Composition of Super Bowl-Caliber Offensive Lines

[DallasEast]

With a lot of pre-draft discussion focusing on upgrading offensive line depth and securing long-term options, here's a look at the OL makeup of the last two Super Bowl teams:​

http://i356.***BLOCKED***/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/INDIANAPOLISCOLTSOFFENSIVELINE2.png​

http://i356.***BLOCKED***/albums/oo4/DallasEast1701/INDIANAPOLISCOLTSOFFENSIVELINE.png​

DISCLAIMER: This thread was not provided as some sort of 'guideline' for or against drafting offensive linemen next month. It's only a reflection of what can be accomplished through quality drafting and extensive scouting.​

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

If only they were as good at scouting the line as they are at scouting TE and WR

 

[NextGenBoys]

In short, I dont like our "big only" offensive line mentality.

They can't move their feet, and in turn gets them in trouble against pass rushers. We need to stop with our "big only" mentality on the offensive line the same as we need to stop with our big only mentality at wide receiver.

Football is played on the field, not on paper with height and weight.

I'm not saying all big linemen are nonathletic, but we need to draft the best olinemen, regardless of size.

 

[Woods]

The Colts having 3 UDFA starters on their OL is impressive. Excellent job by their scouts.

Of course, P Manning is also the master of the 3 step drop and throw and helps his OL maximize their talents . . . .

 

[DallasEast]

In short, I dont like our "big only" offensive line mentality.

They can't move their feet, and in turn gets them in trouble against pass rushers. We need to stop with our "big only" mentality on the offensive line the same as we need to stop with our big only mentality at wide receiver.

Football is played on the field, not on paper with height and weight.

I'm not saying all big linemen are nonathletic, but we need to draft the best olinemen, regardless of size.

Agreed. The only question is whether we can identify "the best olinemen" regardless of their ultimate draft position. Sometimes, the best talent for an offensive line can be obtained outside of the top rounds.

 

[StanleySpadowski]

This just shows that it's all about QB play and innovative blocking schemes/hot routes in today's NFL. NO and Indy have Olines that could be described as mediocre at best but great QBs standing behind them.

 

[jackrussell]

DE...throw up the 90s Cowboys OL....other than Step, it fell right in line with the aforementioned.

 

[NextGenBoys]

Agreed. The only question is whether we can identify "the best olinemen" regardless of their ultimate draft position. Sometimes, the best talent for an offensive line can be obtained outside of the top rounds.

I think it may be hard to find an elite left tackle outside of the 2nd round, but for the most part I agree with you.

We've invested tons of mid-round picks on linemen, with few if any panning out. If we're going to invest in the Oline this year, I hope we invest early.

That being said, I want a playmaking safety more than ever, so I'd be fine with passing on Oline if we can get a playmaker at centerfield.

 

[casmith07]

I have a theory, and it's merely just that - a theory.

But I talked about it about QBs, and I think it's reasonable for me to apply my theory to other positions, since it's mine, of course.

Why is it that mid-to-late rounders and UDFAs find success in the NFL?

Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Jay Ratliff, Miles Austin, almost ALL of those guys on that O-line comparison?

My QB theory applies mostly to SEC quarterbacks...and I think it applies to the guys that go in the first round too. The majority of them were the biggest, strongest, fastest guy in HS, and in college they were the biggest, strongest, or fastest guy on their team. They got by on their athleticism, and even if their fundamentals were sound, they may feel as if they were so good that they are able to just get drafted, show up, and compete at an NFL level.

We all know the NFL game is CLEARLY different from the college game. I think this is why these guys struggle, and guys out of the 6th or 7th round end up finding success. See, the guys in the 6th and 7th rounds aren't told they're God's gift to quarterbacking, or cornerbacking, or linebacking, or anything else...they have to work for their playing time. They didn't have the best facilities in the nation, or the luxury of playing for a big school. So they get in the NFL, and they have to do things like learn to read defenses EXCEPTIONALLY well (Brady, Romo) or just dig really deep and work ridiculously hard to propel themselves to the starting role (Ratliff).

Even a guy like DeMarcus Ware, although drafted in round 1, still had to prove himself, coming from a smaller school like Troy. He didn't face TOP talent every year, or play against "SEC competition" that the draft experts love to him and haw about all the time.

So...that's my theory. Guys in the later rounds have to work harder, and thus they work harder to stay on top.

But it's just a theory.

 

[followthestar]

In those examples, no matter where or even if the player was drafted or how long he has played in the league, they got the job done. Cohesion is a big factor I think, and once Flo had to leave the Minn. game it was all over for us offensively, as we couldn't adjust on the fly.

