O Line

[R4Life]

KK keeps talking about how we moved people around, and it certainly seems to be a work in progress right now.

Center - I think Newberry is going to play a big part in the success of the line because of his ability (pre-injury) and knowledge of the system (barking assignments). Going in with Grove in this position scares the hell out of me. I believe Treu's career in S&B is over.

Guards: Our guards are in good shape with Carlisle, Boothe, McQball, and Hulsey.

Tackles - Gallery, should be a starting right tackle. That's it. When he started there, he was rated #1 in the NFL and that's worth a lot. He may beat out the Older Sims in training camp, but he too would scare me back at LT to start the year. Then we have Cornell Green, Slaughter and Marc Wilson (Wilson should be cut because of his name).
I am not inspired by this crew. I would love to see us deal with Cleveland to get Kevin Shaffer to help us out. The guy dominated with Cable and Knapp at LT in Atlanta in 2005. I'd give up a player and 3rd for him.

Shaffer sees future, wants new address
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Tony Grossi
Plain Dealer Reporter

With top draft pick Joe Thomas penciled in at left tackle for the Browns, the agent for Kevin Shaffer said he will ask the team for permission to seek a trade.

"I think Kevin, in our dialogue, would welcome an opportunity to go somewhere else," agent Alan Herman said on Monday.

A trade that would have sent Shaffer to the New York Giants has fallen through, for now. Giants General Manager Jerry Reese confirmed to New York reporters that he spoke to the Browns about Shaffer on Sunday. But the teams apparently couldn't agree on a deal.

"At this time, we are going to maintain our depth at the position," Browns General Manager Phil Savage said in an e-mail response.

Other teams possibly searching for an experienced left tackle include Houston and Miami.

Herman believes Shaffer is an attractive player because of his experience and contract. Shaffer was one of Savage's high-profile signings in the 2006 free-agent season. Shaffer received a $36 million deal over seven years, with $12 million in signing and option bonuses.

Because the bonuses already have been paid by the Browns, Shaffer would take up less space on a traded team's salary cap than he does with the Browns. Trading Shaffer would result in a "significant" hit on the Browns' salary cap - upwards of $8 million - but Herman believes the Browns have the room to absorb it.

Shaffer, 27, started all 16 games at left tackle in his first year with the Browns, but the reviews were not good. He became expendable after the Browns used their first draft pick Saturday on Thomas.

During the draft, Savage and coach Romeo Crennel both said Thomas would be given the opportunity to win the starting job at left tackle. Crennel hinted Shaffer could compete with Thomas, but also could be tried at right guard, where a starting position is open.

"I'm sure Kevin would prefer to remain at left tackle and if not there, then right tackle," Herman said. "And if it wasn't meant to be there, no hard feelings, and he'd prefer to move on and play somewhere else. But it takes two to tango."

The Browns said they expect Ryan Tucker to return as their right tackle. Other tackles on the roster include Kelly Butler, who started five games at right tackle when Tucker left for an emotional problem, and Nat Dorsey.

It's possible talks with the Giants could reopen. Other teams could gain interest, too, after evaluating their draft picks and veterans after upcoming minicamps.

The Browns might also want to wait for the full team minicamp in June before reassessing their asking price for Shaffer.

http://www.cleveland.com/browns/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/1178008786327380.xml&coll=2

 

[Langlier]

Thing is you arent really looking at the versatility of a few players

at T we have the following options

LT: Gallery, Sims, Henderson, Slaughter, McQ, Wilson, Green
LG: McQ, Carlisle, Grove, Boothe, Hulsey, Sims
C: Newberry, Grove, Hulsey, Treu, Morris
RG: McQ, Carlisle, Grove, Boothe, Hulsey
RT: McQ, Boothe, Slaughter, Henderson, Gallery, Sims, Wilson, Green

In other words we've got at least 5 players that can play each position... how it will shake out is very up in the air right now

i can guarantee that Gallery and Carlisle will each win a starting position. Boothe, Grove, McQ, Sims and Newberry are the others that I wouldn't mind starting somehwere.

