State of the O-line

[TheKDog]

@Brickwallblitz
TOTAL QUARTERBACK HITS ALLOWED THROUGH WEEK 12: NO: 32 CIN: 43 CAR: 44 PIT: 45 CHI: 47 IND: 48 BAL: 49 LAR, NE: 50 DET, NYJ: 55 LAC, TEN: 56 MIA: 61 CLE, WAS: 63 SEA: 66 OAK: 67 GB, KC, MIN: 68 DEN: 69 BUF: 70 JAX: 71 NYG: 73 ARI, DAL: 74 SF: 77 PHI: 80 TB: 81 ATL: 86 HOU: 91

4:13 PM - 27 Nov 201


@Brickwallblitz 3m3 minutes ago


The Texans have cooled down in their last five games. The Falcons just might allow the most QB hits by the end of the season. The Browns have DRASTICALLY cooled down to the point where they're in the middle of the pack now.

 

[TheKDog]

@Brickwallblitz
QUARTERBACK HITS ALLOWED IN THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER: CLE: 2 IND: 5 MIN: 9 NO: 10 BAL: 11 NE, NYG: 14 CIN, DEN, HOU, SF: 15 ARI, CAR, JAX: 16 PHI: 17 BUF, CHI, LAR: 18 KC: 19 PIT: 20 GB: 22 MIA: 23 LAC, TEN: 25 SEA: 26 DAL, WAS: 27 NYJ, TB: 28 DET, OAK: 31 ATL: 32

4:55 PM - 27 Nov 2018

 

[steelbtexan]

@Brickwallblitz
TOTAL QUARTERBACK HITS ALLOWED THROUGH WEEK 12: NO: 32 CIN: 43 CAR: 44 PIT: 45 CHI: 47 IND: 48 BAL: 49 LAR, NE: 50 DET, NYJ: 55 LAC, TEN: 56 MIA: 61 CLE, WAS: 63 SEA: 66 OAK: 67 GB, KC, MIN: 68 DEN: 69 BUF: 70 JAX: 71 NYG: 73 ARI, DAL: 74 SF: 77 PHI: 80 TB: 81 ATL: 86 HOU: 91

4:13 PM - 27 Nov 201


@Brickwallblitz 3m3 minutes ago


The Texans have cooled down in their last five games. The Falcons just might allow the most QB hits by the end of the season. The Browns have DRASTICALLY cooled down to the point where they're in the middle of the pack now.

Atlanta throws the ball alot more than the Texans do. The Browns getting rid of Jackson/Haley probably has something to do with this.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Not throwing as much and using max protect schemes has skewed these stats.

Although this is good to see.

Ummm isn't that what you would want the team to do? Identify the weakest link and find a way to mitigate it? Stats are stats how they were achieved is inconsequential.

 

[Brisco_County]

Pat Thorman@Pat_Thorman

During the last month, no offensive line has allowed less QB contact (sacks + hits) than the #Texans (2).

Prior to that, no offensive line had allowed more QB contact than the #Texans (38).


6:53 PM - Nov 26, 2018

Watson's scrambling ability skews this stat. A non-mobile QB would be getting crushed.

The line is playing better, but their protection is not anywhere close to good. I'll go with my eyes over the stats for now.

 

[steelbtexan]

Ummm isn't that what you would want the team to do? Identify the weakest link and find a way to mitigate it? Stats are stats how they were achieved is inconsequential.

They are very consequetial and sometimes as in this case they lie. They make you think that the OL has really improved and is playing really well. When in fact they're playing OK in the run game and still suck in pass pro. BOB has basically made chicken salad out of chicken bleep.

 

[Honoring Earl 34]

They are very consequetial and sometimes as in this case they lie. They make you think that the OL has really improved and is playing really well. When in fact they're playing OK in the run game and still suck in pass pro. BOB has basically made chicken salad out of chicken bleep.

You got to have a QB , it's the Frank's Red Hot of football . You can put that sheet on anything and it can work .

