial.  So I would keep him if I could on a small contract (he will make $17.5 in 2026 fully guaranteed) and think of him as a possible guard for the post Lewis/Hunt era.  Knee injuries in big men are not invitations to invest in them.

 

[hepcat]

2 hours ago, Growl said:

seems most likely that they sign a veteran stop gap for a season 

Was gonna say the same. They’ll probably sign a veteran tackle near the end of their career as well as signing Nijman and Christensen back, and maybe drafting a 2nd or 3rd round tackle as well. They might benefit from trading down in the first because they are going to have a lot of depth needs. 

[hepcat]

1 hour ago, frankw said:

OT is a big need again unfortunately.

But we should weigh all options. Our first round pick should go to the defense unless someone falls.

Nijman is actually one of the better free agent left tackles available in free agency and he will get a chance to start next year. He will get a raise and likely be re-signed. Christensen backs him up and they should sign another veteran tackle and/or draft a 2nd or 3rd round tackle as well. Zavala and Corbett need to go so they should also draft a guard. I’ve suggested they should trade down in the first round to accumulate more picks for depth they are going to need a lot of going forward.