 

[R4Life]

Kiffin's confidence in line was revealed through draft
By Anthony Carroll on May 3, 2007 03:33 AM
Permalink | Comments (23) | Email This Article | RSS | [+] More Raiders News

Last weekend, the Oakland Raiders had 11 opportunities to fix an offensive line that allowed a league-worst 72 sacks in 2006.

In the end, though, 31-year-old head coach Lane Kiffin felt just one addition was enough.

In the wake of last season's offensive debacle, many had expected the Raiders to react with a complete overhaul of the unit's front five. Of the 10 or so O-linemen rotated down in in Oakland's trenches last season, only one showed a small degree of potential, sixth-round rookie guard Kevin Boothe. Logically, then, dumping the team's current linemen and adding others through free agency and the draft was seemingly the best answer.

To some degree, Kiffin followed that logic, except for the dumping and drafting part.

Instead, the rookie head coach first revamped the team's coaching staff, then made vital position shifts up front and later added proven veterans to the mix. After all that was complete, he felt just one rookie was enough.

On Saturday, the team spent its second of three third-round draft selections (91st overall) on ex-Florida State tackle Mario Henderson.

Henderson, a 6-foot-7, 302-pound senior, was one of four linemen to start all 12 games for the Seminoles in 2006. According to Charley Casserly, a CBS Sportsline contributor and former general manager, the young tackle excelled as a senior against top-notch first-round defensive ends Gaines Adams and Jarvis Moss.

At the combine, Henderson ran the 40-yard-dash in 5.11 seconds, benched 225 pounds 20 times, ran the 20-yard shuttle in 4.87 seconds and completed the three-cone drill in 7.6 seconds.

Overall, though, Henderson is still a very raw talent, and he is certainly not ready to make a smooth transition from being a LT in college to one in the NFL.

Obviously, Kiffin feels he can justify his draft-day moves (or lack thereof).

Thus far, he has made two major position changes, brought in two proven veterans and added a knowledgeable coach with a fresh blocking scheme.

The former USC assistant's first duty was to bring in former Atlanta Falcons offensive line coach Tom Cable. After implementing a zone blocking scheme in Atlanta, Cable helped Michael Vick, Warrick Dunn and the Falcons' offense rank at the top of the NFL in rushing in 2006. In 2007, the 42-year-old assistant will look to employ the same system in Oakland.

Next, Kiffin undid what former head coach Art Shell did wrong.

The ex-Fresno State quarterback will shift 32-year-old veteran Barry Sims back to left tackle, while soon-to-be fourth-year lineman Robert Gallery will slide back to the right. At the very least, the only way Gallery would return to the left side would be through Sims, which is a task much easier said than done. Shell, on the other hand, simply handed Gallery the job prior to 2006 and forced Sims to play on the inside.

Finally, after making modifications inside his ball club, Kiffin added veterans from the outside.

This offseason, Oakland brought ex-San Francisco 49er Jeremy Newberry and former Denver Broncos tackle Cooper Carlisle into the mix, along with career backup Cornell Green. Combined, Carlisle and Newberry have suited up for 185 regular-season contests and started in 128. Green, the third signing, has played in 51 games for four different teams and started in eight.

Considering the additions of Newberry and Carlisle, along with the return of Sims, Gallery and Jake Grove, the Raiders aren't necessarily lacking in serviceable options for next season. Throw in last year's rookie additions of Boothe, Paul McQuistan and Chris Morris, along with reserve players Chad Slaughter and Green, and there is seemingly an overabundance of linemen in Oakland.

Oh, and don't forget the one new rookie, Mario Henderson.

Certainly, Oakland was transparently awful up front in 2006. However, the odds that each lineman is really as disappointing as the numbers read is highly unlikely. After all, it wasn't just the offensive line that underperformed in '06, but the entire offense, from center to quarterback to wide receiver.

Simply put, Oakland's line seemingly got better when Shell was fired and Kiffin was hired.

