Offensive Linemen: Who's Out There?
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 17, 2011 7:30 PM EDT
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With all the discussion that has been going on about the Ravens needing to add an Offensive Lineman, specifically a Tackle it got me to thinking who was really out there for us to look at.
So below is a list or current Free Agent Left, Right, or Swing Tackles (OT) who are Free Agents as off August 17th. I’ve tried to include any relevant miserables on them (Size, Weight, Exp., etc.) as well as some notes about their careers to help separate the career Practice Squad guys from the veteran Back-Up guys.
Available Offensive Tackles as of August 17:
|
Name |
Natural Position (OT both) |
Height |
Weight |
Age |
Experience |
Former Team |
Comments |
|
Andrews, Shawn |
T/G |
6’4" |
330 |
28 |
7 |
NYG |
Spent most of his career at G, moving to LT last season, documented personal problems, |
|
Brewster, Robert |
RT |
6’4" |
320 |
25 |
2 |
DAL |
Younger player with upside, may be more suited for guard |
|
Haslam, Kevin |
OT |
6’5" |
304 |
24 |
2 |
JAC |
Undrafted Rookie Free Agent out of Rutgers in 2010, said to be a versatile player who can fill many positions on the O-line |
|
Henderson, Mario |
LT |
6’7" |
300 |
26 |
4 |
OAK |
2-year starter at LT, durable player who has only had limited time to develop |
|
Hills, Tony |
OT |
6’5" |
304 |
26 |
4 |
PIT |
Younger player with potential upside, limited playing exp. |
|
Kaczur, Nick |
RT |
6’4" |
315 |
32 |
6 |
NE |
5-year starter with exp. at both OT positions, seems slightly injury prone with minor bums and bruises littering his career |
|
LeVoir, Mark |
OT |
6’7" |
310 |
29 |
5 |
NE |
Undrafted Rookie Free Agent out of Notre Dame in 2006, played in all 16 games in 2008 as a back-up Lineman, started two games at RT for an injured Nick Kaczur, Capable Swing OT |
|
McKinnie, Bryant |
LT |
6’8" |
335? |
31 |
10 |
MIN |
8-year starter at LT, Pro Bowl 2009, Weight concerns and off-the-field problems |
|
Otto, Michael |
LT |
6’5" |
310 |
28 |
4 |
TEN |
RFA, Career special teams player, |
|
Patrick, Chris |
OT |
6’5" |
305 |
26 |
2 |
SF |
UFL Vet., has been depth for NFL teams, no real game time exp. on the O-line |
|
Petitti, Rob |
OT |
6’6" |
327 |
29 |
5 |
CAR |
Experienced back-up with starter potential, Capable Swing OT |
|
Polmbus, Tyler |
LT |
6’8" |
300 |
26 |
4 |
SEA |
RFA, starting exp. at LT for Seattle |
|
Sims, Barry |
OT |
6’5" |
300 |
36 |
12 |
SF |
Experienced veteran OT, has played LT and RT, quality back-up and mentor |
|
Starks, Max |
LT |
6’8" |
345 |
29 |
7 |
PIT |
Championship Exp., 2-year starter, flexible playing multiple positions |
|
Stinchcomb, Jonathan |
RT |
6’5" |
315 |
31 |
9 |
NO |
5-year starter, Championship Exp., Pro Bowl 2009 |
|
Tauscher, Mark |
RT |
6’3" |
320 |
34 |
11 |
GB |
On again off again starter for GB since 2000, Championshio Exp. |
|
Walker, Langston |
RT |
6’8" |
360 |
31 |
9 |
OAK |
Exp. Starter, Never been part of a winning organization |
As you can see there is a good mix of older veterans and younger back-up guys for us to pick from. We could go with a veteran starter, a young guy with upside, or an older veteran back-up depending on the price and what we feel that we need to fill out the O-line.
Personally I would like us to target someone like Jon Stinchcomb who is a proven starter at RT or Nick Kaczur. Otherwise I would rather us get a younger guy who can play both OT positions to give us some depth, especially if Oher were to go down; someone like Mark LeVoir or Rob Petitti.
A fall back plan could be to get an older veteran who can’t really start an entire season, but could fill in for a game or two if needed and give valuable experience to our younger players, like Barry Sims. There are other younger options listed there as well that we could pick from, but I fear the might be as much of a project as the guys we have right now.
