[Polar Bear Jones]

How are we going to address the O-line this offseason. I think that our major problem was consistency that happens when you have injuries, but even at the beginning of the season we seemed to be lacking the ability to get Turner to the second level clean. This often resulted in him being to aggressive trying to break through the early contact and he was putting the ball on the ground. Norwood did not even have a chance. He goes down a little easy and when the O-line allows penetration in the run game he is screwed.
Everyone talks about us having to improve our defense but going from 6th to 16th in a single season means that there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed especially with the addition of Gonzo. There were also protection issues and I have to admit that I felt a little envious watching Brees with his short stature be able to wait as his interior o-linemen open up passing lanes as he carved the Colts up. It could be mostly him but Nicks and Evans are 2 of the best doing it inside today. While I wish we were able to address this issue early defense will probably be there focus with there first pick. This is OK because the amount of mid and late round picks we have can go a long way when getting interior guys.
Many think that Clabo should be kicked inside and a RT should be brought in. This is reasonable but I am not sure I want to lose Dahl. To be honest I like him a little more than Blalock.
We went after Daniel Loper last year but lost out to the lions. I think we could go after another Titan O-lineman this year Eugene Amano. He helped open the way for a 2,000 yard rusher and only gave up ½ a sack. I also think he could swing in to center if needed. Bobbie Williams from Cincinnati will probably be on a lot of teams hot list but since people are throwing Peppers in on there wish list for TD then I want this guy. An All Pro type talent at guard that can give Matt a since of security and pave a path for Turner.
If TD could grab one or (dare I ask 2) of the following o-lineman in the Draft I think we could alleviate some of the consistency issues we had last year and really see how explosive this offense can be.

Draft Picks
G John Jerry
OT Vladimir Ducasse
G Rodger Saffold
OT Jared Veldheer
OT Ciron Black
OT Kyle Calloway
G Brandon Carter

2 Questions
What do you think was problem last year with the O-line?
What offensive lineman do you think we should scoop up in free agency or in the mid to late rounds of the draft to help with the problem?

[kiwifalcon]

I actually thought our line went okay last season injuries as you mentioned at in oppourtune times disrupted our lines performance.I think they keep the O-line together and keep adding depth players like Reynolds will get more time and depending what they want to do with that right side we'll have to see.But the key over the next 2 years is to get younger McClure is not a spring chicken so I think we'll find another guy through the draft to eventually replace him.

I thought Turner struggled when Mughelli was'nt there as soon as he was back through week 5-8 Turner went alot better.

[Jaymadd]

I think we have some spots that can be upgraded on the OLine. I would like to see a OT selected in the 3rd round, I really like Saffold and believe he could compete from day 1 at RT and play LT in a pinch, could probably play Guard too. I also think it would be great to draft a Guard and Center for depth or to replace Clabo or blalock if they dont work out at Guard.

[Polar Bear Jones]

Amano resigned according to PFT, but Will Barkers stock is rising from according to NFP

Quote

Amano gets a new contract
Posted by Gregg Rosenthal on February 15, 2010 2:58 PM ET
The Titans locked up interior lineman Eugene Amano before he got anywhere near free agency.

Jim Wyatt of the Nashville Tennessean reports that the team has agreed to terms with Amano, who has primarily played guard, on a five-year contract through 2014.

The Titans said that maintaining offensive line continuity was important, and clearly Amano was a priority over center Kevin Mawae, who hasn't heard from the team yet. Amano could potentially move to center if Mawae leaves.

Tennessee got fantastic value by signing tackles Michael Roos and David Stewart to long-term deals in 2008. We suspect this contract will also be team-friendly; Amano could have made plenty on the open market.

There may not be a more punishing offensive line in the league than Tennessee's group. Keeping Amano will help them stay that way.

Quote

Will Barker: OT/OG Virginia, 6-7, 317

It’s not surprising that Barker has gone under the radar until this point. He’s a right tackle-only prospect who played on one of the poorer offenses this past season. However, coming from a university that has turned out its share of NFL-caliber starting tackles, Barker could be the next in line. As I said, he’s limited to the right side only at the next level, but he did showcase the ability at this year’s Texas vs. the Nation game to hold his own inside at guard. He’s a tough, nasty run blocker who can win at the point of attack while also showing the balance and length to hold his own in the pass game. Barker isn’t a guy who will get much love on draft day and isn’t an early round type of prospect, but I think he has a lot more value than prospects like Sam Young, Selvish Capers and Chris Marinelli. He’s someone who can not only make an NFL roster but eventually could be asked to start somewhere along a team’s offensive line.

This post has been edited by Polar Bear Jones: 15 February 2010 - 05:03 PM

[The Talon]

Could we put 2 or 3 rd tenders on Clabo and Dahl and upgrade with the draft pics we got for them ?

John Jerry, Vladimir Ducasse or Saffold.

[hawkeye]

The 2 I like are Saffold and Calloway in that order. But the way it looks right now Saffold is rising faster.
Calloway was on the Iowa line and that's what they are known for. So in the end I think it's a win win.

[Falcons 'til Death]

I think the most pressing need is center on the offensive line. If both Dahl and Clabo are retained and if the team is high on Reynolds like they are rumored to be I think we are set on the right side of the line. Reynolds will probably get the first chance to unseat Clabo at RT leaving Clabo to swing back from RG to RT.

McClure is getting up there in age, and we gotta start thinking about taking his replacement soon. Romberg to me is not the answer, he's just depth. So taking a good young center in this draft is the upmost importance because I don't think McClure has a whole lot left in the tank. We might be ok this year with him as the starter but next year might be a different story.

I can see LT as a need since Baker has had a hard time staying healthy for a whole season. Svitek seems to be effective in the running game but a liability in pass blocking.