Here’s Oldnotdead…
Brian Allen may not start but he's still on his rookie contract so there is no reason for him not to make the roster. He would be a good backup. McVay's offense has changed since Allen was drafted. When they were running 90% outside zone Allen was fine. But now they have reversed it and run 90% inside and he's fine if he's uncovered because he's decent on the second level. But if he's covered like he wouid be in short yardage, then Shelton is the better option.
If McClendon can play as a OG then he would project as a RG and they could move Bruss to LG and Avila to center. But that is at least a year or two away.
Bruss or Jackson should be at RT assuming Noteboom returns to form and Jackson isn't at LT next year. Bruss would definitely be a change from Havenstein because Bruss has quick smooth feet. If Noteboom can't return to form I would be fine with Jackson at LT and Bruss at RT with McClendon at RG and Avila at LG. The optimal OL next year would be Noteboom LT, Jackson RT, McClendon RG, Bruss LG and Avila at center. Depending upon McClendon that could be an elite OL with it's run blocking strength between the tackles. Would they do it next year? IMO it all depends upon McClendon being able to make the transition to OG. Second best would be Avila at RG and Shelton at Center.
Regardless I think they have their OL of the future among the guys they have.
This year I see it as:
LT Noteboom
LG Bruss or Jackson
C Shelton
RG Avila
RT Havenstein
I think they will try to get Bruss ready at LG with Jackson at Swing OT this year and replacing Havenstein next year. With McClendon as a swing OG/OT and Allen as backup C/OG. The wildcard is McClendon. He could be a badass RG next year if he can make the transition. That would bump Avila to center.
