Quote:
Originally Posted by Verdict
Is it easier (or more likely successful) to draft a:
1. strong but technically flawed player and try to make him better, or
2. weak but technically proficient player and make him stronger?
Additionally, why do you guys think that Free has regressed so badly/been exposed this year?
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I'd say 1 is easier. Think about Tuinei, Newton, Gesek, Gogan, and a lot of others we have had.
OL, more than any other position corps, has to have guys who sense what each other are going to do and how each other will react. I would say only QB is more cerebral than OL. Many other positions you can rely strictly upon your aggression and talent. Not so on OL, because you might have to aid your linemate while still engaging the guy you are blocking. They not only read the Defense, but each other.
Now, you may be asking, aren't the technical flaws harder then since it is so involved? No, for one major reason, pure power can hide a lot of flaws. There is no way to hide a lack of power though. That is why some guys get bull rushed every time. They can't handle the power and they can be worn down.
It is easier to let the guy rely on his power and grow into the position and the chemistry than it is to have his linemates watching for when they have to bail him out.