My prediction: Barring injuries we will have a serviceable OL.

[MichaelWinicki]

Definition of drastically "Severe or radical in nature; extreme"

All one can hope for is moderately better because of another year of coaching and the presense of Frederich.

Costa is certainly better at run blocking than pass protection where he is less than average. That's why the team has been locking for a replacement.

You're right. In 2011 he was less than average when it came to pass blocking.

 

[burmafrd]

Definition of drastically "Severe or radical in nature; extreme"

All one can hope for is moderately better because of another year of coaching and the presense of Frederich.

Costa is certainly better at run blocking than pass protection where he is less than average. That's why the team has been locking for a replacement.

Only a kool aid drinker would claim drastic improvement. Moderate improvement is probably the best we can expect- and that is only if the Beard really is what we hope; Smith continues to improve; and somehow we get two serviceable guards from somewhere. As regards the Free/Parnell soap opera who knows?

 

[Idgit]

Only a kool aid drinker would claim drastic improvement. Moderate improvement is probably the best we can expect- and that is only if the Beard really is what we hope; Smith continues to improve; and somehow we get two serviceable guards from somewhere. As regards the Free/Parnell soap opera who knows?

Lol. If Smith gets even better, Frederick is plug-in stalwart at C, we improve both OG positions, that will be bonafide drastic improvement over last season. Trouble is, that's not all going to happen.

 

[jobberone]

Impossible to predict how the OL will do but I don't see why it can't be significantly improved. Smith wasn't great last year but he was decent. LG is an unknown. I think C will be fine and 'drastically' improved over last year unless both Costa and Fred are hurt. I'm more comfortable at RG but not enough to say it will be ok. One of last years starters are likely to lose their job IMO. Both Free and Parnell played well enough the last four games. In fact all the tackles did. So I'm reasonably comfortable at RT and expect Parnell to eventually win that job. Either one is a reasonable swing tackle IMO. We get Costa and Killer back and Leary and maybe Arkin provide some depth and any could push to start esp Costa and Leary. Weems is intriguing. Don't be surprised if Cook makes the team although I wouldn't put money on it. He's versatile and better than some here think (for a backup).

So I'm more comfortable with what we have at the moment. I do not see us picking up a FA although its possible.

 

[jjktkk]

With Frederick's size,,smarts, toughness, etc...,the Oline could substantially improve its interior play, provided Frederick can play up to his billing.