Some Optimism from a Pessimist - The Skins CAN Reclaim Greatness

[44Deezel]

Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles
Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles


When general managers are quizzed about rebuilding a franchise most respond in terms that refer to the construction of a house. They frequently cite the need to "build a strong foundation" to steady the project and that adage often follows them into the war room when it is time to select the players to orchestrate a dramatic turnaround.

Whereas most observers would point to the quarterback as the key to a franchise's revival, recent history is showing that the offensive tackle position is playing a prominent role in the restoration process.

While many credited the sudden turnarounds of Miami, Baltimore and Atlanta to their installation of new quarterbacks, it is not a coincidence that the trio also featured three young offensive tackles (Jared Gaither, Ravens; Sam Baker, Falcons and Jake Long, Dolphins) excelling as first-time starters. In addition, the Carolina Panthers' 12-4 season was keyed by the stellar play of Jeff Otah on the edges.

Given the instant success of those players, and the fact that 12 offensive tackles have been taken in the first round of the past two drafts, scouts are beating the bushes to find another dominant edge blocker on the horizon. Fortunately, this year's draft class features a host of talented offensive tackles that scouts project to make immediate impacts as pros.

Oklahoma State's Russell Okung and Oklahoma's Trent Williams are currently viewed as the gems of the class, but they are joined by Southern California's Charles Brown, Notre Dame's Sam Young and LSU's Ciron Black as potential first-round picks in a draft that could produce as many as six first-round offensive tackles when all is said and done.

With several franchises on the verge of being blown up in the offseason, general managers may opt to grab a hard hat and an offensive tackle to start the rebuilding.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles
Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles


When general managers are quizzed about rebuilding a franchise most respond in terms that refer to the construction of a house. They frequently cite the need to "build a strong foundation" to steady the project and that adage often follows them into the war room when it is time to select the players to orchestrate a dramatic turnaround.

Whereas most observers would point to the quarterback as the key to a franchise's revival, recent history is showing that the offensive tackle position is playing a prominent role in the restoration process.

While many credited the sudden turnarounds of Miami, Baltimore and Atlanta to their installation of new quarterbacks, it is not a coincidence that the trio also featured three young offensive tackles (Jared Gaither, Ravens; Sam Baker, Falcons and Jake Long, Dolphins) excelling as first-time starters. In addition, the Carolina Panthers' 12-4 season was keyed by the stellar play of Jeff Otah on the edges.

Given the instant success of those players, and the fact that 12 offensive tackles have been taken in the first round of the past two drafts, scouts are beating the bushes to find another dominant edge blocker on the horizon. Fortunately, this year's draft class features a host of talented offensive tackles that scouts project to make immediate impacts as pros.

Oklahoma State's Russell Okung and Oklahoma's Trent Williams are currently viewed as the gems of the class, but they are joined by Southern California's Charles Brown, Notre Dame's Sam Young and LSU's Ciron Black as potential first-round picks in a draft that could produce as many as six first-round offensive tackles when all is said and done.

With several franchises on the verge of being blown up in the offseason, general managers may opt to grab a hard hat and an offensive tackle to start the rebuilding.

Do the Skins have anyone worth a first round pick? Would be nice if they could snag a QB AND Tackle in the first round... assuming they don't resign JC. I'm starting to think they might though.

[SFREDSKIN]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

Do the Skins have anyone worth a first round pick? Would be nice if they could snag a QB AND Tackle in the first round... assuming they don't resign JC. I'm starting to think they might though.

I would trade down and go for 2 OL in the 1st and 2nd (if able to trade down) just like Jacksonville did this year.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

Do the Skins have anyone worth a first round pick? Would be nice if they could snag a QB AND Tackle in the first round... assuming they don't resign JC. I'm starting to think they might though.

I've thought about this too -- the only player I can think of who might be worth a 1st rounder is Chris Cooley. Could we live w/o Cooley if it meant getting two first round picks to go after a tackle and QB or two good O-linemen?

That might be a good poll question...

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by Beemnseven

I've thought about this too -- the only player I can think of who might be worth a 1st rounder is Chris Cooley. Could we live w/o Cooley if it meant getting two first round picks to go after a tackle and QB or two good O-linemen?

That might be a good poll question...

If Fred Davis did a complete 180, maybe. I'd hate to see Cooley go, but business is business. Can't fall in love with anyone.

[tryfuhl]

Originally Posted by 44Deezel

Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles
Building blocks: Turnaround teams usually turn tackles

Let's all print this out and mail it to the Park.

[44Deezel]

Originally Posted by tryfuhl

Let's all print this out and mail it to the Park.

They do seem to be the Bizarro Front Office of the NFL. If only we could find an article that says the key to building a Super Bowl team is to sign the most expensive free agents on the market and trade away all your draft picks in the process. They seem Hell-bent on re-inventing the wheel over there.