Time to Build an Offensive Line

[Trample the Elderly]

Originally Posted by T.O.Killa

Wow, cant believe this. I thought that Williams is as bad as any lineman we have had.

On Williams: "Mike showed a tremendous work ethic and willingness to do whatever the team asked of him, and those are two of the traits we're looking for in Redskins players. We believe that he's only scratched the surface of his abilities so far, and look forward to seeing what he can do after a full offseason in our program."

Inside space eater?

[CRedskinsRule]

On MWilliams, I liked it when they gave him a shot, he showed grit and determination, and for someone out so long, didn't embarrass himself (to my eyes) so give him the shot. Like Lotus said, don't guarantee money, and let him prove himself if not cut'em. Works for me.

[joethiesmanfan]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Be my guest...

The first group is pretty obvious. The second list sorta follows this idea that you never replace a hungry, bruising safety w/ a guy who misses a lot and avoids contact. Honestly I can't tell you the name of the safeties for Oakland, Miami or San Diego. What I can say is I watched games over the last season where safeties from these teams put the hurt on like Laron never has or will. Particularly the kid from Oakland...that dude is fierce.

But let's stop w/ the nonsense about "Laron's talent puts him in another category" bullsh*t. It's just become code for making excuses about a player who has some obvious issues that go way beyond technique or coaching. A kid who starts diving to the turf to avoid contact or taking a bizarre angle so contact doesn't happen till the play is out of bounce...there's no place in the NFL for it.

DAMN, that's all I go to say about that!! That's real talk. Cut Landry.

[MTK]

Williams had a lot to overcome in a short period of time, I thought he was up and down last year. The coaches obviously see some potential there so I'll defer to their opinion. At least this year he can work on technique instead of auditioning for the biggest loser.

[SOUL-SKINS]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Williams had a lot to overcome in a short period of time, I thought he was up and down last year. The coaches obviously see some potential there so I'll defer to their opinion[. At least this year he can work on technique instead of auditioning for the biggest loser.

Exactly!

[CultBrennan59]

Any word on how Chad Clifton and Tony Pasho's are doing with their skins visit? I heard Clifton is just coming here to get the packers price up.

[Trample the Elderly]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

Any word on how Chad Clifton and Tony Pasho's are doing with their skins visit? I heard Clifton is just coming here to get the packers price up.

I wouldn't want him. Would you?

[Trample the Elderly]

I've been hearing more and more about Bruce Campbell. Anyone have the schimmy? This draft couldn't have come at a better time. We need a whole new o-line and the draft is DEEP.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Mattyk

Williams had a lot to overcome in a short period of time, I thought he was up and down last year. The coaches obviously see some potential there so I'll defer to their opinion. At least this year he can work on technique instead of auditioning for the biggest loser.

We def saw Mike Williams struggle off and on but personally I'm willing to cut him slack because the musical chairs gig probably made it even harder to adjust after all the time outside the football. I think w/ continued commitment and the Shanny brand of oline he's a strong candidate to start at RG or be a consistent backup at RG/RT.

[NYCskinfan82]

Originally Posted by The Goat

We def saw Mike Williams struggle off and on but personally I'm willing to cut him slack because the musical chairs gig probably made it even harder to adjust after all the time outside the football. I think w/ continued commitment and the Shanny brand of oline he's a strong candidate to start at RG or be a consistent backup at RG/RT.

Agree he's still some what young and he was an Ex-1st round pick.

[drew54]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

Any word on how Chad Clifton and Tony Pasho's are doing with their skins visit? I heard Clifton is just coming here to get the packers price up.

Clifton Stays with the Pack Packers T Clifton stays in GB for $20 million - NFL- nbcsports.msnbc.com

[T.O.Killa]

Man, I just had a nightmare. Mike Williams at RT and Stephan Heyer at LT.

[Pocket$ $traight]

Originally Posted by T.O.Killa

Man, I just had a nightmare. Mike Williams at RT and Stephan Heyer at LT.

I don't believe that Washington signed Williams to be a tackle today but the fact that he can play tackle makes him more valuable (typically it is ideal if a reserve lineman can play more than one position in a pinch).

Here is my take on Mike Williams. First, Allen and Shanahan have ZERO ties to Big Mike. I think they proved yesterday that if you can't help the team, you won't be on the team. So, they must think that Mike deserves a spot on the team.

