joeseahawks":j59emqgk said:
Shouldn't we be concerned about the issues the O-Line had in many games this season? Bad O-Line play can make your QB look stupid back there (let alone get him hurt). I think O-Line should be a much higher priority than Big WR or TE. Without an O-Line, does it even matter who the QB will be throwing to?
I don't know much about the prospect, but we need to get the best available O-Lineman when we draft. We can fill the other positions later. I'm really tired of seeing Russell run for his life. I was tired of seeing Lynch gain ZERO yards on first down (or most yards on his own effort). Furthermore, if we are going to start playing to play guys like Christine Michael or Robert Turbin, we need better O-Line play. They are not as big, strong and powerful as Lynch.
Our starting offensive tackles have played well. The issues have been inside.
I'm guessing that the mock is assuming that we are trying to supplant Okung due to his high salary. Arguments have been made on this board about him not being elite and the money could be used for Russell, Wright....
Our need for weapons is very real. Look at the Denver game. Wilson was barely touched because that defense had their hands full defending Percy Harvin. We need another big bodied weapon or two anyway and that need will be magnified further when Percy misses games again next season. Seattle would be foolish to bank on 19-20 games from Harvin next year. There are some A-list talents that fit this bill and happen to be available in the late first. By contrast it's looking like a ho-hum year for interior OL early on.
NorthDallas40oz":j59emqgk said:
With Kouandijo the whole just doesn't equal the some of the parts. Physically he possesses all of the attributes that you look for in today's prototype...he certainly passes the eyeball test. But he's really struggled in pass protection at times, and was particularly exposed (nay, embarrassed) in the Sugar Bowl against Oklahoma. I question his football IQ as he often appeared slow to react to line stunts and counter moves, and frankly I'm not sure he'll ever be good enough in pass pro to be a reliable blind-side protector in the NFL. And he has no experience on the right side, or any other position than LT for that matter. I'd be very leery of this player.
I'm kinda gun shy about anyone out of Alabama these days. Saban is a bit like Carroll that he can get the most out of his players and they usually crumble when they leave his program. But usually when you see a tackle with Kouandjio's gifts, he's a lock to go high first round unless he's got major off the field issues. A portrait of a late-1st OT looks like Bryan Bulaga, a stiff athlete with good tape. Anyway, just thought it was kinda odd.
