Quote:
Originally Posted by FatDT
Not much left in FA, prepare to be unhappy.
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Not quite true. While there are no "sure fire, lock" starters left in the age range that Ballard has said that he wants to sign players (24 - 27 years old), there are some solid guys who could come in, compete to win the spot over Haeg, Good and Clark and improve the line.
OT Cameron Flemming, NE (2 year wonder without a ton of starting experience)
OG Jack Mewhort, IND (health issues; good starter when healthy)
OG Quinton Spain, TEN (RFA with only 1st right of refusal tag...no draft picks needed to poach him)
OG Jonathan Cooper, DAL (Career derailed by lots of injuries.)
Obviously, Matt Slauson is an immediate starter if signed but is well outside Ballard's target age range (turned 32 in Feb) and would be a short-term gap filler.
There is some help in free agency but we are going to have to rely on a combination of things happning for our O-Line to improve a lot in 2018:
1. Hopefully, better offensive scheme allowing for the ball to get out faster when pressure happens.
2. Hopefully, better offensive line coach who can get more out of folks.
3. Hopefully, a couple of the guys listed above signed to give better competition in training camp for starting spots.
4. Hopefully, at least 1 stud draftee who can come in and compete as well.
5. Hopefully, Andrew Luck's spidy sense has not left him to help avoid the pressure.
If a few of those things happen, then we should be in a better place in 2018 than 2017 with the offensive line.
Walk Worthy,