Now, I thought Doc Walker (someone who is an expert on line play) broke down Mike Williams very well today. Big Mike as a tackle is a liability. I think everyone will admit that. However, as a guard he performed much better. He showed signs of being a mauler in the run game and the fact that you have a guard with tackle skills helps in pass pro.

Now, what will be different this year? His body will be accustomed to being 340 - 360 as opposed to being 450. There is a transition period for people who gain a lot of weight or lose a lot of weight in a short period of time.

MOST IMPORTANTLY for him to be a contributor, he has to stay healthy. He wasn't healthy last year but still played almost the whole year.

Another key, they have to get a quality right tackle. Williams struggled but he had no help with Heyer next to him. Heyer can help in a pinch, but if he is a starting lineman for us, we have no chance long term.

Why am I hopeful that Mike Williams can help us? First, he has pedigree. He was an all-american at a premier program. Next, he actually has potential to improve. He has another full year to train and get in football shape.

I am hopeful for big things this year from him, ideally as a reserve. Unfortunately, we may need him to start some games though...

[T.O.Killa]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

I don't believe that Washington signed Williams to be a tackle today but the fact that he can play tackle makes him more valuable (typically it is ideal if a reserve lineman can play more than one position in a pinch).

Here is my take on Mike Williams. First, Allen and Shanahan have ZERO ties to Big Mike. I think they proved yesterday that if you can't help the team, you won't be on the team. So, they must think that Mike deserves a spot on the team.

Now, I thought Doc Walker (someone who is an expert on line play) broke down Mike Williams very well today. Big Mike as a tackle is a liability. I think everyone will admit that. However, as a guard he performed much better. He showed signs of being a mauler in the run game and the fact that you have a guard with tackle skills helps in pass pro.

Now, what will be different this year? His body will be accustomed to being 340 - 360 as opposed to being 450. There is a transition period for people who gain a lot of weight or lose a lot of weight in a short period of time.

MOST IMPORTANTLY for him to be a contributor, he has to stay healthy. He wasn't healthy last year but still played almost the whole year.

Another key, they have to get a quality right tackle. Williams struggled but he had no help with Heyer next to him. Heyer can help in a pinch, but if he is a starting lineman for us, we have no chance long term.

Why am I hopeful that Mike Williams can help us? First, he has pedigree. He was an all-american at a premier program. Next, he actually has potential to improve. He has another full year to train and get in football shape.

I am hopeful for big things this year from him, ideally as a reserve. Unfortunately, we may need him to start some games though...

I think you are riight. I am a little suprised that we have heard nothing about Levi Jones. I think he was ok, as a LT. Maybe, he would be better after a full year of preperation.

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by Pocket$ $traight

I don't believe that Washington signed Williams to be a tackle today but the fact that he can play tackle makes him more valuable (typically it is ideal if a reserve lineman can play more than one position in a pinch).

Here is my take on Mike Williams. First, Allen and Shanahan have ZERO ties to Big Mike. I think they proved yesterday that if you can't help the team, you won't be on the team. So, they must think that Mike deserves a spot on the team.

Now, I thought Doc Walker (someone who is an expert on line play) broke down Mike Williams very well today. Big Mike as a tackle is a liability. I think everyone will admit that. However, as a guard he performed much better. He showed signs of being a mauler in the run game and the fact that you have a guard with tackle skills helps in pass pro.

Now, what will be different this year? His body will be accustomed to being 340 - 360 as opposed to being 450. There is a transition period for people who gain a lot of weight or lose a lot of weight in a short period of time.

MOST IMPORTANTLY for him to be a contributor, he has to stay healthy. He wasn't healthy last year but still played almost the whole year.

Another key, they have to get a quality right tackle. Williams struggled but he had no help with Heyer next to him. Heyer can help in a pinch, but if he is a starting lineman for us, we have no chance long term.

Why am I hopeful that Mike Williams can help us? First, he has pedigree. He was an all-american at a premier program. Next, he actually has potential to improve. He has another full year to train and get in football shape.

I am hopeful for big things this year from him, ideally as a reserve. Unfortunately, we may need him to start some games though...

Nice post. I think the part in bold is key. Even at 340 I remember folks saying Mike had surprising agility, and that's after how many years outside the game? As a huge, agile guard he could be very important in the zone-blocking scheme, though I don't enough acumen to know how he'll make the transition otherwise.

The part about Mike playing next to a RT superior to Heyer is also important. Personally I'm surprised we even kept Heyer. In space is just awful and watching him target, close and then block someone (which is key in zone-blocking) is just painful.