Having said that, we must bring in some talent immediately. Free may be a player, but across the line our depth is almost nil. Davis, Columbo, and Kosier turned out pretty well, so going FA is not a bad idea since our "window" is open right now for a SB run. Let's draft a possible LT, bring in a C/G to challenge in camp, and continue to develop Free and the others and may the best man win. Bringing in a solid FA swing Guard seems like a good idea...

 

[Rampage]

The Colts having 3 UDFA starters on their OL is impressive. Excellent job by their scouts.

Of course, P Manning is also the master of the 3 step drop and throw and helps his OL maximize their talents . . . .

I'd say it's just as an excellent job by the Colts o-line coach.

 

[masomenos]

What's interesting is that both LTs, Bushrod and Johnson, are terrible. One was a small school guy and the other is one of the few players without at least an honorable mention to an all-conference team.

 

[CF74]

This just shows that it's all about QB play and innovative blocking schemes/hot routes in today's NFL. NO and Indy have Olines that could be described as mediocre at best but great QBs standing behind them.

What about running to many plays that take to long to develop? Is Romo holding onto the ball to long or are the receivers not getting open? Whatever the case he gets chased around back there to much...

 

[Eskimo]

What about running to many plays that take to long to develop? Is Romo holding onto the ball to long or are the receivers not getting open? Whatever the case he gets chased around back there to much...

Our OL isn't great at blitz pickup and handling stunts. Garrett really shortened up the routes this year to help protect Romo but he still got sacked quite a few times. Davis is prone to whiffing, Flo has his hands full with speed rushers and Kosier is getting overpowered by the large DTs. Colombo looked terrible in the playoffs in both games. I do think this unit needs some upgrades and fresh legs. I am hoping for two new starters this year but I'd settle for one.

 

[NextGenBoys]

I have a theory, and it's merely just that - a theory.

But I talked about it about QBs, and I think it's reasonable for me to apply my theory to other positions, since it's mine, of course.

Why is it that mid-to-late rounders and UDFAs find success in the NFL?

Tom Brady, Tony Romo, Jay Ratliff, Miles Austin, almost ALL of those guys on that O-line comparison?

My QB theory applies mostly to SEC quarterbacks...and I think it applies to the guys that go in the first round too. The majority of them were the biggest, strongest, fastest guy in HS, and in college they were the biggest, strongest, or fastest guy on their team. They got by on their athleticism, and even if their fundamentals were sound, they may feel as if they were so good that they are able to just get drafted, show up, and compete at an NFL level.

We all know the NFL game is CLEARLY different from the college game. I think this is why these guys struggle, and guys out of the 6th or 7th round end up finding success. See, the guys in the 6th and 7th rounds aren't told they're God's gift to quarterbacking, or cornerbacking, or linebacking, or anything else...they have to work for their playing time. They didn't have the best facilities in the nation, or the luxury of playing for a big school. So they get in the NFL, and they have to do things like learn to read defenses EXCEPTIONALLY well (Brady, Romo) or just dig really deep and work ridiculously hard to propel themselves to the starting role (Ratliff).

Even a guy like DeMarcus Ware, although drafted in round 1, still had to prove himself, coming from a smaller school like Troy. He didn't face TOP talent every year, or play against "SEC competition" that the draft experts love to him and haw about all the time.

So...that's my theory. Guys in the later rounds have to work harder, and thus they work harder to stay on top.

But it's just a theory.

Not a doubt in my mind. I subscribe to that theory 100%.

It's why Iowa year in and year out sends players to the NFL after they were passed on by several other colleges. Hard work will yield success.

It's also why players like Vince Carter and Roy Williams (safety and receiver) never developed into superstars after flashing huge glimpses of potential.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

Vince Carters underrated as a complete player

 

[Rampage]

Vince Carters underrated as a complete player

he's also injury prone. that's why Barkley started calling him "half man half a season".

 

[CowboyMike]

Our OL isn't great at blitz pickup and handling stunts. Garrett really shortened up the routes this year to help protect Romo but he still got sacked quite a few times. Davis is prone to whiffing, Flo has his hands full with speed rushers and Kosier is getting overpowered by the large DTs. Colombo looked terrible in the playoffs in both games. I do think this unit needs some upgrades and fresh legs. I am hoping for two new starters this year but I'd settle for one.

I think that was largely due to the fact that he was coming back from injury. Most likely healed, but not at full strength yet.

Also, Kosier does get overpowered at times, but I think he is the unsung anchor of this line. Not in talent or physicality, but in consistency and steadiness. We all saw what happened when we lost him in 2008.

 

[Chocolate Lab]

In short, I dont like our "big only" offensive line mentality.

I don't either, but I don't think it will change as long as Houck is around. And it's hard to imagine him leaving anytime soon, especially if RJ gets promoted.

 

[MarionBarberThe4th]

he's also injury prone. that's why Barkley started calling him "half man half a season".

He missed 15 games in his 4.5 years in NJ

Underrated