(02-03-2021, 07:24 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: I don't want to derail the thread, but I do want to take on one assumption that is very common in the previous posts, and that is, that we need to replace Cam Robinson in order to improve our pass protection.  

There are many ways to protect a passer other than shoring up the offensive line.  The most obvious way is to stop telegraphing the fact that you are going to drop back to pass when you have the ball.  And what is the most obvious way that we telegraph the fact that we are going to pass the ball?  By being behind in games.  Being behind takes you out of your game plan and forces you to get more aggressive on offense, and that means, the opposing defense can put in its pass rushers and go after the passer.  Because they know you are going to have to pass more to catch up.  

In that way, playing better defense is a great way to protect your quarterback.   Keep the game close or even be ahead by playing better defense, and that opens up the playbook and you can call any play you want.   Being able to play a balanced offense keeps the opposing defense off balance and keeps them from teeing off on your quarterback.  

A second great way to protect your passer is to give him open receivers.  Give him weapons that can get open so he can get the ball out of his hands quickly.  A lot of quarterbacks are responsible for a lot of their own sacks because they hold the ball too long.  And that can come from not having open receivers.  

So in these ways, you protect your passer without having to spend pick #25 on an offensive tackle.  

And that's why I would say, rather than focusing so much on OT with an early draft pick, we franchise tag Cam Robinson and draft the best player available at #25.  

Sorry to go off topic like that, but a lot of you guys seem to be operating under the assumption that we have to draft an OT with an early pick, and we really don't.  

That's just my opinion.

You're certainly entitled to your own opinion, but if you look at PFF's draft grades, both of our starting OT's are among the lowest ranked guys in the league. It just can't be play calling or bad play by the QB or receivers that are making them look bad. The truth is that Cam has been a disappointment from day 1 and he's failed to develop. I just don't see the sense in making him one of the top paid OT's in the NFL, if just for one year, when he's ranked among the worst. I don't trust either of our starting OT's whether we are trailing in the game or winning. Also, take into account that this is possibly the best OT class that we've seen in several years and imo, we'd be crazy not to draft one of them.

---