Bruss is supposed to be a RG. We don't need him any more. I'd pay Dotson and let him walk in FA and take the comp pick if he succeeds elsewhere. Let him walk, and try not to whiff on the next OL (center, hopefully) draft pick.
To my eye in limited views, Shelton's weakness used to be that he'd get pushed back into the pocket. I'm seeing far less of that now. He's laways been able to get to the second level and block a linebacker. I think he does OK in zone blocking, or seems to based on my limited looks. Same with gap. Williams seems to find enough room between him and Avila or Dotson.
He's smart. I don't see blown line calls or delay of game calls that goes back to the center not having his guys ready.
He handles the ball well, no snap-fumbles, and ball placement to Stafford on long snaps are usually waist to number-high and centered.
He's getting the job done, particularly if we look with fresh eyes at what he's doing now.
Center position does not have the all-over-the-field responsibility that LG does in our current system. Avila can block in place, pull, or go behind the line of scrimmage to the opposite side of the field to find work. He plays faster than we realize. You'd be giving up Avila's range, lead blocking in gap and and bulldozer bloking in zone, plus his pass protection from the guard spot to move him to center.
I'd leave him where he is, and cut Allen loose if a suitable apprentice/backup can be found in the draft
after other positions of greater need are addressed. (And didn't we draft such a center last year, and what was his name, and what happened to him?)
Unless we come up with a separate-but-equal Avila to play guard, moving him to center becomes a net loss. I'd rather retool/upgrade the defensive backfield, see what we have in in Mathis and Hampton, and if they don't measure up, then go looking for an edge. The caution here is, as Snead says, identifying the need and finding one are two different things. Doesn't hurt to draft a prospect as any free agency player will have a market and high price tag.
I'd look at moving Hoecht to the DE spot to compete or back up at that position. He's big, uber-smart, athletic, and fast. Who's to say he couldn't be anothet Bosa if playing where he should be playing? Outside LB ain't it.
Instead of looking for a little speedy wideout, what's the matter with at least a big speedy wideout? One who could stay on the field for three downs and be a downfield threat all the time? If we could find one, with game speed if not dazzling 40 time, I'd look for a trade partner and thank Tutu for trying.
And make a point of getting a kicker in the draft.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/17/2024 12:10PM by mtramfan.
