While the quarterback or receiver or defensive end position battles may get most of the attention, it’s the offensive line battles and future starters on that offensive line that may dictate which teams get to the playoffs and how far they go.
These battles are mostly focused on incoming rookies because they are the most intriguing and unpredictable, but as said before, could have a major impact on how he teams play.
Baltimore Ravens
Contenders: Kelechi Osemele vs. Jah Reid vs. Marshall Yanda vs. Gino Gradkowski (GUARD SPOTS)
Drafting two guards in the top 4 rounds shows the Ravens value in depth and desire for competition, both of which seem true. As of now, Jah Reid is listed as the starting left guard and Marshall Yanda on the right side. However, it seems Reid is also in the mix for the left tackle job going against Bryant McKinnie, a job I think he certainly can win.
However, if Reid was to stay put at left guard, it’ll be tough for Kelechi Osemele to pass him out based on experience and how much the team likes Reid long-term. However, Reid is still very raw as a blocker, and those Osemele needs development as well, he’s shown the ability to dominate with his length, power, and massive size already. As for the right side, Yanda has been a consistent starter for this team either at right guard or tackle. Gino Gradkowski was a bit of a reach in my opinion, and he’ll likely be the odd man out barring a fantastic, surprising workout. The best thing going for Gradkowski is his ability to be a downfield zone blocker, maybe the most nimble of any guards in on this roster.
Buffalo Bills
Contenders: Chris Hairston vs. Cordy Glenn vs. Erik Pears vs. Zebrie Sanders (TACKLE SPOTS)
After entering the drafted somewhat comfortable (according to management’s statements previously) with their offensive line, the Bills added two talented offensive tackles in the NFL Draft that certainly will challenge for a starting job early in their careers.
Second rounder Cordy Glenn was among the most talented tackles in the draft last year, and reminds of GM Buddy Nix’s former 2nd round steal Marcus McNeil back in San Diego. Glenn’s battling member Chris Hairston played well last year, but he’ll really need to flash consistency in training camp to hold off Glenn. As for Erik Pears, he was given a 3-year extension back in December, so he’s not going anywhere, but Zebrie Sanders could challenge him in camp and give him a long-term reason to continue to play well. Sanders should be a swing back-up tackle this year, and if he can get stronger and more physical, he could certainly be a solid NFL starter in due time.
Denver Broncos
Contenders: JD Walton vs. Phillip Blake (CENTER)
According to ProFootballFocus, JD Walton was among the worst centers in the NFL the past two seasons, and in games it certainly showed up that way. The Broncos offensive line as a whole was a bit over-rated thanks to the style of play of Tim Tebow and the running success they had, but as a whole, they are a unit with holes, starting at center.
The Broncos looked to seemingly replace former Baylor Bear JD Walton with another former Baylor grad in Phillip Blake. Blake was among the best centers in last year’s draft, and being taken as a Top 5 round pick as an interior linemen usually means battling for a spot early in their career. The pick used to draft Blake was actually the pick they received from the Jets for Tim Tebow, so Blake may have some added expectations. He’s more talented than Walton, and should be able to contribute immediately to the offense, but it’ll be based on if Walton can improve in year three on if Blake will be the Week 1 starter.
Detroit Lions
Contenders: Jeff Backus vs. Riley Reiff (LEFT TACKLE)
Jeff Backus as been on this Lions offensive line through good times and (lots of) bad, and his consistency over his career shouldn’t be overlooked. However, the 34 year old, 12 year veteran will need to fight for his job against 1st round pick Riley Reiff this year from Iowa.
Reiff is a solid athlete, uses his hands well, and flashed developed technique across the board as a tackle prospect, but I wonder about his lateral ability and ability to hold his ground consistently against power rushers. He may not be ready week one for the left tackle spot, but he’s certainly groomed to be Matt Stafford’s main protector for the future.
Houston Texans
Contenders: Rashaad Butler vs. Andrew Gardner vs. Derek Newton (RIGHT TACKLE)
Replacing Eric Winston will be no easy task for the Texans, but it’s a major priority if they hope to both keep Arian Foster and their running game success as well as keep Matt Schaub upright and healthy all season if they hope to take advantage of a Peyton Manning-less Colts division.
However, it seems both wide-open and possibly ugly battle for the right tackle spot. Rashad Butler is the favorite (and currently listed at the spot now), but is coming off a season-ending elbow injury and despite starting in four games in his career (three at left tackle), he may never be more than a backup. Andrew Gardner is on his 5th team, and was on the practice squad at one point for the Texans last year. Derek Newton is a wildcard for the job, currently the backup left tackle, and flashed the talent out of college (Arkansas State) to be a possible NFL starter.
New York Jets
Contenders: Wayne Hunter vs. Vladimir Ducassee vs. Stephon Heyer (RIGHT TACKLE)
New offensive coordinator Tony Sparano and others on the Jets staff have expressed support for Wayne Hunter coming into this season to be the starter. But based on being probably the worst performer of any on the Jets offensive line a year ago, Hunter should be no lock to retain his job.
Vladimir Ducasse was drafted back in 2010 in the second round, but hasn’t really shown the ability to seize a starting job for whatever reason. Still, he really flashed a high ceiling as a right guard/right tackle for the future, and you have to believe they’ll still give him a shot at that role coming into his 3rd year. Also, the team recently signed Stephon Heyer from Oakland, and he’s been a solid fringe starter over his career and will be in the mix for the starting job if he can play well come training camp.
St. Louis Rams
Contenders: Jason Smith vs. Barry Richardson (RIGHT TACKLE)
A battle no team would be proud of, the Chiefs were happy to get rid of Barry Richardson, as he’s a fantastic talent who simply struggles consistently against all types of rushers. He’ll be battling with former #2 overall pick in 2010 who has reeked of bust so far in his career and doesn’t show signs of getting any better.
Jason Smith is the favorite and likely winner of this job, mostly because he’s a fantastic talent and Jeff Fisher may feel he can get a spark from him. But here’s the key: If Jeff Fisher doesn’t think Smith is worthy of the starting job, he may look to send a message by cutting the former high pick to make a point about what will/won’t be tolerated. Fisher and new GM Les Snead have no ties to Jason Smith, and they wouldn’t lose any sleep over cutting a past mistake not made by them.
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