I don't think it's scheme fit that's an issue so much as it is unfamiliarity, and the talent itself isn't fantastic.
Cross is the most talented player on the line. He's the most natural of the linemen. Smooth feet, adept mirroring. He's not perfect and he can get pushed back from time to time, but he isn't a problem.
Connor Williams is likewise an adept center. Better than average.
Stone Forsythe is bad. We're screwed if he needs to stay in for extended time. He's fine for depth but he's a bit of a sieve.
Bradford is a mauler, a bully, and trolls the hell out of the opposing DL. He's not a technician. He's just really strong.
Haynes is an unknown. He's more talented than Bradford was coming out, but he's also a full year older than Bradford.
Laken is an average vet. He got pushed around today, but most of them did at various points.
The issue is that none of these guys have any experience in the new scheme, and all of their coaches are also first timers at the pro level. They're going to have to work together for a bit before we can even really gauge them. There's no chemistry or rapport yet.
I expect one of Bradford/Haynes to move to LG and take Laken's spot, Connor to ramp up slowly, Cross to settle in once he can trust the guard next to him, and for the FUBAR situation at RT to lose us multiple games this year just like it did last year.
Abraham Lucas really would've changed the conversation about how talented the line is, but I'm pretty sure he's done for. I don't think he ever makes it back for a considerable stretch. I think he probably tries for a few games, his knee doesn't hold up, and he ends up medically retiring in the next year or two. I can't trust him regardless. RT is instantly this teams biggest need, and by a lot.
I'd probably offer the Packers our first rounder and a 2026 pick (or Dre'Mont if they want him) for Zach Tom right now. Not even joking. I think he's one of the best offensive linemen in the league. He can play all 5 positions and he can play them all very, very well. He's already a Pro Bowl level talent at right tackle, but the Packers apparently believe (as I and many others did when he came out of college) that his best position is center. Direct quote from inside the org is that they think he's a Pro Bowl right tackle, all pro guard, and potential hall of fame talent at center.
That's a pipe dream as I'm certain the Packers wouldn't let that dude go, but boy. Someone like him is exactly what the doctor ordered. I'd explore a trade for a talented young lineman and I wouldn't be afraid to pay up provided their injury history is clean.
