GandalFin
the Aqua and Orange
Yes, its early in the off-season, but I believe thought should be given to who will back up Vernon Cary at left tackle. (I'm sure Cam and Houck are doing this.) I admit to slightly worrisome thoughts about this. How this pans out may be very important during the regular season. The following seem to be the candidates:
Anthony Alabi (6'5" 315) Had been projected earlier this year as the starter. However, a shaky performance in the first mini-camp and the subsequent injury created an apparent breach of confidence in his moving into a leading role at the LT position. Of course, the lack of significant contact during mini-camp does not allow for entirely accurate offensive line personnel assessments. At this point it appears Alabi's place is at RT, maybe as a starter, maybe as a backup. Will he be the one to backup Carey on the left?
L.J. Shelton (6'6" 345) Did not do well at the LT position last year. However, he does at least have experience at the position. If he becomes our starting RT, and if he was
required to fill in at LT, then another player would have to man his starting RT position. This would result in even more personnel changes and less cohesion on the OL.
Joe Toledo (6'5" 325) Toledo has been looked at both tackle and guard since last year, but his injury situation has been disappointing to say the least. Since Cam is looking for smaller and quicker guards this upcoming season, Toledo seems destined at one of the tackle spots. If he can stay healthy he could compete for a starting spot at RT, and be a viable backup at LT.
Mike Rosenthal (6'7" 318) Does not appear to have the athleticism for LT. If he makes the team at all, it would be backup RT except in an emergency situation, not as the primary backup for LT.
Julius Wilson (6'4" 327) He may have the right dimensions to play LT. Although there have been good reports about his play, he is a project, and at best will make the practice squad. He could end up projecting at RT.
Tala Esera (6'3" 310) Played LT in college, but his size dictates that his future with the Miami Dolphins would be at one of the guard positions.
Marion Dukes (6'3" 319) Will be fortunate to make the practice squad.
IMHO Alabi is the most likely candidate unless Joe Toledo can actually stay healthy for an extended period. In that case he may get the nod. There is also the chance of a late off-season pickup when roster cutdowns take place. What do you all think?
Anthony Alabi (6'5" 315) Had been projected earlier this year as the starter. However, a shaky performance in the first mini-camp and the subsequent injury created an apparent breach of confidence in his moving into a leading role at the LT position. Of course, the lack of significant contact during mini-camp does not allow for entirely accurate offensive line personnel assessments. At this point it appears Alabi's place is at RT, maybe as a starter, maybe as a backup. Will he be the one to backup Carey on the left?
L.J. Shelton (6'6" 345) Did not do well at the LT position last year. However, he does at least have experience at the position. If he becomes our starting RT, and if he was
required to fill in at LT, then another player would have to man his starting RT position. This would result in even more personnel changes and less cohesion on the OL.
Joe Toledo (6'5" 325) Toledo has been looked at both tackle and guard since last year, but his injury situation has been disappointing to say the least. Since Cam is looking for smaller and quicker guards this upcoming season, Toledo seems destined at one of the tackle spots. If he can stay healthy he could compete for a starting spot at RT, and be a viable backup at LT.
Mike Rosenthal (6'7" 318) Does not appear to have the athleticism for LT. If he makes the team at all, it would be backup RT except in an emergency situation, not as the primary backup for LT.
Julius Wilson (6'4" 327) He may have the right dimensions to play LT. Although there have been good reports about his play, he is a project, and at best will make the practice squad. He could end up projecting at RT.
Tala Esera (6'3" 310) Played LT in college, but his size dictates that his future with the Miami Dolphins would be at one of the guard positions.
Marion Dukes (6'3" 319) Will be fortunate to make the practice squad.
IMHO Alabi is the most likely candidate unless Joe Toledo can actually stay healthy for an extended period. In that case he may get the nod. There is also the chance of a late off-season pickup when roster cutdowns take place. What do you all think?
