Taking RT Wallace mean Onwenu moves back to RG?

Trying to figure out taking Wallace at 68...

He's got decent size, has a boat load of experience with 40 starts at the RT spot... Thought LT was much more of a priority though...

With that said, does that mean Onwenu slides back inside to Guard? The pick has left me a bit confused, based on how much we shelled out for Big Mike in free agency... Thought that was telling, that he would end up on the outside this year...

Now, not so sure...

Wolf:

“Really, his teammate Olu Fashanu that the Jets drafted (in the first round) was the reason that he played on the right. So athletically there’s no reason why he couldn’t make the switch over there. He’s a really smart, dedicated kid that we feel like can handle that,” Wolf said. “Really good pass protector, really took a huge step forward this year as a four-year starter. Athletic, can bend, strong, powerful, tough. He could possibly play guard. We think he could be a four-position guy, but definitely feel like he can play on the left side.”

Wait til TC.

I think they test both out vs Pats D level competition and see who is most comfortable moving left vs right.

(Warning: sarcastic, unserious post)

“4 position guy” And we got him in the 3rd round. Jets got the better LT but we got a guy who can play all over. Just what we needed. 2 man OL with Andrews. Never saw it coming. ****ing revolutionary.

Now it makes more sense to me, this was a LT pick.

Clonamery said:

(Warning: sarcastic, unserious post)

“4 position guy” And we got him in the 3rd round. Jets got the better LT but we got a guy who can play all over. Just what we needed. 2 man OL with Andrews. Never saw it coming. ****ing revolutionary.

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But remember, Wolf said he "can bend." That means he's flexible!

Grade Analysis
Sizable framed OT with lumbering feet. Average-at-best athlete. Plays with good calmness and accuracy at second level and has quality power but overall athletic profile was severely threatened often in college. A concern for his NFL future. New England did need to add some OL depth. Worried about his upside. (Chris Trapasso)
Rating: 76.34 (Part-time player)
Pro Comparison: Vederian Lowe

Ivan said:

Now it makes more sense to me, this was a LT pick.

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And congrats to the scouts for doing their homework.

Most would simply consider him a RT and move on.

mgteich said:

And congrats to the scouts for doing their homework.

Most would simply consider him a RT and move on.

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Yep. I didn’t even think of it in that context. His play against the best DL they faced was outstanding.

Pape said:

Trying to figure out taking Wallace at 68...

He's got decent size, has a boat load of experience with 40 starts at the RT spot... Thought LT was much more of a priority though...

With that said, does that mean Onwenu slides back inside to Guard? The pick has left me a bit confused, based on how much we shelled out for Big Mike in free agency... Thought that was telling, that he would end up on the outside this year...

Now, not so sure...

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Wolf mentioned he could slide into LT if need be as he's played all over the line.

Personally I'd rather ownenu stay at RT.. Will be very interesting to see how it all shapes up in camp.

Ivan said:

Yep. I didn’t even think of it in that context. His play against the best DL they faced was outstanding.

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Agreed. I don't think wolf is getting enough respect as an executive so far he's done a dam good job in the draft.

I know no games are played yet, and the team is not a finished product. But I'm very encouraged.

mgteich said:

And congrats to the scouts for doing their homework.

Most would simply consider him a RT and move on.

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They were doing this with other RTs such as Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher. Unfortunately the continued run on OTs in day two forced them to take Dane Brugler’s 14th rated tackle a good round earlier than I suspect they anticipated.

That’s why teams need to be drafted from the inside-out.

Just remember, these analysts get O-Line wrong a lot. This kid is big. Lets see what happens.

State said:

They were doing this with other RTs such as Notre Dame’s Blake Fisher. Unfortunately the continued run on OTs in day two forced them to take Dane Brugler’s 14th rated tackle a good round earlier than I suspect they anticipated.

That’s why teams need to be drafted from the inside-out.

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While I don't completely disagree, the way I see it is Maye was a good bet to take, versus waiting a year (or two) and then having to gamble multiple firsts.

I kind of do hope eventually Onwenu does move back to RG. He can play RT and be effective whereas he can be an actual all pro at RG IMO. On this current team it makes more sense to use him at RT, but long term I'd look for someone to push him back to RG.

Go into next year locked in at LG (Strange), Center (D Andrews), RG (Sow), and RT (Onwenu). You have a decent level of competence across those 4 spots on paper. Then let Okorafor, Wallace and everyone else battle for LT. Hopefully one of them can win the job and be competent enough to not f up other players' chance of development. Don't need to be "the answer", don't even need to be good. Just need to not be offense-crippling level of bad. That will get us through a bridge year fine enough.

Then after next year, you have another year of tape on Strange/Sow. Are one or both of them bona-fide long-term starters? Sow played LG in college so if he solidifies himself as a bona-fide starter but Strange doesn't then you could move Sow back to his college position of LG, Onwenu to RG and a replacement at RT (if you find one). Or if Strange solidifies himself and Sow doesn't then just leave him at LG.

D Andrews will also be another year older, possibly considering retirement. Jake Andrews as the top interior backup will inevitably have gotten more time so you'll have an idea of if he's a good replacement. Or maybe Strange could move to the pivot, like some forecasted in his draft profile. Then you can have Sow/Strange/Onwenu inside.

If Sow and Strange both emerge as locked in starters, neither can move to center then sure, leave Onwenu at RT. But his best position long term is RG and if both of the long term guards don't really lock themselves in they should keep looking for their replacement indirectly at RT so they can move Onwenu inside.

Onwenu is a very good guard and an average tackle. It remains to be seen if Wallace can
play left tackle. If not we have big problems.

I read a great article the other day about drafting NFL offensive lineman. Sorry I am not able to find it though.

Basically, it discussed drafting oline out of college and why some mid to late round prospects randomly exceed all expectations and why top rated prospects sometimes fail.

The jist of it was that most college’s run very basic concepts and strategies and that you are not able to judge what each player can absorb and apply before they get to the nfl. Some of the offense’s are quite complex and the players/draftees while maybe great in college, don’t have the mental make up to pick it up, while the not as physically talented draftee is a savant and he just gets it, gaining confidence that he can be that guy and turning it i to a career.

Real fan 02 said:

Wolf mentioned he could slide into LT if need be as he's played all over the line.

Personally I'd rather ownenu stay at RT.. Will be very interesting to see how it all shapes up in camp.

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Be real, He's not a left tackle.

Pape said:

Be real, He's not a left tackle.

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By position no, But I'm assuming the team felt he was too good to pass on and took him with the notion he could play there if needed. I'd like them to just find a natural LT today in the later rounds and have everyone complete.

James Keddy said:

Onwenu is a very good guard and an average tackle. It remains to be seen if Wallace can
play left tackle. If not we have big problems.

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Ownenu actually played very well at tackle when needed last season. Now considering how bad we were offensively he was a bright spot, and Ultimately is why he got the contract. Wolfe said Wallace could play LT if needed. I'd have to assume we will draft a natural tackle today in the 4-7 rounds. I'd assume?