Before the additions, before the adjustments and, yes, even before the draft.

http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/05/kiffins_confidence_in_line_was.html

 

[Limee]

As father Nips has stated more than once, the only lineman we lost between 2005 and 2006 was an old broken down Ron Stone. This line may not be great, but I can't believe they were as bad as they were made to look last year either.

 

[R4Life]

As father Nips has stated more than once, the only lineman we lost between 2005 and 2006 was an old broken down Ron Stone. This line may not be great, but I can't believe they were as bad as they were made to look last year either.

In 2 years, we've lost Stone and Langston Walker. We've added Newberry, Carlisle, Green and a rookie. Shouldn't that make us better?

 

[Jack's sore libido]

Forget about Shaffer

From that article:
Because the bonuses already have been paid by the Browns, Shaffer would take up less space on a traded team's salary cap than he does with the Browns. Trading Shaffer would result in a "significant" hit on the Browns' salary cap - upwards of $8 million - but Herman believes the Browns have the room to absorb it.

So the AGENT thinks the Browns have the cap room to absorb an $8 million hit? And the AGENT wants permission to seek a trade?

You better offer the Browns a LOT to make up for the fact that they're losing solid depth on the line AND are falling on their sword with regard to the cap.

Frankly, I'm not prepared to offer A LOT for Shaffer.

 

[Langlier]

In 2 years, we've lost Stone and Langston Walker. We've added Newberry, Carlisle, Green and a rookie. Shouldn't that make us better?

you forgot to mention McQ, Boothe, and Morris

Stone to carlisle is a wash (stone was near the end when he was here. carlisle is still in his prime)

Walker is a never was (showed flashes but couldnt be the guy we needed him to be). McQ, Boothe, Morris, Green, Newberry, Henderson - any one of these guys could step in and be the guy we need at thier respective positon. On top of Slaughter, Grove, Gallery, Sims, Hulsey - guys who started for us at one point or another prior to 2006 and did an admirable job.

and like i mentioned before. Versatility is a key thing as many of these guys can play a few different positions at a high level. I think we just need to get the best guys playing at LT and C(Gallery/Sims, Grove/Newberry). Then from there we get the next best 3 athletes at the remaining 3 positions(Gallery, Carlisle, Grove, McQ, Boothe, Henderson)

 

[Raiders_Rock]

maybe with proper coaching Gallery will finally break through. Carlisle should also add be a solid addition to our line.

Newberry would have been good four or five years ago, but at this point in his career all he's good for is backup. Recall that two knee surgeries relegated him to IR for the entire 07 season.

 

[brick]

Next, Kiffin undid what former head coach Art Shell did wrong.

The ex-Fresno State quarterback will shift 32-year-old veteran Barry Sims back to left tackle, while soon-to-be fourth-year lineman Robert Gallery will slide back to the right. At the very least, the only way Gallery would return to the left side would be through Sims, which is a task much easier said than done. Shell, on the other hand, simply handed Gallery the job prior to 2006 and forced Sims to play on the inside.

Where are all these reports that Gallery moving back to RT is a done deal coming from?

Generaly you practive where you will play and with the line that you are currently penciled in with (1st team, 2nd team). In the photos that came out of the 1st camp Gallery was at LT practicing with the 1st line. (Sims was at RT and Newberry was with the 2nd team).

 

[jatfly]

Where are all these reports that Gallery moving back to RT is a done deal coming from?

Generaly you practive where you will play and with the line that you are currently penciled in with (1st team, 2nd team). In the photos that came out of the 1st camp Gallery was at LT practicing with the 1st line. (Sims was at RT and Newberry was with the 2nd team).

You sure he was at RT or was the image reversed?

 

[brick]

You sure he was at RT or was the image reversed?

Image isn't reversed, unless they are reversing all images (you can tell because Boothe's ankle brace is on the right in all the pictures you see of him).

 

[R4Life]

Jumbo Package

When we go for that 3rd and goal from the 1 with two tight ends, and two backs... how would you like to line up against this?


