(12-17-2018, 08:13 PM)Bullseye Wrote:

(12-17-2018, 12:54 PM)NYC4jags Wrote: Ideally they'd get out of that #4 pick and have a large number of options for a number of positions, though we have no idea if a viable partner could be had. 


And yes, it was a tough draft to find a tackle after the first if they can't get out of #4.  And you make a good point about FA versus Parnell's contract.  

Perhaps the hindsight strategy I suggested is not the best. They'd have had to move around from their spots or take a chance on a 4th round tackle in 2017 (which still would aid the depth situation but wouldn't likely supplant Parnell or fix the spot longterm) The only other option I see for RT would have been Brian O'Neill instead of DJ Chark in the 2018 draft. He's playing pretty well at RT for the vikes as a rookie from what I gather. 

I'm just exasperated from watching a #4 pick run into brick walls and seeing Cann and Parnell whiff on stunts and speed moves in protection. 

Alas - I don't have the miracle cure retrospectively or otherwise beyond trading down in that 2017 draft or re-doing the 2018 draft to an unknown outcome. I just know that based on the way that line looked early on, and obviously down the stretch, they didn't do enough.

Some of the backups played better last year than they did this year before they got hurt, and I think that altered their thinking going into this off-season.

I can't say they neglected the offensive line since Caldwell has been here.  His first draft pick was Joeckel.  He brought in Zane Beadles as a free agent.  Neither worked out.  He brought in Linder and Bowanko in '14.  He brought in Parnell, Wisniewski and Cannot in 15.  Kelvin Beachum arrived in 2016.  The way I see it, one guy changes your entire analysis:. Branden Albert.  If Branden Albert had the desire to play for us, he would have provided the depth at both tackle positions and maybe even guard.  He would have been better than Wells if he were behind Robinson at  LT, and certainly would push Parnell at RT.  If he starts over Robinson, Robinson provides depth at both T spots.

I see your point. "Neglecting" may be the wrong choice of words, I guess. They did some things to attempt to help the line.  Some of the moves you cite are certainly worthy of saying they didn't "neglect" positions. Others are worthy of saying there was a lack of commitment. Either way - the accumulated lack of talent in that front five has been incredibly detrimental. Whatever effort was put forth -  it was often poorly timed or misguided completely.

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