 

[Uncle Rico]

They are very consequetial and sometimes as in this case they lie. They make you think that the OL has really improved and is playing really well. When in fact they're playing OK in the run game and still suck in pass pro. BOB has basically made chicken salad out of chicken bleep.

Bob or Deshaun? And the only liability on that line in the last month has been Davenport and even he has been significantly better. Players can improve over the course of the year. Still wouldnt stop me from improving the talent level but they aren't the convenient scapegoat anymore.

 

[paycheck71]

You got to have a QB , it's the Frank's Red Hot of football . You can put that sheet on anything and it can work .

I love this sh!t. I use it to make wing sauce when I make my own wings. But... My wife used to do logistics for the company that makes it. A pallet of it got damaged and the spill ate through the concrete in the warehouse.

 

[Earl34]

Watching the Titans' OL, they might be worst than the Texans' OL. When you consider they spent first round picks on Lewan (11th) and Conklin (8th) and signed free agent Ben Jones at center, it doesn't make any sense that they should be worst than the Texans.

It will be interesting to see how the Texans address the OL in the future.

 

[steelbtexan]

Bob or Deshaun? And the only liability on that line in the last month has been Davenport and even he has been significantly better. Players can improve over the course of the year. Still wouldnt stop me from improving the talent level but they aren't the convenient scapegoat anymore.

Both BOB/Deshaun

 

[Shishkabob]

Watching the Titans' OL, they might be worst than the Texans' OL. When you consider they spent first round picks on Lewan (11th) and Conklin (8th) and signed free agent Ben Jones at center, it doesn't make any sense that they should be worst than the Texans.

It will be interesting to see how the Texans address the OL in the future.

Doesn't make any sense really, they were a dominate line the last couple of years. Maybe Jones is that bad at calling out protection in this new offense, maybe coaching does matter at the NFL level regardless of what some on here say. They've dealt with some injury, but nothing to serious IIRC.

 

[TheKDog]

They are very consequetial and sometimes as in this case they lie. They make you think that the OL has really improved and is playing really well. When in fact they're playing OK in the run game and still suck in pass pro. BOB has basically made chicken salad out of chicken bleep.

I agree the ol still isn't that good and is covered up, but OBrien made it worse at the beginning with his shuffling of Davenport

 

[AggiebyMarriage]

Watching the Titans' OL, they might be worst than the Texans' OL. When you consider they spent first round picks on Lewan (11th) and Conklin (8th) and signed free agent Ben Jones at center, it doesn't make any sense that they should be worst than the Texans.

It will be interesting to see how the Texans address the OL in the future.

Very good observation. The Titans have the only O-Line that is worse that the Texans:

Football Outsider 11-27-18 Offensive line pass Protection Rankings

Team / Rank / Sacks / Adjusted Sack Rate

Hou / 31 / 37 / 10.9%

TEN / 32 / 39 / 11.9%

 

[steelbtexan]

I agree the ol still isn't that good and is covered up, but OBrien made it worse at the beginning with his shuffling of Davenport

He tried to put Rankin at his most comfortable position, LT which he was 1st team all SEC since Rankin was hurt and didn't get to practice or play much in the preseason.

I would've probably done the same thing at the time trying to get who I thought were my best 5 OL on the field at the same time. Who new Lamm was going to become a starting level OT instead of a guy who looked like he didn't belong in the NFL.

 

[Shishkabob]

He tried to put Rankin at his most comfortable position, LT which he was 1st team all SEC since Rankin was hurt and didn't get to practice or play much in the preseason.

I would've probably done the same thing at the time trying to get who I thought were my best 5 OL on the field at the same time. Who new Lamm was going to become a starting level OT instead of a guy who looked like he didn't belong in the NFL.

right? Almost all were shocked that Lamm made the 53, can you imagine the reactions if he had stepped in for Henderson right away and gave us similar results to last year?

 

[Texansballer74]

I would have put Rankin in on the Right side. Especially since dude did get injured and missed the entire off season training. No way in hell I would've put him on the Left side where the wolves hunt. And no way I would've confused Davenport like that either. Knowing darn well he only practiced on the left side.

