We Need LT Logan Mankins - Page 2 - Houston Texans Message Board & Forum

nunusguy · 12-29-2004

Why don't we ever see any smallish (say 'bout 275 lb), but quick and mobile
LTs in the NFL ? I realize they have to deal with the large stunting DTs from
time to time, but most of their energy is spent to keep the speed-rushing,
weakside DEs (or OLB in 3-4), out of the QBs face. And whether were talking
a compact Freeney, or long & lithe Jason Taylor, most of the time these guys
are 260-265 lbs. and they just run circles (literally), around the 325 lb hulk
LTs.

**beerlover** · 12-29-2004

thats a good question, it would seem with the right blend of attitude & atheliticism a 270-290 LT could be effective in the right scheme. That being said the 6-7 330 lb NFL LT are desired because:

have large strong hands & long arms to control attacker
durability is crucial because of the physical nature of the position
massive size walls off defenders clearing passing lanes
massive size combined with sound fundamentals creates wide base allowing QB mobility within the pocket

back to Logan Mankins, here is a little note from his bio some may find ironic-

(2001) Started all 14 games ... a first-team Freshman All-America selection by The Sporting News ... as a freshman, was given the responsibility to protect David Carr's blind side brilliantly all year, allowing only two sacks ... helped give Carr the time to break numerous Fresno State single-season and career passing records ... opened the holes for running back Paris Gaines to rush for 1,018 yards ... honorable mention All-WAC.

**Vinny** · 12-29-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Why don't we ever see any smallish (say 'bout 275 lb), but quick and mobile
LTs in the NFL ? I realize they have to deal with the large stunting DTs from
time to time, but most of their energy is spent to keep the speed-rushing,
weakside DEs (or OLB in 3-4), out of the QBs face. And whether were talking
a compact Freeney, or long & lithe Jason Taylor, most of the time these guys
are 260-265 lbs. and they just run circles (literally), around the 325 lb hulk
LTs.

Freeney may be a hall of fame player. He is just an exception and plays at an elite level. A shorter faster guy would not help against Freeney. You really need long arms and long legs to be a good LT. When you backpeddle you do not want to take a ton of big steps without erroding your center of gravity because once you do that the DE just turns his edge rush into a bullrush and you get pushed into the QB. You want to use your long arms to keep the defender as far from your body as you can push them when they are engaged in an edge rush. Shorter guys have a harder time eating up space with the same amount of steps and they have shorter arms which really play into the defenders bag of tricks.

nunusguy · 12-29-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vinny

A shorter faster guy would not help against Freeney. You really need long arms and long legs to be a good LT.

I said 275 lbs, but I did not say shorter. Just because I say 275 shouldn't automatically mean 6'1"-6'2". Gotta think outside the box. I do appreciate the need of the tackles to have long limbs. What I have in mind is the body type of a basketball power forward, say a Antonio Gates. According to our website
Matt Murphy is 6'5" & 260. Put 15-20 lbs on him and you have what I'm talking about in terms of size, height, weight, physical dimentions. Maybe
these college kids wouldn't get that excited about being a full time blocker
vs. a TE who is receiver/blocker, but they might when they find out that
many LTs in the NFL make > $ than TEs. A guy like this would have a lot better chance keeping a Freeny, J.Taylor, or T. Suggs off a QBs butt than some 325-350 stumbling hulk.

**texasguy346** · 12-31-2004

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

Don't forget about Greg Eslinger, Minnesota. If he comes out would be a good Round 3 type pick.

Everyone intrested in seeing Eslinger in action can tune into the Music City Bowl on ESPN. Minnesota is dominating Alabama's defense early on, and pounding the ball down their throats. Eslinger has looked like a beast against the Crimson Tide, but then again most of the Golden Gophers OLine has looked like beasts against them thus far.

fresno8 · 12-31-2004

I watched Eslinger closely for a good part of the game. He looked pretty good to me. He got to the 2nd level and usually dominated his man and did pretty well in pass blocking. Good 3rd or 4th rnd pick if he comes out. Doubt he'd last till 4

rittenhouserobz · 01-01-2005

Isn't it true that a shorter person has a lower center of gravity? Longer arms are easier to push away and take longer to reposition. It is easy to follow the prototype. It takes guts to change the game. If Freeny is out there blowing by these bulky guys, then how would it hurt to try a smaller faster guy with better footwork who understands leverage and balance. Arms ar just one aspect. Footwork is very important as well. I know it would be tougher for Freeney to bullrush a shorter player who has the same strength and weight as the taller player. I know you are losing space, but you gain recovery time and speed.

