Originally posted by dtg_9er:
We have an interesting line in terms of style. Staley is not a power guy but Iupati and Davis are and were drafted for Singletary's smashmouth style. Goodwin is not a stout guy but is a wiley vet. No RG would seem to be a problem. So it will be interesting to see if there are some shakeups on the OLine this summer to try and develop a cohesive style of line play.
Very few people seem to care that our line is not consistent in their strengths. Staley may be the best pass blocker, but he has had back issues. Iupati has been consistent for a young guy and may be able to adapt to any style. Goodwin worries me as he can't hold up against big nose tackles or late blitzing.
It will be interesting to see if Davis moves to RG so that Boone can play every down. That would leave Kilgore to backup at either G or OC and Person to back up OT. Still a need for another lineman or two. The great SF teams of the 80s cross trained so that they could switch around and fill holes as they came up. Bobb was a master of using small guys to advantaqe but Harbaugh's WCO system is quite different...more power running.
Totally agree.
Staley - tons of injuries, undersized but voted to the probowl. I watched him close last year and he is absolutely useless in getting a push in the run game (usually driven backwards) so that eliminates running off LT even with TE's over there helping. He also gave up a ton of sacks, QB hits and pressures and this was WITH getting double help from Iupati (who pushes his man back and then slides over to help Staley on every play). I know we're talking about a "pro-bowl LT" but truly, we could use someone, anyone (even Boone) who can seal the edge, get a push on the LOS and who can protect Alex's blind-side without the added help from TE's and the LG. One area he does excel at is in space esp. blocking down field. Either way, he is injury prone and we are doing a LOT to overcompensate for him which I fear is creating bigger holes in the middle for Goodwin and not utilizing Iuptai's strengths (push and power and pulling).
Iupati - I think he has been too focused on helping outside and as a result, we can see guys sliding through to the gap between he and Goodwin. He probably has the most potential along the line and is fantastic out in space for a big man, pulling and in getting a push in short yardage.
Goodwin - average, at best center who needs strong guard play to succeed. He is the QB of the OL and let's be real here; we've had a LOT of communication issues with guys running free to the QB in under 2.9 seconds. For a wiley vet, this shouldn't happen! He and his gaps are targets for good, attacking defenses for obvious reasons.
TBD - We need a monster upgrade here
Davis - seems to be getting better and better every game and every year
Boone - I was ore impressed with Boone than Staley last year when he played. He has a hunger and seemed to do a better job at sealing the edge, getting a push and did way better than I expected at protecting the blind side. He just needs more playing time and confidence from the coaching staff.
Kilgore - Too little of a sample size but given we all remember him mauling people from LAST training camp is a good sign. He seems like a nasty RG who would bring some of the Davis-attitude with his play. He's a passionate guy and we need more of this. I'd keep my eye on this one!
Overall - average, at best OL that could use several upgrades and some of those upgrades could already be on the team and just need a chance and a coaching staff to show confidence in them (ala last year with Brooks, Bowman, Brown, etc.).