(03-20-2025, 05:03 PM)Bilbo Saggins Wrote: So Patrick was ranked 79th overall in pass protection. 64 starting guards in the league, that means that he was not starting caliber in the most important metric. Why are they sniffing around for a backup when Scherff and Risner are still out there? They should've kept Cappa at this rate. They could've bet on a potential rebound. 

Better yet would be to look at Patrick's 2023 grades, as he was pretty much the season starter for the Bears that season. Played all 17 games with 15 starts. 

doesn't seem like much of an upgrade, tbh.

(03-20-2025, 05:39 PM)CJD Wrote: doesn't seem like much of an upgrade, tbh.

You're right, he seems more like a potential depth signing.

(03-20-2025, 05:39 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: You're right, he seems more like a potential depth signing.

I would be disappointed if this was the only signing we make at guard, but it seems like he's better than Volson at the very least.

Depth is a good thing, but we still need a starter at RG

I hope we're not relying on the draft for that starter.

Found this floating out there about Lucas Patrick,

Height/Weight: 6’3” / 313 lbs

Experience: 9th year in the NFL (undrafted in 2016)

Teams: Green Bay Packers (2016–2021), Chicago Bears (2022–2023), New Orleans Saints (2024)

Current Date Reference: March 20, 2025

Overview
Lucas Patrick is a versatile interior offensive lineman who has carved out a solid career as an undrafted free agent from Duke. Known for his toughness and adaptability, he has started at both guard and center across three teams. While not a top-tier talent, his experience and grit make him a valuable asset, though injuries have periodically disrupted his availability.

Pass Blocking
Strengths:

In 2024 with the Saints, Patrick played 309 pass-blocking snaps, allowing zero sacks, zero quarterback hits, and just 10 pressures (per X posts), showcasing a career-best 3.2% pressure rate and a 60.3 PFF pass-blocking grade.
His 2023 season with the Bears saw him log 539 pass-blocking snaps with a 5.2% pressure rate, demonstrating resilience despite a lower 40.6 PFF grade.
Excels at picking up stunts and twists, using his veteran savvy to maintain pocket integrity against basic defensive schemes.
Weaknesses:

Earlier struggles include a 2022 season with the Bears where he posted a 30.8 PFF pass-blocking grade and an 11.6% pressure rate over 146 snaps, exacerbated by injury setbacks.
His high pad level can expose him to bull rushes, and he lacks the lateral quickness to consistently handle elite, agile interior rushers.
Summary: Patrick’s pass protection has improved significantly in recent years, particularly at center, though he remains a tier below the NFL’s elite linemen due to athletic limitations and past inconsistency tied to injuries.

Run Blocking
Strengths:

Brings a physical, hard-nosed approach suited for power and gap schemes, capable of generating push when he maintains leverage.
Effective as a combo blocker, working well in tandem to seal defenders and reach the second level with decent awareness.
Contributed to a functional Saints run game in 2024 (79% snap share over 11 games), supporting a balanced attack.
Weaknesses:

Not a dominant force in the run game; he often stalemates rather than displaces defenders, especially against bigger nose tackles.
Limited knee bend and athleticism hinder his effectiveness in zone schemes requiring lateral movement or reach blocks.
Summary: A solid but unspectacular run blocker, Patrick fits best in downhill schemes where his tenacity shines, though he’s not a game-changer in this area.

Penalties
In 2024, Patrick committed 6 penalties over 664 snaps with the Saints (11 games, 10 starts), averaging one every 110 snaps—a reasonable rate for an interior lineman.
Historically disciplined with his hands (e.g., 5 penalties in 911 snaps in 2021 with Green Bay), his 2024 flags likely stem from technique lapses or overaggression under pressure.
Summary: Patrick’s penalty numbers are manageable and don’t significantly detract from his overall performance.

Injury History
Lucas Patrick’s career has been marked by several injuries that have impacted his availability and, at times, his performance:

2012 (College, Duke): Suffered a fractured left ankle requiring surgery, sidelining him for part of his redshirt freshman year.
2022 (Bears):
Thumb Injury: Injured his right thumb during training camp, with no clear timetable for return initially reported. He played through it but was limited early in the season.
Toe Injury: Suffered a toe injury in Week 7 against the Patriots, exiting in the first quarter. Placed on injured reserve on October 27, missing the remainder of the season (only 7 games played, 5 starts).
2023 (Bears): Played 16 games (15 starts) with no major reported injuries, marking a healthier year despite a back tweak from a blindside block midseason that didn’t sideline him long-term.
2024 (Saints):
Toe Injury: Injured his toe in Week 1 against the Panthers, missing the second half but returning for Week 2 after limited practice.
Knee Injury: Suffered a significant knee injury in Week 16 against the Packers, ruled out for the final two games of the regular season. Interim coach Darren Rizzi confirmed the injury on December 24, 2024, with Patrick seeking second opinions on potential surgery (per NewOrleans.Football). Ended the year with 11 games played (10 starts).
Injury Impact: Patrick has missed significant time in multiple seasons (e.g., 9 games in 2022, 6 in 2024), often due to lower-body injuries. His durability improved in 2023, but his 2024 knee injury raises concerns about long-term reliability as he enters his age-32 season.