 

[Uncle Rico]

He tried to put Rankin at his most comfortable position, LT which he was 1st team all SEC since Rankin was hurt and didn't get to practice or play much in the preseason.

I would've probably done the same thing at the time trying to get who I thought were my best 5 OL on the field at the same time. Who new Lamm was going to become a starting level OT instead of a guy who looked like he didn't belong in the NFL.

You're making an excuse for the act. Can everyone agree that it was a bad idea at least?

 

[Shishkabob]

I would have put Rankin in on the Right side. Especially since dude did get injured and missed the entire off season training. No way in hell I would've put him on the Left side where the wolves hunt. And no way I would've confused Davenport like that either. Knowing darn well he only practiced on the left side.

Davenport trained as a swing tackle last year, and they did let him get practice reps in on the right side during TC according to McClain. Teams also really aren't putting their best pass rushers over the LT anymore, they have realized the LT is generally the best pass blocking tackle so they have adjusted. Watt, Miller, Mack, Lawrence, and many other premier pass rushers mainly rush against the RT. It's really hard to have a guy come in mid game, and play a position he has never taken a snap at before, which is what your implying we should have done with Rankin.

 

[welsh texan]

You're making an excuse for the act. Can everyone agree that it was a bad idea at least?

This opinion is outcome biased imho.

The thought process of putting your least experienced player in his most comfortable position is not bad in and of itself.

 

[Uncle Rico]

This opinion is outcome biased imho.

The thought process of putting your least experienced player in his most comfortable position is not bad in and of itself.

But Davenport had never played RT in meaningful competition, getting practice reps is all nice when guys are going 75% in shorts and shoulder pads. I agree with the 'hindsight' argument, but his wasnt done to help Davenport flourish it was in full out panic mode, and it seemed to backfire, luckily they had enough foresight to a) move Davenport back to the left side and b) have more patience than I did and wait for continued development. They could have gone kamikaze and overpaid for some teams 3rd tackle, but they didnt and I commend them for that.

 

[austins23]

They also might still have problems with quality pass rushers

Do you consider Orakpo a "quality" pass rusher. I would, but not Von Miller quality. Because Davenport got smoked by Orakpo, like Davenport didn't even touch him, smoked.

and still suck in pass pro

See above. Can't imagine what playoff pass rushers are gonna do to him.

 

[steelbtexan]

You're making an excuse for the act. Can everyone agree that it was a bad idea at least?

So it's an excuse to put your rookie who miised all of TC in the spot he feels most comfortable in? OK.

 

[Uncle Rico]

So it's an excuse to put your rookie who miised all of TC in the spot he feels most comfortable in? OK.

There you go again you are appealing to emotion and answering the question ambiguously .. wait I'm talking about Davenport moving to RT who are you talking about?

Edit : nevermind dude I'm with you Rankin LT got it my mistake

 

[thunderkyss]

Do you consider Orakpo a "quality" pass rusher. I would, but not Von Miller quality. Because Davenport got smoked by Orakpo, like Davenport didn't even touch him, smoked.


See above. Can't imagine what playoff pass rushers are gonna do to him.

I thought Davenport had a bad game in pass pro. But to be fair, he won some, lost some. I wouldn't say Orakpo had the kind of game Watt & Clowney did against Lewan & Conklin.

It would be nice to see them match up again at the end of the year... but that ain't gonna happen.

 

[TheKDog]

So it's an excuse to put your rookie who miised all of TC in the spot he feels most comfortable in? OK.

Starting a rookie who missed training camp at all is stupid imo.

Moving Davenport, who is young himself, to RT when he practiced in training camp at LT is even stupider.

Yes, people would have been mad if Lamm started because he does in fact still suck, but the solution isn't to come up with something worse.

We are lucky Watson only got a bruised lung as a result of those shenanigans.

 

[steelbtexan]

Starting a rookie who missed training camp at all is stupid imo.

Moving Davenport, who is young himself, to RT when he practiced in training camp at LT is even stupider.

Yes, people would have been mad if Lamm started because he does in fact still suck, but the solution isn't to come up with something worse.

