Originally posted by NCommand:
Originally posted by oldman9er:
Originally posted by NCommand:
so maybe the coaching staff is willing to give him a real shot and error on the side of a smaller pocket, less push/lanes for running inside and smaller throwing lanes for the sake of that protection? What do you guys think?
I'd ask that you clarify this before I really answer.
I have the same questions as you noted above and would like to add that we also looked at 4 FA guards in the offseason too. So like you noted, why move a pure T who could literally push and maybe even win, a starting T position over Staley/Davis right now to RG? Boone's mentor even noted he is best suited for the T position.
As to my point above, perhaps the coaching staff is a big fan of Boone and his development over the years and REALLY wants to get him on the field, one way or another, if at nothing else, give him the courtesy shot at RG as a message to the team that Boone is proof that if you work hard, stay straight, keep developing, you WILL get a shot to start. And if that is the case, NOW is the time to send that message. But maybe the real plan is to have Kilgore or Looney or Slowey (true interior guys) win the job from Boone in the pre season and move Boone back to the main backup T position?
No, I don't think we are using any deception or have some "real plan" undisclosed to us. I think Jim and the staff love them some Boone. I think they do really want him to be the 5th OL starter. I think Boone will have to really shock with disappointment to not be that 5th starter.
People are worrying about him having to shift back to OT if someone gets injured. I do not share their concerns. Boone has been around enough to know what his assignments are, whether at T or G. So I have more faith in Boone kicking back out to OT than I would for most teams inserting their # 3 OT in due to injury.
I also think people forget or overlook the potential development of other OTs on our roster. Could be that Person or Hall have been impressing and developing well as future backup OTs.
Boone was a very good run blocker at OSU... very adept at slipping into the 2nd level. As long as his height doesn't cause issues... and so far, the staff doesn't feel he's playing too high.. then Boone should be an excellent G, as he plays with the nastiness you want. He's strong, quicker, and nasty. At worst, I think he's easily an upgrade to Snyder.
Kilgore, I think is being groomed as the future C behind Goodwin. I love that. We are also developing Beeler and Slowey as long-shot possibilities there too. Joe Looney is excellent depth at G that could turn out to be more IF somehow Boone turns out a disappointment there. No need to force any of these guys with no or minimal experience out onto the field.