It's the OLine, Stupid!

[Neophyte]

With apologies to James Carville, in football, it's the OLine. Everything starts with controlling the Line of Skrimmage.

And last year Washington didn't.

To that end, I figured a thread to focus on the changes with the big uglies up front might be in order and easier than having to dig through other threads with more of a team focus.

So far in 2023 FA, Washington has signed G/T Andrew Wylie (KC) and C/G Nick Gates (NYG).



With this information, I think the current starting lineup looks something like this:

Leno, Gates/Paul, Roullier/Gates, Cosmi, Wylie

 

[Boone]

I think they are going to draft a starting left tackle. No way Bienemy wants Charles Leno holding down Sam Howell’s blind side.

 

[Canadian Hog]

I don't necessarily think the likes of Wylie and Gates will be long-term fixtures in Washington - this is part of my concern with these acquisitions. In the short term, they are likely going to fill needs, but the one thing that is sorely missing right now along that line are guys that we know with relative certainty will be foundational pieces for years to come. Cosmi can potentially be that, but we haven't seen enough out of him. The same goes for Chris Paul who got a cameo appearance in the final game of the season. We need some blue chippers up front still, much like we were spoiled with when drafting guys like Samuels, Williams, and to a lesser extent Scherff. The line to me is still a MAJOR draft need.

 

[Chris]

I hope they draft a OT with the 1st pick and roll out with the rookie, Paul, Roullier/Gates, Cosmi, and Wylie.

My fear is that they go with Leno, Norwell, Roullier, Cosmi, and Wylie. If so, the line will only be marginally improved and NFCE edge rushers will continue to feast on their right sides. Both Roullier and Gates both coming off recent major leg injuries has me concerned, as well. Hopefully the team won’t need 4-5 starting centers this coming season.

 

[Chris]

I don't necessarily think the likes of Wylie and Gates will be long-term fixtures in Washington - this is part of my concern with these acquisitions. In the short term, they are likely going to fill needs, but the one thing that is sorely missing right now along that line are guys that we know with relative certainty will be foundational pieces for years to come. Cosmi can potentially be that, but we haven't seen enough out of him. The same goes for Chris Paul who got a cameo appearance in the final game of the season. We need some blue chippers up front still, much like we were spoiled with when drafting guys like Samuels, Williams, and to a lesser extent Scherff. The line to me is still a MAJOR draft need.

Chris Paul played just as well as Sam Howell did in the finale. I wonder if he enters the offseason as LG1.

 

[SilentThreat]

If you go by these numbers, Wylie is a short term bridge starter and Gates is going to be a depth guy. $8mil guaranteed on a 3 year deal is backup money. I have a feeling this is just securing roster spots so you can go into the draft and not be ‘forced’ into doing something you don’t want to do.

 

[Chris]

Around these parts the backup center is usually the starter by week 3.

I really would like John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt in the draft.

 

[Neophyte]

And let's face it, our depth on the line last year was lousy. Our starters were not great but the dropoff in talent from starter to backup was huge.

 

[SkinsOrlando]

Who needs an O-line, 7 step drops all day all night , PARTTTTTTYYYYYY !!!

My heart wants O line with the first two picks, my brain however says we wait until the 2nd round for O line and again in the 4th because I have a feeling the top tier O lineman are gone by our first round pick and it wouldn't make sense to reach at 16 for a 2nd round talent. I also think at 47 we won't necessarily have to trade up in the 2nd unless there's a guy who slipped from a bottom tier 1st rounder into the 2nd.

What am I basing this on, nothing since much can change by the time the draft comes around, hell if someone told me Carolina would trade up to number 1 two weeks ago I'd have taken those odds against and lost money.

 

[Boone]

One thing to consider…

Both Wentz and Heinicke had issues holding onto the ball waaaay too long last season. From what I’ve seen (granted in a small sample size) Howell is much more decisive, getting it out quickly or using his legs if there is an opening.

That difference has the potential to mask a lot of OL issues. But like you guys, I’d love to see us use our first several picks on a new starting LT and center.

 

[Neophyte]

I think it is also likely that Bieniemy's offense will utilize quicker passes than Turner's as well. While there is some deep stuff mixed in, Reid's offenses have always relied more on quick, short passes with yards after catch.

That should help too (assuming EB follows that model).

 

[Rhino-Rhino]

And let's face it, our depth on the line last year was lousy. Our starters were not great but the dropoff in talent from starter to backup was huge.

Very true Neo my only objection to that would be when Roullier went down Larsen stepped up in a big way and actually brought a little more stability at that time . He played well imo

 

[DieselPwr44]

 

[Neophyte]

Yeah...just saw that.

Wow.

 

[Boone]

Guessing there were major disagreements on FA approach/players. No way this was planned.

 

[SkinsOrlando]

Hmm, could this be Eric B. wanting his own O line coach??

 

[Neophyte]

I'd say that at this point it nearly has to be a difference of opinion between the two men. If EB had wanted his own guy on Day 1, I think Matsko would have been let go then.

 

[Chris]

They moved on from Sam Mills during training camp. Hopefully this also makes a noticeable difference.

Even if it saddens Charles Leno’s wife.

 

[Boone]

 

[MikefromOH]

Man, if only we had a stud LT. Someone considered to be the best in the league to this day.

That would be so nice.