Errant Hothy · 01-01-2005

Eslinger will not make it til the 4th, unless he has a bad combine. If the Texans target him they may need to spend the 2nd to get him or trade back into the second round. Minnesota owned teh Dawgs D yesterday and was able to run on the 8 man front they typically use; and Minnesota was the first team this year to have a 100 yrd rusher agaist Georgia.

wags · 01-01-2005

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoth-Boy

Eslinger will not make it til the 4th, unless he has a bad combine. If the Texans target him they may need to spend the 2nd to get him or trade back into the second round. Minnesota owned teh Dawgs D yesterday and was able to run on the 8 man front they typically use; and Minnesota was the first team this year to have a 100 yrd rusher agaist Georgia.

Minnesota played Alabama, not Georgia.

Errant Hothy · 01-01-2005

My mistake. I thought there was something wrong with what I was typing but couldn't put my finger on it. Too much booze last night?

**Vinny** · 01-25-2005

Quote:

Logan Mankins , gaining momentum in recent weeks amongst scouts, suffered through a difficult day Monday. Slow in getting out of his stance and beaten thoroughly a couple of times, the Fresno State product did not display the tenacity that caught the eye of scouts in recent weeks.

http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news;_yl...del&type=story

12-29-2004	#22
beerlover Site Contributor Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 11,357 Rep Power: 15075	thats a good question, it would seem with the right blend of attitude & atheliticism a 270-290 LT could be effective in the right scheme. That being said the 6-7 330 lb NFL LT are desired because: have large strong hands & long arms to control attacker durability is crucial because of the physical nature of the position massive size walls off defenders clearing passing lanes massive size combined with sound fundamentals creates wide base allowing QB mobility within the pocket back to Logan Mankins, here is a little note from his bio some may find ironic- (2001) Started all 14 games ... a first-team Freshman All-America selection by The Sporting News ... as a freshman, was given the responsibility to protect David Carr's blind side brilliantly all year, allowing only two sacks ... helped give Carr the time to break numerous Fresno State single-season and career passing records ... opened the holes for running back Paris Gaines to rush for 1,018 yards ... honorable mention All-WAC.

01-01-2005	#27
rittenhouserobz Hall of Fame Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 1,100 Rep Power: 11	Isn't it true that a shorter person has a lower center of gravity? Longer arms are easier to push away and take longer to reposition. It is easy to follow the prototype. It takes guts to change the game. If Freeny is out there blowing by these bulky guys, then how would it hurt to try a smaller faster guy with better footwork who understands leverage and balance. Arms ar just one aspect. Footwork is very important as well. I know it would be tougher for Freeney to bullrush a shorter player who has the same strength and weight as the taller player. I know you are losing space, but you gain recovery time and speed. __________________ We are all born ignorant, but one must work hard to remain stupid. Ben Franklin

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12-29-2004	#21
nunusguy Hall of Fame Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Houston Posts: 8,991 Rep Power: 183	Why don't we ever see any smallish (say 'bout 275 lb), but quick and mobile LTs in the NFL ? I realize they have to deal with the large stunting DTs from time to time, but most of their energy is spent to keep the speed-rushing, weakside DEs (or OLB in 3-4), out of the QBs face. And whether were talking a compact Freeney, or long & lithe Jason Taylor, most of the time these guys are 260-265 lbs. and they just run circles (literally), around the 325 lb hulk LTs.

12-31-2004	#26
fresno8 Veteran Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Fowler, Ca pop. 4,000 Age: 27 Posts: 164 Rep Power: 9	I watched Eslinger closely for a good part of the game. He looked pretty good to me. He got to the 2nd level and usually dominated his man and did pretty well in pass blocking. Good 3rd or 4th rnd pick if he comes out. Doubt he'd last till 4

01-01-2005	#28
Errant Hothy Hypermediocrity Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Keller, Tx Age: 34 Posts: 9,654 Rep Power: 7471	Eslinger will not make it til the 4th, unless he has a bad combine. If the Texans target him they may need to spend the 2nd to get him or trade back into the second round. Minnesota owned teh Dawgs D yesterday and was able to run on the 8 man front they typically use; and Minnesota was the first team this year to have a 100 yrd rusher agaist Georgia.

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