NighthawkVol
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Apr 7, 2007
- Messages
- 11,632
- Likes
- 41,214
The power that these young old lineman can gain in the gym between now, and next season is substantial. They can study more as well, and be very aware.This...
It is 100% premature to say OL's from the 22 and 23 class are not going to contribute next year...Ideally all of the players mentioned in the OP will come back and players like Lang, Umarov, Bussell, Nichols, Reddick, Clipper, etc. will get legit experience next year as their backups and be ready to take over when those players are out of eligibility...
This narrative that we have to hit the portal hard because a bunch of true and RS freshman haven't contributed yet is way off base IMO
When Phil Fulmer had things rocking, he had an offensive line full of future NFL players with Jr's and Seniors starting and freshman and sophomores developing in the pipeline. I think Heupel will eventually get to that point.The power that these young old lineman can gain in the gym between now, and next season is substantial. They can study more as well, and be very aware.
I tend to agree that they are gone. Assuming they are, what do you expect the OL to look like? I’m guessing transfer portal will play a role. I don’t like depending on the portal because there aren’t many NFL caliber players available there and every team in the country wants them.Might not be about that for some. Might just be ready to move on..
For your question, I doubt they could get better NIL deal over undrafted chance at NFL. Mincy would be only one in that boat IMO. Think other three will pull deals for NFL.
Bob Johnson says hello.Everything I've read about Mays' mental game says he is NFL-ready. Unless he has skill or physical detriments unsuitable for the Sunday game... he should cash in wonderfully in the draft.
A starting center who can make the calls quickly and accurately can be a team asset for +15 years. They are usually the best spent money in any successful franchise.
I wouldn't know how he stacks up physically, whether he's slow or undersized for the pro game. I'll hang up and let others address that.
I tend to agree that they are gone. Assuming they are, what do you expect the OL to look like? I’m guessing transfer portal will play a role. I don’t like depending on the portal because there aren’t many NFL caliber players available there and every team in the country wants them.
CMays is the same physical size as Jason KelceEverything I've read about Mays' mental game says he is NFL-ready. Unless he has skill or physical detriments unsuitable for the Sunday game... he should cash in wonderfully in the draft.
A starting center who can make the calls quickly and accurately can be a team asset for +15 years. They are usually the best spent money in any successful franchise.
I wouldn't know how he stacks up physically, whether he's slow or undersized for the pro game. I'll hang up and let others address that.
IMHO…Mincey will move back to LT and the reserve OTs that you listed will battle with a transfer (or two) for the RT spot…Seaton (if we get him ) is the only incoming freshman that could battle for that spot IMO…as good as he is though I’m hoping he can just be a backup and get at least a year under his belt before he’s a starterSo if Cooper comes back, which seems more likely now that we know he’s not participating in senior day, we could have something like:
LT: ?
LG: Karic
C: Mays
RG: Nichols
RT: Mincey
Reserves: Lang (OG), Reddick (OG), Clipper (OG), Umarov (OT), Johnson III (OT), Grant (OT)
That’s not terrible, although it would be nice to get some help from incoming players via the ‘24 class or portal. I don’t usually count on freshmen to help on the OL, but I could see Seaton starting at LT. I’m no expert but those who are seem to think he’s elite. Mincey has been serviceable but need him to play better. Elarbee will have Karic, Nichols, Lang ready.
Presents a good chance to allow the young guys to get better before starting. The only hitch is waiting in 2024 means these underclassmen will consider the portal. Double-edged sword and all those clichesSo if Cooper comes back, which seems more likely now that we know he’s not participating in senior day, we could have something like:
LT: ?
LG: Karic
C: Mays
RG: Nichols
RT: Mincey
Reserves: Lang (OG), Reddick (OG), Clipper (OG), Umarov (OT), Johnson III (OT), Grant (OT)
That’s not terrible, although it would be nice to get some help from incoming players via the ‘24 class or portal. I don’t usually count on freshmen to help on the OL, but I could see Seaton starting at LT. I’m no expert but those who are seem to think he’s elite. Mincey has been serviceable but need him to play better. Elarbee will have Karic, Nichols, Lang ready.