Post Draft OL Status/Opinions

[leonardfan40]

(05-02-2021, 11:38 AM)fredtoast Wrote: Rep.  Not counting on a healthy Su'a-Filo being a big upgrade but if Carman is a bust, Hopkins is not ready to play, and Williams goes down with injury again this O-line will be a complete dumpster fire.  Worst in the league.

The second big issue is coaching.  I am not sure if Pollack is that great of an O-line coach, but last year we gave up a lot more sacks based on missed assignments than guys just getting physically beaten.  They all struggled picking up blitzes and simple basic line stunts. 

If everyone is healthy and the coaching makes a difference we still won't have an elite line, but it will be miles ahead of hat we had last year.  We have very good talent at the skill positions.  They should be able to score points with an average to above average line.

You’re right in that first paragraph that if all of that happens we will be terrible on the o line again. That being said, if 3 or 4 projected starters on any o line in the league go down they’d be looking at a terrible OL as well.

You’re also right that we don’t need an elite line with these weapons and QB. We could have an excellent offense, run the ball more and keep Burrow upright with an average OL. It doesn’t have to be the best in the league. It just has to be ok this year. You don’t go from the worst OL in the league to elite in one offseason. We should be much better this year and can continue to build the o line in FA/draft next year. We addressed every aspect of the line this offseason from coaching to OT, G and C to depth.

Even with all of that I don’t expect the OL to be a strength this season. It doesn’t need to be that good overnight. It just needs to not be the glaring liability it was last year. Unless disaster strikes (which would doom about any team in the league) we should be good enough on OL to get the job done. Then with any luck next offseason they’ll continue to try to improve it. Maybe even with a first round pick or big time signing that some desperately desire.