Tutan Reyes, Stephen Neal, Terrence Metcalf, Toniu Fonoti and Grey Ruegamer have starting experience, and each will attract attention on the open market. But all are second-tier players who won't command high-dollar contracts. For them, the goal should be finding the right system to suit their respective skills.
Reyes is a big-bodied interior lineman who has postseason experience and has been part of a successful, physical run game in Carolina. He is a better run-blocker than pass protector, but he would help a power-run team in need of a veteran guard.
Neal, who has been in the league only three years, has upside. Having played for New England and in plenty of playoff games will add to his attractiveness. His smarts, toughness and competitiveness make up for below-average athletic ability.
Metcalf has battled injuries while fighting for playing time in Chicago, but he has some power at the point of attack and is capable of filling a starting role on a team that is weak at the position.
Fonoti is a powerful talent who can be a road grader at the point of attack when he wants to be, but he has been a career underachiever. He was traded by San Diego to Minnesota midseason and quickly landed on injured reserve, so teams will need to analyze his health status closely.
Ruegamer is intriguing because of his ability to play guard and center. The lack of depth at guard could persuade some team to consider him as a starter, but he is far better suited for backup duty.
Guard is one of the few positions where the restricted free agents are much more appealing collectively than the unrestricted group.
Vince Manuwai is coming off a down year, but he still has ample upside and the tools to be an above-average starter. He has performed at a high level in the past.
Reggie Wells, Sean Mahan and Montrae Holland have experience as starters but are unlikely to get an upgraded tender. That makes them good candidates to move to new teams. Each has excellent upside and should continue to improve.
Hutchinson is the only superstar, but this is a deep group. Teams that have solid tackles generally don't need premier guards, so there shouldn't be a lot of big-money offers at the position. Still, expect plenty of movement.
I read this on one of those pay sites thats has a few cable channels and many radio stations they got it from scouts inc.
..__..
{o,o}
|)__)
-"-"-
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hold on....
He also has to have a mean streak in him. We need someone with some attitude on that line. I'm looking for the line to have some push on the ball this year. No longer will holding ground be acceptable in the run game, lets push those linemen back into the LB's.
Chris Luva Luva wrote:He also has to have a mean streak in him. We need someone with some attitude on that line. I'm looking for the line to have some push on the ball this year. No longer will holding ground be acceptable in the run game, lets push those linemen back into the LB's.
Completely agree. We need someone mean on our line.
"Guess [Ryan Kerrigan] really does have a good motor. And is relentless. And never quits on a play. And just keeps coming. And probably eats Wheaties and drinks Apple Pie smoothies and shaves with Valvoline." -Dan Steinberg DC Sports Bog
toniu fonoti has a mean streak...and lemme tell you, that dude is BIG...like...bigger than dockery, who is the biggest guy on the team if im not mistaken.
Sean, may you always rest in peace and look down on us with the same love that we look up to you.
