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LMU93
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.
A good summary of the options at center IMO, except I am not necessarily in love with the idea of signing a veteran FA. If they extend Saffold and Whitworth plays, they will already have 3 OL under Big Contracts (those 2 plus Hav). Not sure adding a 4th one to that is cap wise. Last year OCs on the market came in at around 10+ M and it's bound to be at least that or more. Assuming RS would be around 8 M (veteran home discount contract) that would be more than 42 M on the OL.
Best case scenario? Whit plays and is fine, Saffold signs, NB replaces Blythe, and Allen turns out to be ready and comes through. They draft a couple of OL who work out, and in 2020 NB is at LOT.
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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/08/2019 04:12AM by zn.
