Yeah I don't think most see that now we really have a young OL and they could improve. Same can't be said for the DL, but at least there is hope in Tyron, Leary, Fred, and Parnell....something we haven't had on the OL in ages. Interesting thing is I figure Free will be better at guard than he ever was at tackle by the end of the season, but people will still probably hate on him.
Smith is 23, Leary is 24, Fredrick is 22, Free is 29 and Parnell is 27 and everyone of them is relatively new to the position they are currently playing. That tells me none of them have reached their full potential. Right now it's a decent line. Way better than anything we have fielded in years. But honestly I think around week 8 this line has the potential to be a top 7 in the league. I don't know how people wouldn't agree that every week they are going to get better and better.
Talking about Free by all accounts he was playing well at RT all through OTAs,Mini Camp, Practice and in the Preseason. They said his technique and confidence was back full force. So I expect him to do a good job at RG. He struggled from time to time with speed rushers and I don't think he will see any speed rushers on the inside. He obviously has good enough feet to play guard because he's played Tackle. Like I said I expect him to be a good RG.
Remember this is the exact move that put Leonard Davis back to being a pro bowl player for 2 or 3 years and prolonged his career a bit. I'm not saying Free is as good as Leonard Davis but he is a little less of a player but not as much as most people would make it seem. I like this O-line especially if Leary can stay healthy all year. If that happens look out.
