If they lose Saffold- and I hope they don't- I'm confident Noteboom can start at LG. And if the long term plan is him taking over for Whitworth at LT (and my assumption is he plays in 2019), then that may be a good transitional step. Noteboom could also play RG if they either want to make RG an open competition with Blythe or Blythe slides over the center.
And center is
the big question. Sullivan has been good overall for two years. A steadying influence. But he wears down as the season progresses and teams with big, really good DTs (Bears, Eagles) eat him up. I don't think you can say "well, have Sullivan start the year and switch to someone else in week 10 or 11 when he slips." Center isn't a spot you want a midyear transition.
So at center you either (a) go with Sullivan again, (b) move Blythe over- which I think is a possibility, (c) give it to Allen if you think he's ready (assuming he gets stronger and adds 10 lbs.), or (d) look at free agency again or plan to use one of their top 3 picks on a center.
A lot of options. I think you put Blythe at center or look at free agency. Maybe they pursue Ryan Groy again who they wanted in 2017 before Sullivan. Started 6 games in Buffalo a year ago and 14 in the last three seasons. 28 years old. Or aim higher with Mitch Morse from KC? 1,500+ pass blocks without allowing a sack. Will be 27 in April. He will cost $$ but having a quality center for the next 4-5 years could be worth it. Another lesser known option could be BJ Finney from the Steelers- 9 starts and 700 snaps there the past 3 years.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 02/08/2019 04:02AM by LMU93.
