OG does not have low positional value. Not in this offense or many offenses. Particularly with Tua being on the shorter side. Teams are placing greater value there just as they do DT. DT is so valued and paid so well because if you can pressure a QB from the inside quickly you blow up the passing game. They can weather outside rushers and step up into the pocket. But when Tua is pressured up the middle and teams take away his first or second option even before the play starts he’s in trouble if we can’t protect him another .5-1.5 seconds.
That said, Fautanu is the ideal candidate as he can be an all pro caliber OG and play at a near similar level at LT, and we will have to replace Armstead likely next year. But we’d have a stud iOL with Fautanu.
However, Jeremiah has Fautanu ranked 11th in his latest top 50 and most mocks have him going top 16 at the latest. He’s out of reach.
Barton would be a solid pick at 21. Not as versatile but could play LT if needed.
I do think we may go edge. Or DT. But I think Phillips and Chubb will be ready and clear to play by game 1 given recovery periods I’ve been seeing in a lot of players. They won’t be
Don’t forget, We also signed Shaq Barrett. And Barrett had the same injury in 2022, in the same week (torn Achilles, week 8) as Phillips last year. And he was good to go by camp and played 16 games in 2023.
As long as Grier doesn’t go DB I’m okay.
Although one DL I Do Not want at 21 is Darius Robinson who has been linked to Miami. High character guy but his 1.75 split and 4.95 40 show he does not have the suddenness to bring any pass rush. I’d rather draft Michael Hall than Robinson. Latu & Verse are definitely candidates if one is there at 21. I can see it. Not my favorite for needs (I’d rather trade down). But good players.