Just thought I would generate a discussion about Left Tackle if the trade for Albert doesn't happen and we don't get one of the top three Left Tackles. If they don't have confidence in Martin at Left Tackle what are the other options in the draft? Are there any other options at left tackle later in the first or later rounds. I honestly don't know and was wondering if there are any sleepers that could be taken later in the draft at left tackle or any right tackles, guards or centers who could possibly be converted to a left tackle? I know there are some knowledgeable people on here who might have some insight on this important position.
OT Brennan Williams - North Carolina OT Reid Fragel - Ohio State OT Ricky Wagner - Wisconsin OT Ryan Jensen - Colorado State Pueblo Phins have shown interest in those guys...
Williams and Fragel were only right tackles. Wagner played left but isn't considered athletic enough to play left in the NFL. Jensen played both, but as a strong side tackle. He would line up on whichever side the tight end was on, from play to play. Pugh has left tackle feet, and understanding of angles, but has short arms. Armstead is athletic enough, and a lot of experience at LT but at a lower level. Bakhtiari is another one with LT experience and movement skills, but not ideal size. Braden Brown, the brother of Les, is interesting. He played RT, but is considered to have LT athleticism.
while I think Fragel is a 4-6 round target ... he is a converted TE and has (I think) - 1 year as a T ..... he can not be our answer for THIS year. if all falls through, McKinnie could be our 1 year stop gap ... to Yeatman/Fragel ... post draft. if we miss out on the top 3 ... I would rather just take Long in RD 2 .... I think he could slide in at RT (couldn't be any worse at RT than anyone we had there last year). the 'cheaper' OL options I like in the draft are Long (T/G), Quessenberry (G) and Fragel (T) in rounds 2,3 and 4. All 3of these have the potential to be pretty good.
I like guards Kyle Long or Brian Schwenke possibly moving to a tackle spot. Both are big and very athletic. Either of them in rounds 2/3 could be a steal. Hopefully its Long wearing 77 so i dont need to get a new jersey.
I'd like to see them take Terron Armstead in the 2nd. In my opinion, there is little difference between him and Lane Johnson. Both are comparable and extraordinary athletes with about the same size, speed, strength, jumping ability, etc. Armstead has very good feet and is reportedly very smart. While there are some questions about the level of competition he faced in college, most reports say he dominated at the Shrine game and continued to impress as a late fill-in at the Senior Bowl. He reminds me of Willie Roaf. I would much prefer Armstead in the 2nd than a 1st and 2nd for Lane Johnson.
Kyle Long played some tackle for the Ducks. He has a tackle body, just lacks experience. Schwenke is a guard who was moved to center as a senior. He is short and short armed, no way is he a candidate to move to tackle.
Homegrown boy Bryant Mckinnie is in top condition and ready to play, has no ties with the ravens and is out to prove that he can play at a high level..wants a multiyear deal..
One more good college left tackle is Brian Winters, but he is considered not athletic enough to play there in the NFL. He should be a RT or guard in the pros. IMO, he is a clone of TJ Lang, another MAC left tackle who was moved inside in the NFL and done pretty well. He has also played tackle though too in a pinch. Winters should be similar.
Watson in the late first round and Quessenberry in round 2-3. I like Pugh as well but I think his lack of length could force him be a guard. Just my personal opinion.
Not with any degree of certainty. Then again, I've heard some people are not even sure that Johnson will be ready to start right away. He'll probably start though, ready or not.
Sign Bryant Mckinnie and address OT in the 2nd or 3rd round if there's good value....if not next year or late round project