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badgerdms
I disagree with this. I think most offensive lineman are mid round picks. Sure, it's great to have a stud or two but keep in mind the Rams won a Super Bowl with Orlando Pace (the stud), one fifth round tackle (Miller), two 7th round guards (Timmerman and Nuten) and a UDFA Center (Gruttadauria). That's far more the norm than not.
The other thing is that offensive lineman bust early all the time, just like all other positions (Greg Robinson and Jason Smith ring any bells), so there is never a guarantee that picks on the Oline would actually help. I think they have a lot of bodies that have experience now, and suspect that last years rookies take a significant step forward. I like both Edwards and Evans. I think Noteboom will be Allen will also both come back improved. Really interested in seeing what Corbett can become with more time with Aaron Kromer.
Pace is good example. When you have a guy like Pace (an elite OLT), it's far easier to build around him with FAs and mid round guys. He solidifies THE key position on the line and that can boost the production of the entire line.
And any draft pick can bust. Robinson and Smith are two of the all-time NFL busts. (But that does demonstrate that Snead IS willing to spend premium draft capital on the position if he believes in the player.) Hell, maybe Robinson has made Snead gun shy about drafting OL very early, but I think they generally put a higher priority on other positions. Which is good by me, generally. But I don't just believe the line will be elite unless the team makes it a higher priority.
