Our New O-Line for 2013

[Terranimal]

didn't know where I should put this exactly as it could cross over in a few areas.....

Much talk about adding a LT and some talk about adding a center/guard here.

Pretty weak draft for LTs overall and after the top few guys everyone else is going to need some development or whole lot of luck.

Very rarely does a draft center come in right away and start, unless they are super special and no one fits that bill this draft. Plus we have DES already with some experience and Van Rotten in the wings with experience at both Guard and center.

LT is a question mark and from where the Pack are drafing will be out of range for one that might be able to come in and start.

We still don't know 100% on Sherrod. I hold out hope for him, but nothing concrete. Newhouse has been okay and hope he improves, but what do we do in worse case scenario?

Well after Barclay's better than expected play and EDS at center and playing well at Guard, there has been some talk that Bulaga might go to where he was originally drafted for...LT.

So the new O-Line for 2013 could end up being LT-Bulaga, LG-Lang, C-EDS, RG Sitton and RT-Barclay.....

[golfman]

I wouldn't count out Datko in the discussion although what you posted is likely. You also cannot count out Newhouse although he's been barely average. He has improved each year and if that continues will be in the discussion.

I'd love for us to get Cooper from NC. He could plug in right away at an interior position and be an upgrade. He's also give us more nastiness which helps in the run game. Lang has been so so IMO and upgradable. Hey, if Datko pans out (a stretch to be sure, but he has great feet, now can they get him strong enough and healthy), you could see Barclay battling Lang for the last guard spot.

Whoever starts MM needs to emphasize the running game and the mentality that goes with that. That alone will make our offensive line better IMO.

[GBP4EVER!]

didn't know where I should put this exactly as it could cross over in a few areas.....

Much talk about adding a LT and some talk about adding a center/guard here.

Pretty weak draft for LTs overall and after the top few guys everyone else is going to need some development or whole lot of luck.

Very rarely does a draft center come in right away and start, unless they are super special and no one fits that bill this draft. Plus we have DES already with some experience and Van Rotten in the wings with experience at both Guard and center.

LT is a question mark and from where the Pack are drafing will be out of range for one that might be able to come in and start.

We still don't know 100% on Sherrod. I hold out hope for him, but nothing concrete. Newhouse has been okay and hope he improves, but what do we do in worse case scenario?

Well after Barclay's better than expected play and EDS at center and playing well at Guard, there has been some talk that Bulaga might go to where he was originally drafted for...LT.

So the new O-Line for 2013 could end up being LT-Bulaga, LG-Lang, C-EDS, RG Sitton and RT-Barclay.....

I don't think Bulaga will be moved from RT he will stay at RT and Barclay will continue to be the backup. EDS will be replaced at center in the draft IMO. Sherrod or Newhouse will be the LT. I am not sold on Barclay after starting a few games as a starting RT.

[Terranimal]

I wouldn't count out Datko in the discussion although what you posted is likely. You also cannot count out Newhouse although he's been barely average. He has improved each year and if that continues will be in the discussion.

I'd love for us to get Cooper from NC. He could plug in right away at an interior position and be an upgrade. He's also give us more nastiness which helps in the run game. Lang has been so so IMO and upgradable. Hey, if Datko pans out (a stretch to be sure, but he has great feet, now can they get him strong enough and healthy), you could see Barclay battling Lang for the last guard spot.

Whoever starts MM needs to emphasize the running game and the mentality that goes with that. That alone will make our offensive line better IMO.

the thing though as packinatl pointed out elsewhere is that both Guards are more than decent and are locked up to contracts. The Guards also improved when EDS replaced Satruday.....And the Pack don't seem to go after pure Guards in Thompson's time here....most of Guards have been former Tackles.....not against Cooper as I like him best of the group for center/Guard. The other thing is Cooper might go higher than some think and could be off the board before our pick.....but then again that seems to being said for about 30 players right now when there is 25 positions ahead of us... crazy

[Terranimal]

I don't think Bulaga will be moved from RT he will stay at RT and Barclay will continue to be the backup. EDS will be replaced at center in the draft IMO. Sherrod or Newhouse will be the LT. I am not sold on Barclay after starting a few games as a starting RT.

Actually Barclay drew good grades and praise from McCarthy and others and just like EDS seemed to improve each game going forward.

And unless you get an outstanding special Center, of which there isn't any in this draft, they are not going to start over a vet as a rookie. Both Jones and Cooper are being said to be better looking for Guard than Center. Konz was rated over these guys and he didn't start at center over the entrenched vet at center either.

just sayin'...

[golfman]

the thing though as packinatl pointed out elsewhere is that both Guards are more than decent and are locked up to contracts. The Guards also improved when EDS replaced Satruday.....And the Pack don't seem to go after pure Guards in Thompson's time here....most of Guards have been former Tackles.....not against Cooper as I like him best of the group for center/Guard. The other thing is Cooper might go higher than some think and could be off the board before our pick.....but then again that seems to being said for about 30 players right now when there is 25 positions ahead of us... crazy

The contract means nothing, it's the dead money if they are released. I agree with your point about TT drafting tackles to play inside, Sitton and Lang are two examples. I'm for upgrading and I think Cooper, who I agree might be gone, would be an upgrade. Probably a future pro-bowler and you don't pass up upgrading an area of weakness. It wouldn't disappoint me if we didn't get him as I fully expect Barclay and Van Roten will improve and be more than adequate inside back ups if Bulaga stays on the right side and Newhouse/Sherrod/Datko/draft pick man the LT position.

[vegas492]

T, there are a few flaws with your lineup.

First off, Barclay's body is best suited for a guard.  And he was a fine fill in RT, but that was with a lot of help from the guards, chips from the tight ends/backs and in play calling from MM. 

With Bulaga, you have an upper level player at RT.  At LT, you don't know what you have with him.  He stays at RT.
Guards are locked up Sitton and Lang.
EDS at center is just fine.
Newhouse at LT.

Obviously the weak link is Newhouse.  But you are now solid at 4 other areas and can give help to Marshall.  Last year Marshall was one of 2 or 3 weak links (Saturday, Barclay, Newhouse). 

In our new lineup, there is only one weak link, Marshall.

And that is assuming that Sherrod can't take the job from him this year. 

[Madman]

Actually Barclay drew good grades and praise from McCarthy and others and just like EDS seemed to improve each game going forward.

And unless you get an outstanding special Center, of which there isn't any in this draft, they are not going to start over a vet as a rookie. Both Jones and Cooper are being said to be better looking for Guard than Center. Konz was rated over these guys and he didn't start at center over the entrenched vet at center either.

just sayin'...

I don't know, I think someone is going to emerge from this class as a top of the line center.  I like Jones more than most, but it's partially because I've seen him generally hold his own on the best team, and against the best competition, in the country.  And you're right, some think he's better suited to guard in the NFL.  But I personally think that's just a testament to his versatility.  Bottom line, I'd be happy to see him in a Packers uniform.

Another guy I'm cautiously optimistic on is Schwenke, but I confess I don't know enough about him.  What's your take?

[Iceman]

What the packers miss on OL is consistency. It seems that James C just can't put a group together and keep them consistant.

The big change last year was more Power gap and less ZBS, when it was working it really made a huge difference.


I think it's going to continue to be a struggle until a new OL coach comes in. Just my 

[bleu cheese]

Getting a healthy solid LT has to happen. Rodgers can't keep getting hammered back there.  Long term solution at center is another need.

What happens at RT with BB  is also something to watch.