Many of you forget that Philbin does NOT like to start Rookies. Tanny is an exception due to the Coach's fate being directly linked to the QB.
This OLine will be built through FA. I'd expect at least 2 - 4 FA OL signings. I think we will see McKinnie come back for a team friendly deal and he will start at LT or RT until a Rookie can prove he's ready around Week 4 - 8. But McKinnie will be a huge value signing for us as he starts several games this year and eventually provides swing backup duties. Pouncey is starting. And I think Brenner may push Pouncey to G. That leaves us with 2 holes for Week 1. Those 2 starters will come from FA.
The other 1 or 2 FAs will compete for starting positions and may push Brenner out of a job. And I expect at least 2 drafted OL to compete and one will eventually push to start by mid-season. Dallas Thomas will also be in the mix and may surprise by being a Week 1 starter if he's quietly improved enough.
McKinnie is an overlooked utility signing. He is a quiet anchor and veteran presence that we need. We lack leaders in so many areas on the field. McKinnie has value on and off the field that makes his signing necessary. With him on the roster, we have options and time to develop a rookie. Philbin will not start a rookie on the OL unless he is forced to do it or finds an elite talent even he can't deny.
Thomas' usage last year is a model for how Philbin will bring along rookies. He will sign FAs to shield the rookies.
Shore up the walls and build behind them.
We need starters, leaders and teachers coming from our FA signings. The draft will yield the students, starters and leaders of the coming years.