QB - Russell - 260
FB - O'neal - 240
RB - Bush - 250

The 750 lb backfield

C - Newberry -305
G-Carlisle - 295
G - Boothe - 315
T - Gallery 325
T - Slaughter - 340

3/4 ton O line

TE - Wakefield - 295
TE - Stewart - 260

Are you freakin kidding me?

WR - BMW - 240
WR - Porter 220

If we can get them to block... they overmatch most DB's

Damn near everyone looks like an O lineman to me.

 

[hawaiianboy]

Well we're definitely going to find out whether or not last years train wreck at O-line was due to a combintation of coaching, offensive scheme and that lead step blocking technique...

I personally think that the talent is there... I don't think you can put the collective failure entirely on the coaching staff, but I also don't think having virtually the entire line looking completely off balance in pass pro is a coincidence either...


Cable did well putting together a line consisting of a combination of late round draft picks and past their prime vets in Atlanta... I'm anxious to see what he can do with the top of their position when drafted Gallery and Grove...

If Cable is as good as his ex-players and peers say he is, best case scenario we could theoritically have a group of five young OL guys (Gallery/McQ/Grove/Boothe/Henderson) that could be together for a long time...

If you really want to be VERY optimistic, on paper, if all goes to plan we've literally constructed a very young offense that could wind up as starters in the next couple of years and be together for awhile...

• SE: Johnnie Lee Higgins (drafted '07)
  OT: Gallery ('04)
  OG: McQuistan ('06)
  OC: Grove ('04)
  OG: Boothe ('06)
  OT: Henderson ('07)
  TE: Zach Miller ('07)
  FL: BMW ('05)
  FB: OJ O'Neil ('07)
  RB: Michael Bush ('07)
  QB: JaMarcus Russell ('07)

 

[Crossbones]

Looks like Gallery is a RT to me...

 

[007]

J-Mac reported weeks ago that Sims an Gallery are splitting LT duties 50-50 during the minicamps...

It's an open competition and we won't know who's the starting LT until the end of camp, IMO.

 

[Raider Nation]

Raiders | Claxton claimed off waivers
Fri, 4 May 2007 09:10:59 -0700

Raiders.com reports the Oakland Raiders have claimed free-agent C Ben Claxton (Falcons) off waivers.

I've never heard of him... but it's interesting that they now have Grove, Newberry, Treu, Morris, and now Claxton at C.

That's a lot of bodies at one position on the o-line.

 

[Langlier]

I've never heard of him... but it's interesting that they now have Grove, Newberry, Treu, Morris, and now Claxton at C.

That's a lot of bodies at one position on the o-line.

I think if Newberry wins the job it spells the end of Grove at C... and the beginning of Grove at G (where he has been pretty good).

I could see us keeping 3 (Newberry, Grove, and Claxton/Morris... pretty sure Treu is gone)

 

[R4Life]

I've never heard of him... but it's interesting that they now have Grove, Newberry, Treu, Morris, and now Claxton at C.

That's a lot of bodies at one position on the o-line.

He played a couple games last year for ATL with Knapp and Cable - so they know him. He was cut yesterday and can also play Guard. Drafted by the Dunks in 2003 (157 overall) though never played there. HEre are his Combine numbers:
Ben Claxton (6-2½, 297, 5.22/40, 4.65/SS, 7.81/3-cone, 27"/V, 8’6"/LJ) | Mississippi
He's a zone blocking O lineman who could give us depth but likely won't start.

From AOL Fanhouse:

Claxton was the only one of the three (Birds cut) to actually see the field last year. He had been with the Falcons for two years and played in two games. He is considered quite athletic for an offensive lineman but never managed to put his potential together.

 

[NIPS]

Browns | Andruzzi released
Wed, 2 May 2007 09:29:56 -0700

Adam Caplan, of Scout.com, reports the Cleveland Browns have released OG Joe Andruzzi.

 

[Banter]

I could see us keeping 3 (Newberry, Grove, and Claxton/Morris... pretty sure Treu is gone)

I'm not sure about Morris. He got in there late in the year after Treu was injured and did some LS and then proceeded to blow it with some poor snaps.