Absolutely agree with Natedawg on the guard thing. Rob is a thick guy but not as wide/longarmed as Flo and Columbo. The width and wingspan of tall/longarmed tackles helps with the outside speed rushers and helps with recovering if the footwork isn't perfect or a DE gives a great move.
Rob is thick and strong and looks more like a Larry Allen body type than a Flo. Lots of guys play OT in College and go guard in NFL.
I am looking forward to how Parcells explains the move. He isn't as touchy feely as his Terry Glenn and even Antonio Bryant stories of last week indicate (those were tear jerkers in terms of sentimentality). Parcells is a hardass and always will be, but he did seem to like Petiti's potential and I do think there is surprise from Rob and Pittdawg, fans, media, and probably a person or two on inside of organization.
I do wonder if Parcells knew that Rob wouldn't last past New Orleans and Payton on waiver so that made his decision easier. He might have thought this is better for Rob in terms of playing now and potential for starting in some ways, in addition to keeping a more experience guy (Fabini "who wouldn't give up 10 sacks a season is he played backwards").
Now I'm a bit surprised Parcells didn't talk to Rob directly, but that might not be the way he does cuts even if he wanted to. It's a tough business from that end.
The kicking situation and McQ caused this move as well as the money given Fabini and the experience Fabini brings. Even with Fabini looking on the downside of career and the need for young Oline in Dallas, it was a situation where McQ and Columbo looked a bit better upside-wise over last few weeks. Just a surprise with all the praise Parcells sent Rob's way even with the "and that's OK" move to swing tackle. I do worry if McQ hits a wall though, just like Rob started facing different stuff in 2nd half of last season.
Looking forward to Parcell's answering some tough questions on this one, but I think he knew Rob would get snapped up by Payton if not the Texans.
Larry