The OL has been talked about a lot but I don't know if people realize the potential impact Gilliam can have if he successfully transitions to LT.
Obviously it remains to be seen if Gilliam can do this, but this is what we know - he's an outstanding athlete (6-6, 310 with a 35" vertical and a sub 5-second 40 - not sure about arm length - anyone know this?) who looks like a natural LT in our system from a physical standpoint. He converted from TE and started all season at RT. He did not set the world on fire (he still has much to learn and needs to add strength), but he stayed healthy and showed his potential. He'll be cheap for the next couple of years at least.
IF he can successfully make the transition and play adequately at LT while showing consistent improvement, that will be huge for the OL and the team. He'll be a bargain at a premium position for at least two more years - not quite as big of an advantage as RW playing on his rookie deal but it will still be a big help. After two years (assuming he isn't extended long-term after this season) we'll have a custom-built, home-grown LT who is going in to FA at 27, at which point we'd have the franchise tag at our disposal if he warrants it.
I think drafting a young center this year is a priority. Lewis is a good short-term answer (and insurance policy) but aside from LT I think a good reliable center with no major physical/mental deficiencies is critical to cohesiveness on the line, along with RWs comfort level pre-snap. Fortunately the draft is stocked with potential answers here.
I am okay with the (apparent) model at G and RT of drafting for potential and supplementing that with lower-paid vets on shorter-term deals. With guys like Britt, Sokoli, and Glowinski gaining experience competing with vets like Webb and Sowell, I think we will be in better shape than last year at those positions, with the potential for a very strong line if the young guys develop.
It all breaks down without Gilliam though. Obviously being a title condender the front office would rather not go in to the season with an unproven guy at LT - getting Okung back for something like 3/$24M would make everything better. Then by the time Gilliam is ready to cash in (if that happens) Okung would be in the last year of his deal and the dead money wouldn't be terrible if he were cut.
Of every player on the team this offseason, Gilliam is the guy I'll be watching most closely.
Obviously it remains to be seen if Gilliam can do this, but this is what we know - he's an outstanding athlete (6-6, 310 with a 35" vertical and a sub 5-second 40 - not sure about arm length - anyone know this?) who looks like a natural LT in our system from a physical standpoint. He converted from TE and started all season at RT. He did not set the world on fire (he still has much to learn and needs to add strength), but he stayed healthy and showed his potential. He'll be cheap for the next couple of years at least.
IF he can successfully make the transition and play adequately at LT while showing consistent improvement, that will be huge for the OL and the team. He'll be a bargain at a premium position for at least two more years - not quite as big of an advantage as RW playing on his rookie deal but it will still be a big help. After two years (assuming he isn't extended long-term after this season) we'll have a custom-built, home-grown LT who is going in to FA at 27, at which point we'd have the franchise tag at our disposal if he warrants it.
I think drafting a young center this year is a priority. Lewis is a good short-term answer (and insurance policy) but aside from LT I think a good reliable center with no major physical/mental deficiencies is critical to cohesiveness on the line, along with RWs comfort level pre-snap. Fortunately the draft is stocked with potential answers here.
I am okay with the (apparent) model at G and RT of drafting for potential and supplementing that with lower-paid vets on shorter-term deals. With guys like Britt, Sokoli, and Glowinski gaining experience competing with vets like Webb and Sowell, I think we will be in better shape than last year at those positions, with the potential for a very strong line if the young guys develop.
It all breaks down without Gilliam though. Obviously being a title condender the front office would rather not go in to the season with an unproven guy at LT - getting Okung back for something like 3/$24M would make everything better. Then by the time Gilliam is ready to cash in (if that happens) Okung would be in the last year of his deal and the dead money wouldn't be terrible if he were cut.
Of every player on the team this offseason, Gilliam is the guy I'll be watching most closely.