But enough of my thoughts, I’m interested in what you, my fellow Ravens fans, think on the best way to solve our needs at OT for the coming season.
The opinions posted here are those of the administrator of this blog and his loyal readers. They are in no way official comments from the team, and should not be misconstued as such, even though he thinks he could do just as well or even a better job!
53 comments
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9 recs |
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Comments
Excellent List!
Personally, I’d like us to look for a guy who has starting experience and should be capable of starting at RT or LT if needed, but whose ego wouldn’t be hurt if Jah Reid or someone else beats him out for a spot. This guy should be the favorite to start at RT immediately upon arriving in camp. Age doesn’t really matter much so long as he can play this year, as I think we all expect Reid to be the eventual answer at RT. An ability to mentor or teach other players like Reid and Michael Oher on the O-Line would be nice as well.
Based just on the information you provided, It seems like there are several guys out there who would fit in nicely, which is a good sign for us.
Don't be shocked that people die
Be surprised you're still alive
Agreed
In a perfect world that would be what we get. The guy that I see on the list that would fit all of those qualifications IMHO would be the most recently released guy Mark LeVoir. However, many teams would feel the same way so he may be priced outside or reach unless we get Ngata signed soon.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 17, 2011 11:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We signed him
someone with Front page powers needs to put up a fanshot or something.
"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."
Sign Stinchcomb or Leonard Davis if we can get the Ngata deal done soon.
If Mattison ends up playing well these next 3 weeks, why not give him a shot at backup? He knows the system better than any other center on this team, that’s for sure. It might be the only good thing Greg Mattison has done for this team.
Stinchcomb could step in and start for Reid until maybe he is ready next year. But I like the Leonard Davis move if we can’t find a solid RT because we could still put Yanda at RT (we know how good he is) and still have good RG play from Davis.
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
True
I hadn’t looked much in FA Guards, personally I think Yanda is better than anyone out there right now, but if we can’t get anyone who can handle the RT spot getting a guy like Davis to hold down the RG spot for a year so Yanda can kick out to RT until next year wouldn’t be so bad.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 18, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Good write up.
I don’t watch other team’s OLs close enough to really give a good opinion. Ozzie needs to bring some of these guys, and kick their tires (so to speak).
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
Thanks
I’ve only seen some of the “bigger” name guys on this list play, some of young, back-up types I don’t know a ton about. However, on that note Kevin Haslam of the Jags was getting a lot of love on the Jags forums when I was researching him, some of them thinking he could be a long term Swing Tackle back-up for both OT positions and at 24 he’s still developing if we grabbed him.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 18, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m sold. Bring him in!
The writer formerly known as This White Man Can Jump; Powah Stached; Bear Killer; Da Dude; The Other Bambino; TJ Dropped The Season; Harbaugh Is My Co-Pilot; Billick's Alter Ego; Mr. Poopy Pants.
You have Ozzie's number?
Cuz I don’t lol
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 18, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
As good as Stinchcomb sounds, a guy like Langston Walker may be our best bet.
He doesn’t have any injury concerns (Stinchcomb) or character concerns (McKinnie) and has extensive experience at RT.
What team did Walker play for? I know ive heard that name.
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
he played for the Raiders I think he really had a bad year last year
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes
yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz
Before the Raiders
He played for four years (I think) for the Bills, then when they cut him he came to Oakland.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 18, 2011 1:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Really?
Well that could be useful if was to come cheap as a back-up, but I don’t think he’s the answer at the RT position over what we currently have.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 18, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks
I chucked myself when I thought of it lol
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 18, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
The man put on 65 pounds this offseason if the reports are true. Man, that is incredible.
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
funny cuase he said in the offseaon he was working out with Tennis Star Serena Williams
to lose weight I guess instead she made cake
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes
yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz
Well while he was gaining weight training with her, she was growing a god damn mustache. I saw her play the other day on TV, and she had a ton of facial hair!
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
lol wow
What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up
Like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore--
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over--
like a syrupy sweet?
Maybe it just sags
like a heavy load.
Or does it explode?-langton Hughes
yeah I agree with Jimmy and Cary shutting down the other teams WR’s, they’ll make anybody rushing the QB look good - Jaz
I think those reports must be exaggerated. I’d be somewhat excited if the Ravens did sign McKinnie though.
