NFL "Tender" SUPRISES

[Mazzin]

I haven't seen enought of him for an accurate judgement, but if what someone said earlier, that he is only 24. Then what do you mean place it in a young buck, he is still young. I would take him in a heartbeat. BUT thats not how Ted handles things, he isn't giving up them picks unless he thinks it's going to be a sure fire player.

[pbmax]

Jared Gaither of the Ravens was tendered for a 1st. I'm thinking he'll likely get poached. He's a damn fine tackle and only 24 years old.

Yeah, he's definitely worth a one. That kid is huge. An edge rusher needs a road map to get around him, he's so big.

He's a clumsy bugger, but he will learn and be an all-pro one day.

KY - is he worth the 23rd pick, plus the contract to go with it?

He's on the cusp of being a top 10 LT. 4 years and 20 lbs ago he floored everyone with his mobility for a big guy (sub 5 second 40 and mind blowing 7.12 in the 3 cone) but most doubted his upper body strength (15 reps). His strength has always been pass protection but he's bulked up and has become a real contributor in the run game as well.

Some question his work ethic however the guy clearly does something right because 4 years ago he was a 5th round supplemental draft pick and now he's a starting LT. My guess is that if we pass on him it has something to do with CMIII making him look like Bryant McKinnie last season.

Wasn't he hurt at some point this year? I think Oher was flopping back and forth right to left because of Gaither's injury. I seem to remember that was an issue when the Packers played Baltimore.

[pbmax]

This was in ND72s thread also, but it qualifies as a surprise since he was expected to be a free agent. Sproles was tendered by the Chargers and the report I read said it was the "highest" tender. Which, presumably means 1st and 3rd.

[Fritz]

I haven't seen enought of him for an accurate judgement, but if what someone said earlier, that he is only 24. Then what do you mean place it in a young buck, he is still young. I would take him in a heartbeat. BUT thats not how Ted handles things, he isn't giving up them picks unless he thinks it's going to be a sure fire player.

What I meant is that if you sign Gaither, you're not going to sign Clifton and so you now have a left tackle, but no first round pick.

Conversely, you could re-sign Cliffy and draft a, okay, young-er buck to groom at left tackle, or you could draft whomever you think is best available talent, then grab a LT in the second round (in my little fantasy world that makes it sound easy to grab a LT).

[KYPack]

Jared Gaither of the Ravens was tendered for a 1st. I'm thinking he'll likely get poached. He's a damn fine tackle and only 24 years old.

Yeah, he's definitely worth a one. That kid is huge. An edge rusher needs a road map to get around him, he's so big.

He's a clumsy bugger, but he will learn and be an all-pro one day.

KY - is he worth the 23rd pick, plus the contract to go with it?

That's the 64,000 dollar question, right?
You don't have to teach him how to get big. 6'9" 340 outta do that job. He's got a ton of upside still at 24, but also has a lot ot learn. Huge wingspan and really cute on his feet for a big man. He has a natural kick step and can PP with authority. Can also be a road grader on runs.

He get's rattled. An edge rusher with an inside move can beat him. The Bengals Antwan Odom has that move and has danced all over Gaither at times. But not a lot of other guys are effective against him. I have no clue if we'll make that move. if the guys TT has targeted all get snapped up, TT has to consider getting this kid with our 1. Gaither has already visited NE. their 1 is about the same as ours. Ozzie would want the pick in hand before the draft.

Ozzie is a draft master and can turn 1's into effective players. With TT's track record, I side with those who doubt we'll be the one to make the trade. I think this kid does move, but doubt we'll be the team to make it.

[retailguy]

That's the 64,000 dollar question, right?
You don't have to teach him how to get big. 6'9" 340 outta do that job. He's got a ton of upside still at 24, but also has a lot ot learn. Huge wingspan and really cute on his feet for a big man. He has a natural kick step and can PP with authority. Can also be a road grader on runs.

He get's rattled. An edge rusher with an inside move can beat him. The Bengals Antwan Odom has that move and has danced all over Gaither at times. But not a lot of other guys are effective against him. I have no clue if we'll make that move. if the guys TT has targeted all get snapped up, TT has to consider getting this kid with our 1. Gaither has already visited NE. their 1 is about the same as ours. Ozzie would want the pick in hand before the draft.

Ozzie is a draft master and can turn 1's into effective players. With TT's track record, I side with those who doubt we'll be the one to make the trade. I think this kid does move, but doubt we'll be the team to make it.

I think Ted believes he'll get Cliffy back, so I don't think he's entertaining this idea. My fear is that he won't get Cliffy back (redskins seeing him today), and that Gaither will be gone when Ted finally sees he won't get Ciffy back. Then what? I like Lang, and believe he could "man" the LT spot, but the coaching staff doesn't seem to agree with me, so that concerns me.

I suspect that the LT position could be in flux until after the draft, and maybe beyond that.

Wonder if we can get Tony Moll back from the Ravens.