I do believe that All-Pro offensive line the Cowboys had last year were a lot of first round picks......

 

I mean.. you get the most talent early, most often.

 

Not to say there aren't competent linemen in every round.

But plug and play guys usually aren't late rounders. Late rounders are guys that need to add bulk, work on this or that.

 

Not saying I want to see an OL guy drafted early this year... but if we were drafting in the mid teens, I wouldn't be mad at some OL guys at OT and C. LG and RG are locked down for at least a few good years I would think.

 

While that is true, it has not really panned out as method to build their team into a contender. They had a great year in 2014, but numerous injuries, losses in free agency, and lack of depth at all other positions have been major factors have shortened that window. Looking forward, who knows if that window will persist even into next year.

 

I think that strategy of team building made them susceptible to the fall out of this year because it mis-allocate the scarce resource of top draft pick instead of trying to use those pick to find "game-changing" players. 


Sure other than QB and WR, there is no reason to skip over a player who the BPA because of their position. However, I doubt that will be offensive tackle because defensive "studs" tend to fall in round 1 more than offensive ones. 

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Good teams do not consistently use 1st and 2nd round picks to get competent Offensive Linemen. They find them in later rounds or free agency.

 

Just look at who the Jags have drafted/gotten as later picks for O-Line: Cann, Linder, Bowanko, Shatley. All are capable O-Linemen in the league. We have a good Offensive Line coach too. If he stays, just sign a good center and draft OL later in the draft then let the competition help the best rise to the top.


Also realize that if we keep Olsen as well, the protection & run blocking schemes will stay the same for Line and Bortles for the first time. Blocking is all about doing your job, communicating, and knowing/trusting the other lineman to take the right person so that you work as a unit. That only comes with consistency in scheme and time working together.

The Steelers pick a LB every year and that seems to work

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