Only because… if Ozzie believes that he’s good enough to play for us, that’s good enough for me. There’s no doubt that the guy can play. He’s an absolute road grading tackle. He’d be a perfect fit for RT right away and a good backup for Oher at the same time.
yeah I’m warming up to the idea more if ozzie thinks it’s ok because if Oher goes down we are completely screwes at LT
On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu
I think there’s a guy the front office is eyeing who may get cut. No idea who that player is, but we’ll soon find out.
Teams generally like to have their rosters set in place come the 3rd preseason game, so I expect alot of activity from Ozzie between Saturday and Thursday next week.
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
I’m not sure about that. Unless the O-Line falls apart completely tomorrow night (as it almost did last week), or for the last two PS games, I’m thinking the FO might just be waiting to sign someone after Week 1 when they can get them on a week to week basis rather than a year long salary.
They don’t have a lot of money to play with and something is holding up the Ngata renegotiation, who knows what, but seemingly serious enough that it’s not done yet. So, unless they find a 25 y.o. swing tackle with playoff experience before then, I wouldn’t be surprised to see them hold off until after Week 1.
"Cam Cameron…even his parents where obvious and repetitive." - raven
by GrumpyOldBird on Aug 18, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
nice move
one of the younger and bigger options out there.
looks like he likes to hit too
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QviSo2F9jJQ
and lets go to Bentleys...
by johnnyrobs13 on Aug 20, 2011 9:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Definitely
I really like this move, I’m curious what the terms of the deal will be.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 20, 2011 9:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn’t a corresponding roster move need to be made? I wonder who gets the axe…
by JoshuaStein on Aug 20, 2011 10:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Depends
On if we were already at the 90 player limit at the present time. We could also put someone who hasn’t been able to get over an injury on IR to “stash” them for a season (See: Ramon Harewood last year).
It should be interesting to see what this means now.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 20, 2011 10:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think we’re done adding linemen. I bet during these next round of cuts, if a guard becomes available that we like, he’ll be signed; might mean the end for Cousins.
I think they're more focused on a center
or at least a guy who can play center and guard. I’m actually optimistic that Cousins can be a capable guard, he’s a huge guy with loads of power, he was just never cut out to play tackle.
5 recs for a fanpost, or any post, is uncommon
your stuff needs to be on the front page. It’s a lot more relevant and interesting than PeekYou or whatever that crap was.
"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."
by jackmca on Aug 21, 2011 1:10 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I like reading about the Charm City lingerie team, don’t you?
"'If there isn't a bone sticking out of my leg, I'm playing" - Marshall Yanda
I’m sure Bruce loves meeting them so he keeps covering them, lol. Bruce, YOU PLAY TO WIN THE GAME
"Airborne, do not look at the ground. I promise you, it will be there. Unless the tectonic plates shift, and a chasm opens up on the drop zone, in which case we will surely let you know."
by jackmca on Aug 22, 2011 11:23 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Thank you
I appreciate the complement, I’m just trying to put together something that is interesting and fun to read. Its annoying when so much of the stuff I read on he is cobbled together stuff that I wouldn’t have given to my 4th grade teacher.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 21, 2011 6:51 PM EDT up reply actions
We signed a G/C today also in Colin Murphy. This might be for depth right now; I doubt he makes the team. Birk should be back for the opener.
I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone
For all the comments and Recs for this, I’m glad you all enjoyed it :-)
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 21, 2011 7:06 PM EDT reply actions
All I can say is I know of a LT that won’t ever be available for a long time. Joe Thomas signs a 7 year extension for $84 mil. I dont care who you are, thats a lot of pancakes.
"They kept throwing it at me. I don’t know why. They just kept trying, and I just kept knocking it down." - Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns.
Get healthy, get healthy, get healthy....
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 23, 2011 12:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Gaither is not anywhere near the level that Thomas is at. Plus, Thomas hasn’t missed a game and hasn’t gotten hurt. He’s worth every dime, protecting McCoy. Though this does bring up the cost of offensive linemen around the league.
"They kept throwing it at me. I don’t know why. They just kept trying, and I just kept knocking it down." - Joe Haden, Cleveland Browns.
Relax
It was only a joke, especially considering what a lightning rod Gaither has been here during the off-season.
A Ravens fan on the wrong side of the country!!
by Christopher Atwood on Aug 23, 2011 12:28 AM EDT up reply actions
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