Additional Notes
Versatility: Has started 25 games since 2023 across left guard, right guard, and center, offering roster flexibility.
Durability Concerns: While resilient when healthy (e.g., 1,010 snaps in 2023), recurring injuries have capped his ceiling and availability.
Intangibles: Praised for leadership and work ethic, Patrick’s journey from rookie tryout to starter resonates as a success story (noted on X posts from his Packers days).
Overall Assessment
Lucas Patrick is a dependable veteran lineman whose versatility and experience make him a valuable starter or high-end backup. His pass blocking has reached a career peak in recent years, and his run blocking suits physical schemes, but injuries remain a persistent hurdle. His 2024 knee injury, potentially requiring surgery, adds uncertainty to his future outlook.

Fit: Best as a cost-effective starter for a team needing interior line stability or a versatile reserve for a contender. Not a foundational piece due to injury risks.

Grade: C+ (Competent Starter/High-End Backup with Injury Caveats)

WHO DEY

This ain’t it

If this is their only G signing, then that is pathetic.

If we sign him and cut Volson, that would make sense to me.

(03-20-2025, 05:42 PM)CJD Wrote: I would be disappointed if this was the only signing we make at guard, but it seems like he's better than Volson at the very least.

Depth is a good thing, but we still need a starter at RG

I hope we're not relying on the draft for that starter.

I hope we DO rely on the draft for the starter: lots of really good RG prospects to be had.

(03-20-2025, 08:26 PM)Truck_1_0_1_ Wrote: I hope we DO rely on the draft for the starter: lots of really good RG prospects to be had.

I hope we don't wait for draft. We have snough money invested of offense and our defense is very very bad.

(03-20-2025, 08:51 PM)Luvnit2 Wrote: I hope we don't wait for draft. We have snough money invested of offense and our defense is very very bad.

Even if the do draft a top Guard, it would still be nice to have a guy like Brandon Scherff to put some old school leadership and wisdom in the OL room, not to mention he still blocks really well in both phases of the game.

(03-20-2025, 06:05 PM)RunKijanaRun Wrote: This ain’t it

It ain't what, an upgrade over what we have?

I get the dude ain't Quinten Nelson but if he's better than what we currently have; I'll take it.

(03-20-2025, 09:20 PM)bfine32 Wrote: It ain't what, an upgrade over what we have?

I get the dude ain't Quinten Nelson but if he's better than what we currently have; I'll take it.

from dog poop to cat poop

(03-20-2025, 09:22 PM)Frank Booth Wrote: from dog poop to cat poop

You sir have never owned a cat if you think it's an upgrade from dog poop. This dude is at least Rabbit poop.

You and I were the founding members of the Cordel Volson sucks club. I figured you'd applaud anything that pushed him to the bench or another profession.

(03-20-2025, 09:20 PM)bfine32 Wrote: It ain't what, an upgrade over what we have?

I get the dude ain't Quinten Nelson but if he's better than what we currently have; I'll take it.

We haven't heard any news about any potential signing, so maybe Peters gave him the thumbs down?

(03-20-2025, 12:55 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: What snapshot of time are those numbers from? Volson played 985 snaps last year, Cappa 1133, Ford 689.

Pass block snaps, not total. Like it says. I figured run block snaps were useless when talking pressures & sacks 

EDIT: Oops, sorry Sunset, asdressed upthread. I am playing catchup and should not have pisted before getting to the end. My bad.

(03-20-2025, 09:32 PM)SunsetBengal Wrote: We haven't heard any news about any potential signing, so maybe Peters gave him the thumbs down?

He’s flying in tonight. Visit isn’t until tomorrow.

(03-20-2025, 09:34 PM)Nicomo Cosca Wrote: He’s flying in tonight. Visit isn’t until tomorrow.

Alright, I thought that he was with the team today.

(03-20-2025, 09:26 PM)bfine32 Wrote: You sir have never owned a cat if you think it's an upgrade from dog poop. This dude is at least Rabbit poop.

You and I were the founding members of the Cordel Volson sucks club. I figured you'd applaud anything that pushed him to the bench or another profession.

correct. I thought it was universally agreed upon that cat poop is more preferable to dog poop. From an outdoors perspective. 

Yes I am having this conversation

(03-20-2025, 09:41 PM)Frank Booth Wrote: correct. I thought it was universally agreed upon that cat poop is more preferable to dog poop. From an outdoors perspective. 

Yes I am having this conversation

You’ve clearly never seen Trainspotting.