2022 draft

[ArtieChokePhin]

Seeing as the Dolphins have the Niners pick as opposed to their own, it will probably be in the high 20s (unless San Fran advances deep in the playoffs).

With that in mind, the guy they should target in the first round is Miss State OT Charles Cross.  He's a powerful road grader who can run block and pass protect.   Additionally, he is athletic enough to play both tackle spots even though he spent most of his time on the left.   Here's his bio for all those who are interested:

https://hailstate.com/sports/football/roster/charles-cross/6419

[EDGECRUSHER]

I think we need to upgrade the line via free agency more so than the draft. A proven commodity will work better than a rookie working with whoever our next O-Line coach will be.

I would spend the most money getting a new O-Line coach, because then you probably upgrade all 5 spots right there. Salvage what we can from Austin Jackson, Eichenberg and Solomon.

[Dolfanalyst]

Seeing as the Dolphins have the Niners pick as opposed to their own, it will probably be in the high 20s (unless San Fran advances deep in the playoffs).

With that in mind, the guy they should target in the first round is Miss State OT Charles Cross.  He's a powerful road grader who can run block and pass protect.   Additionally, he is athletic enough to play both tackle spots even though he spent most of his time on the left.   Here's his bio for all those who are interested:

https://hailstate.com/sports/football/roster/charles-cross/6419

In terms of pass blocking as measured by PFF grade, the most likely outcome of an offensive tackle drafted at that spot is an average performer:

https://www.pff.com/news/draft-investigating-historical-draft-success-at-offensive-positions

Offensive tackle is a very important position in pro football, and like with QBs, only the ones taken very early are likely to perform above-average.  This is why players like Penei Sewell for example are targeted very early.

So you can certainly target guys like this, but be prepared for the outcome to be underwhelming.

[EDGECRUSHER]

It wouldn't be high 20's either unless they make a run. They play at the Rams on Sunday who are playing for the division and #2 seed. If they lose, they could drop to 5th and play at Dallas as opposed to hosting say Philly or the Niners.

The Niners haven't clinched yet. If they lose, which is certainly possible and the Saints win, they miss the playoffs and that would help lessen the blow for us. Saints play at Atlanta so it's winnable. The Niners could drop right next to us in draft order if we win, which would be funny but I still hate the trade.

[Pappy13]

I think we need to upgrade the line via free agency more so than the draft. A proven commodity will work better than a rookie working with whoever our next O-Line coach will be.

I would spend the most money getting a new O-Line coach, because then you probably upgrade all 5 spots right there. Salvage what we can from Austin Jackson, Eichenberg and Solomon.

I agree. I don't think it's a lack of talent, it's a lack of good coaching. I think these guys can play, they need someone to show them how to play at the NFL level. I don't think they are getting that right now.

[masterfins]

I think we need to upgrade the line via free agency more so than the draft. A proven commodity will work better than a rookie working with whoever our next O-Line coach will be.

I would spend the most money getting a new O-Line coach, because then you probably upgrade all 5 spots right there. Salvage what we can from Austin Jackson, Eichenberg and Solomon.

I agree with this; mix in a couple proven veterans on the downside of their careers that can still play.  And hopefully somehow find an O-line coach that knows what he's doing.  Perhaps here is a place to look at a college coach, as opposed to an existing NFL coach.

[masterfins]

I think the first two picks should be used on a WR and a RB.  Miami needs to score more points, and thereby need more offensive weapons.

[fyo]

I think we need to upgrade the line via free agency more so than the draft. A proven commodity will work better than a rookie working with whoever our next O-Line coach will be.

I would spend the most money getting a new O-Line coach, because then you probably upgrade all 5 spots right there. Salvage what we can from Austin Jackson, Eichenberg and Solomon.

We've had 4 offensive line coaches in 3 years under Flores. What makes you think a 5th would be any better? (Not that I question that a good o-line coach could improve the performance of the line - rather, I question our ability to identify and hire such a coach.)

[Dolfanalyst]

We've had 4 offensive line coaches in 3 years under Flores. What makes you think a 5th would be any better? (Not that I question that a good o-line coach could improve the performance of the line - rather, I question our ability to identify and hire such a coach.)

The issue with the offensive line in my opinion is that it has no high-bar player who establishes a level of play the other players can strive toward, and who can work with the linemen on technique, as sort of a "junior coach."  One of the issues in the present-day NFL is that teams have less time to practice, and less time to practice in full pads, and so the impact of coaching is diminished, while the impact of players on each other is heightened.  I suspect this is why Flores was involving Mike Pouncey in practices earlier this year.  What the line needs however, in my opinion, is a Mike Pouncey-esque player (again a high-bar player) on the field in practice and in games.  Without that the line is a rudderless mess that swirls around at the far below-average level, rather than something with a rudder, provided by a high-bar player and leader, that's at least striving toward something better -- the example provided by that player.

When the line sits down in the film room and looks at its performance, there's nobody the coach can point to and say, in so many words, "look -- that's how it's done -- play like him."  So the thing just swirls around at the very poor level and never gains any traction upward.

[fyo]

^ What free agents will be available that fit the mold? Trading for such an offensive line prospect is likely to be prohibitively expensive.

Most of the UFAs playing offensive line are 30+, which might be what you're looking for, but then you need to draft a replacement as well. I'd rather have one a bit younger, but that doesn't exactly make it easier.

Orlando Brown, LT for the Chiefs will be just 26 when the 2022 season rolls around. He's a borderline top 10 LT according to PFF's grades and still young enough to improve, yet experienced enough (maybe) to instill some leadership. Don't think he'd be interested in coming to Florida, though, given why he left Baltimore.

Terron Armstead, LT for the Saints will be 31, but he's a great player... when he's healthy. He's averaged just over 11 games a season, not counting his rookie year.

Duane Brown, LT for the Seahawks will be 37, but has only missed four games in four years. If your intent is to bring in a vet for a year or two, he might be a good option. Considering the state of things in Seattle, it might be possible to lure him away, although the 'hawks will undoubtedly look to resign him.

Trent Brown, RT for the Patriots might be an option. He'll only be 28 come September and is insanely highly rated by PFF. He's only played 24 games total the past 3 seasons, but not all of it has been injury (he had a cardiac arrest due to air bubbles in a pre-game IV and he's missed some games on the COVID list). He's played really, really well this year and if you're willing to back up the Brink's truck...

Morgan Moses, RT for the Jets could also be an option. He'll be 31, but he's never missed a game since his rookie season and is known for excellent technique. He doesn't quite have the physical skills to be elite, but maybe someone with technique is exactly what you want? He seems really happy in NY, but he's never really had a massive payday and if you're willing to spend a few million above market value, I would have to think he'd be amenable.