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What to do along the offensive line?
There were a number of speculative articles today in attempts to address the Eagles future along the offensive line. Mark Kram of the Daily News basically penned a reflective Jon Runyan obituary today. Additionally, Bob Grotz of the Delco Times indicated that he had sources telling him that Todd Herremans will become the Birds 2009 starting left tackle.
Such speculation gets me thinking. What will the line look like next year? If Runyan departs, can the Birds really head into 2009 with Herremans on the left side and rookie on the right side? Will the Birds aggressively target Carolina Panther free agent and 2008 Pro-Bowler Jordan Gross (LT) and retain Runyan? Can Herremans be a competent starter at the toughest position along the offensive line?
I like to hear what the readership:
A) Thinks will actually happen? and;
B) What your best case scenario would be along the line?
Let's explore some possibilities - players are listed at their respective line position:
LT, LG, C, RG, RT
A) Thomas, Herremans, Jackson, Andrews, Runyan - "The Incumbents"
B) Gross, Herremans, Jackson, Andrews, Runyan - "Banner's Checkbook Opens"
C) Herremans, Jean-Gilles, Jackson, Andrews, Runyan - "The Frenchman is promoted"
D) Herremans, Jean-Gilles, Jackson, Cole, Andrews - "610 WIP's Best Case Scenario"
E) Rookie, Herremans, Jackson, Andrews, Runyan - "A New Era"
F) Herremans, Rookie, Jackson, Andrews, Runyan - "The Unexpected Draft Pick"
F) Something totally unexpected - "Holy Fucking Shit"
What would be the options under "something totally unexpected?"
- Mike McGlynn, 2008 4th-rounder played right tackle opposite of Jeff Otah at Pittsburgh. MyGlynn also has experience at the right guard and center spots. Going into the draft last year scouts had McGlynn capable of playing any position along the line at an NFL level (however, consensus had him as a guard). Unexpected moves: McGlynn supplants any of the current starters.
- King Dunlap, 2008 7th rounder was once considered a consensus 1st round pick by the collegiate talent evaluators. Just one year later, Dunlap almost fell out of the draft entirely. After a relatively solid preseason at the left tackle spot, Dunlap opened some eyes. The Birds stashed him on Injured Reserve with an "ankle" injury at the close of preseason. Unexpected move: Dunlap waltzes in as the starting left tackle next year. Chances of that happening are......remote.
- Nick Cole, played well as a replacement for Max Jean-Gilles who was a replacement for Shawn Andrews. Personally, I thought he was more effective than Jean-Gilles, but that's just, like, my, opinion, man. Cole can play both guard and center. Unexpected move: Cole supplants the line's favorite whipping boy, Jamaal Jackson at center.
- The Birds draft two tackles with the 21st and 28th overall picks. Plug and play.
- Winston Justice lives up to any semblance of an expectation, the least probable of all.
Thoughts from the brethren? Scenarios not considered?
Dunlap and McGlynn are the wildcards here. Can't be sure about their development, but I can see Reid using one them inside if he sees potential (although Dunlap is obviously a tackle). Could see Runyan or Thomas signing a 2 year deal (but not both) if Andy feels he's a year or two away in developing these players. This is the one area I have a lot of faith in our coaching staff. If Scott Young didn't suffer from delusions of grandeur, I thought he could have been a starter if called upon. Jackson seemed to hold his ground a bit better this year. I'm fine with our interior, I just wonder how effective Andrews would be at tackle. He is arguably one of the top 3 guards in the game, so how much do you lose/gain by moving him.
Super Bowl and Pro Bowl week are interesting because it's where the rumor mill really gets cranked up. I read some things about Gross on the Eagles radar, but nothing really from the Eagles "sources" yet. The reason that excites me is that not only is it a need position, but it makes a more likely scenario that the Birds actually use both first round picks. Let's not discount the fact that Gross went to Utah. Perhaps someone can check if he's Mormon. If so, start printing those jerseys!
If there's one thing this team needs, it's more magic underwear in the locker room.
My gut feeling is that Runyan is back, Tra is gone. I'm not sure how I feel about Herremans at the tackle. Part of me really hopes we get Oher in the draft, but I can't really tell if the book clouds my judgment of the guy or not.
Bob - Jordan Gross just might be a Morman. If so, we're in business. Oher is projected top 10 pick, so the Birds would have to package #21 and #28 to go get him. I think I read those two picks could get the Birds the #8 pick.
No luck on Gross, we should start looking at plan B for LT
http://famousmormons.net/football.html
Stew Bradley a Mormon, who knew?
Nice Rack !
Dave Campo a Mormon? I don't know why that shocks me. That was probably the most educational link I've read in weeks...
Off topic, but a report surfaced this weekend that the Cards will listen to trade offers for Boldin. They would probably part with him for a 1st rounder (good for us) and plug Breaston in if he leaves. I know this stuff can change, especially if the Cards pull off the upset, but that's encouraging (especially since our biggest rival in a bidding war cashed out with Roy Williams during the season).
Yeah but now the NY Giants could be in the mix as well...
I doubt the Eagles would go after Boldin without knowing the seriousness of his hamstring issues and I also doubt they would give up a number one....actually...forget doubt. They wont give up a number one. PERIOD. Keep in mind Randy Moss was aquired for a 4th rounder...
Unless I'm naive, I really thought we would have pulled the trigger last year, but Detroit and Arizona wouldn't budge. Moss went went for a 4th because people were unsure if he could/would still play.
I did underestimate NY's need for a big WR. I listen to WFAN and that's all their fans clamor for as well. Should be interesting.