Starting Left Guard - Who will it be?

[Kaiser]

I actually think that McGovern ends up winning the LG spot. He’s really, really good.

I do like Williams and I think he’s got a bright future in the league, but man do I love the way McGovern plays.

Agree. What do you think of McGovern at OT? He says he can play it and it might be the best fit considering the other starters.

 

[CowboyRoy]

With drafting the Penn State player in the 3rd round who is capable of playing Guard and Center, their will be a few players fighting for that Left Guard spot.

Xavier Su'Filo
Connor William's
Joe Looney (with Frederick expected to return)
Connor McGovern

Let's say all players are decent options but there is no clear front runner....who gets the job for starting LG?

Personally, I feel it is in the team's best interest to start either Su'Filo or Looney. Shift Williams over to Tackle and prepare him for next year. McGovern can learn on the sidelines this year and come in and start next year.

This is a contract year for both players and if one of them can step up and play solid, Dallas will have another Ron Leary situation on their hands. Meaning one of these players can cash in during free agency and get the team a 4th round comp pick or possibly a 3rd.

Now if any player is a clear front runner, then by all means, start that player.

Should be a fun and interesting training camp for the oline with all the talent that is available.

Williams

 

[CowboyRoy]

I actually think that McGovern ends up winning the LG spot. He’s really, really good.

I do like Williams and I think he’s got a bright future in the league, but man do I love the way McGovern plays.

He has pass protection issues with his footwork that need to be ironed out. It would be another season like Williams had where he is overwhelmed at times. Williams is primed to take the next step in his 2nd season.

 

[Carson]

Agree. What do you think of McGovern at OT? He says he can play it and it might be the best fit considering the other starters.

He’s pretty solid and stout in the interior.

I feel it would be a mistake shifting him outside

 

[cern]

guess we'll see how good of a coach mark columbo is. on the surface it appears he has quite a bit of talent with which to work.

 

[Kaiser]

He’s pretty solid and stout in the interior.

I feel it would be a mistake shifting him outside

I'm not pushing the move but he is capable of starting right now, so either him or Williams will serve as outstanding depth for 2019.

In 2020 if you assume Collins will leave, I'm wondering if McGovern RT/Williams LG is a better combo than Williams RT/McGovern RG. Just speculating.

 

[AsthmaField]

Agree. What do you think of McGovern at OT? He says he can play it and it might be the best fit considering the other starters.

I don’t know because I haven’t seen him play out there. I would be hesitant to count on him at RT.

IMO, he’s an interior guy. C/G all the way. I think he’s the LG of the future... and maybe the present.

Just my opinion, of course.

 

[AsthmaField]

He has pass protection issues with his footwork that need to be ironed out. It would be another season like Williams had where he is overwhelmed at times. Williams is primed to take the next step in his 2nd season.

You may be right. We will find out in camp I suppose.

 

[Hennessy_King]

And you know somebody is going to go down. Smith is my bet. Not wishing injury on anyone but it almost always occurs.

Ok but if Smith goes down then maybe connor William's fills in at LT then who backs up if lael goes down?

 

[cern]

Ok but if Smith goes down then maybe connor William's fills in at LT then who backs up if lael goes down?

fleming, most likely.

 

[Sydla]

In my dreams, McGovern is dominant in camp at LG, Williams takes to RT like a pro and some team is desperate due to an injury and gives us a 2nd or 3rd round pick for Collins.

Oh and Hyatt shows he can be the 4th OT behind Smith, Williams, and Fleming.

LT - Smith
LG - McGovern
C - Frederick
RG - Martin
RT - Williams

Backup OT - Fleming, Hyatt
Backup OG - Looney, Sua

Let's roll.

 

[starfan1]

No. He was not good for the first half of the year (regardless of how certain publications graded him). He hasn't been healthy in what 3 full years. It's not just his back either.

So, as good as the rest of the line depth appears to be at this time, if he can't go its not clear who or at what level we could replace him.

thanks thats what I thought

 

[cowboysooner]

I would guess that Williams is a better tackle than Collins but that is what the competition is for. Williams was very good on the outside. He has better feet than Collins.

 

[John813]

I'm not pushing the move but he is capable of starting right now, so either him or Williams will serve as outstanding depth for 2019.

In 2020 if you assume Collins will leave, I'm wondering if McGovern RT/Williams LG is a better combo than Williams RT/McGovern RG. Just speculating.

Now, I have yet to see the guy really play outside of clips, but based off his measurables I think it makes sense to at least try him there too.

His arm length is better than both Collins and Williams who have traditionally shorter arms for a tackle spot.
Obviously, arm length isn't a huge must have trait, but having the ability to get your hands on the opponent before they can reach you is a key on the line, especially when you are a tackle.
Part of the reason why Tyron Smith could manhandle ends was his 36+ arms, and he's a demigod.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

I actually think that McGovern ends up winning the LG spot. He’s really, really good.

I do like Williams and I think he’s got a bright future in the league, but man do I love the way McGovern plays.

Other words, you believe McGovern is a better G than Williams or he's one of the top 5 OL in the room right now? Strong endorsement......I can honestly say I have no clue but I keep hearing/reading he's a damn good player.

 

[ondaedg]

I think Williams should be cross trained at tackle but he’s the front runner at LG for me. Looks like he’s addressed weight/strength issues and technique wise I thought he was a level above Looney/Su’a Filo.

A lot of guys get bigger muscles but don't have much increase in the way of football strength. As a matter of fact football strength and weight lifting strength can be two different things. I'm hoping he improves but not assuming it will happen.

 

[ondaedg]

Other words, you believe McGovern is a better G than Williams or he's one of the top 5 OL in the room right now? Strong endorsement......I can honestly say I have no clue but I keep hearing/reading he's a damn good player.

Training camp and preseason should help us figure out whether this guy is a stud or not.

 

[ondaedg]

Now, I have yet to see the guy really play outside of clips, but based off his measurables I think it makes sense to at least try him there too.

His arm length is better than both Collins and Williams who have traditionally shorter arms for a tackle spot.
Obviously, arm length isn't a huge must have trait, but having the ability to get your hands on the opponent before they can reach you is a key on the line, especially when you are a tackle.
Part of the reason why Tyron Smith could manhandle ends was his 36+ arms, and he's a demigod.

He's got the best grip on a guy I've ever seen. Surprised the NFL hasn't destroyed him with holding calls. Don't get me wrong I love the guy but I call it like I see it.

 

[FuzzyLumpkins]

I want them to battle it out in camp. Call me old fashioned.

I'm really looking forward to seeing Williams, McGovern, and Looney battle it out.

 

[AsthmaField]

Other words, you believe McGovern is a better G than Williams or he's one of the top 5 OL in the room right now? Strong endorsement......I can honestly say I have no clue but I keep hearing/reading he's a damn good player.

I do think he’ll be more ready right now at guard than Williams... although I obviously can’t know that for certain. I could be wrong but I really like his strength and smarts.

Maybe Williams has made a lot of strides this offseason and I’m wrong.

I can’t wait to find out. Is it July yet?