We are lucky Watson only got a bruised lung as a result of those shenanigans.

In fact Watson got hurt in the Dallas game and Lamm was starting at RT Davenport was the LT.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Hroniss Grasu has been injury tragedy since days @ Oregon otherwise he would be starting Center somewhere in NFL. Certainly worth look from medical team. Depth is a serious condition of Texan OL.

Maybe "Doc" can shed some light on his medical condition.

Grasu suffered a noncontact right ACL in practice August 7 and was placed on IR August 30............he was the Bears' presumptive starter at the time.............he has never been able to attain anywhere the performance he enjoyed pre-injury. The Bears gave up on him Sept and he was picked up by the Ravens who, because of his poor show, ended up a healthy scratch in all but 3 games. The Ravens finally relayed the message "Never more", releasing him a couple of days ago. This is an example of a player who came back to play after an ACL, but never really came back.

 

[Uncle Rico]

In fact Watson got hurt in the Dallas game and Lamm was starting at RT Davenport was the LT.

And in all fairness the injury didn't happen in the pocket it was Deshaun diving for the pylon.

 

[Insideop]

Doesn't make any sense really, they were a dominate line the last couple of years. Maybe Jones is that bad at calling out protection in this new offense, maybe coaching does matter at the NFL level regardless of what some on here say. They've dealt with some injury, but nothing to serious IIRC.

Does anyone know if they fired their O-line coach last season or did Vrabel retain him or any of the other coaches? With a new OC I would imagine they cleaned house and hired their own guys and this may be the problem with them not being as good this year (new coaches/new schemes). Just a thought.

 

[TheKDog]

In fact Watson got hurt in the Dallas game and Lamm was starting at RT Davenport was the LT.

And yet through the first half of the season he was still hit far more than any other QB. Doesn't make it ok just because he got hit on another play.

And of course at that point Lamm and Davenport were just getting back into the positions they should have been all along and probably were a bit rusty.

 

[NitroGSXR]

And in all fairness the injury didn't happen in the pocket it was Deshaun diving for the pylon.

Ehhhhh. I don’t know if I can agree with the simplicity of your reply. While there may have been that one play that broke the straw, the truth is... he was being bent all night long. I haven’t seen anyone get as constantly pounded as he did that night.

 

[Shishkabob]

Does anyone know if they fired their O-line coach last season or did Vrabel retain him or any of the other coaches? With a new OC I would imagine they cleaned house and hired their own guys and this may be the problem with them not being as good this year (new coaches/new schemes). Just a thought.

Yea Russ Grimm retired, they now have a young guy named Keith Carter. He was the assistant OL coach in Atlanta, where they had some pretty good lines but he also wasn't the main guy. They went from one of the best lines to one of the worse lines, they have the exact same 5 starters they did the previous year, only thing changed was the coaching staff

 

[Shishkabob]

Ehhhhh. I don’t know if I can agree with the simplicity of your reply. While there may have been that one play that broke the straw, the truth is... he was being bent all season long. I haven’t seen anyone get as constantly pounded as he did that night.

Fixed it for ya

 

[Uncle Rico]

Ehhhhh. I don’t know if I can agree with the simplicity of your reply. While there may have been that one play that broke the straw, the truth is... he was being bent all night long. I haven’t seen anyone get as constantly pounded as he did that night.

Thats true but i've listened to pods and watched some coaching consortiums on mobile QBs and the RB/QB coach from the NY Giants when McAdoo was there seemed really intelligent on the matter (cant remember his name or the actual site/pod sry) but basically he was saying that in his 20 years of coaching up guys like Steve Young and Eli Manning that he always felt is was better for the QB to get out in space and at least be able to see the hit coming VS 4 crazed maniacs bearing down on you in a confined space. All subjective, and Im not sure Im willing to say that its safer for QBs to get out and take hits on the run, but its one guy who has been getting paid to coach up pro QBs take on the matter .. take it how you will.

Dallas game specifically was the turning point for the offensive line, im sure watching film the next day and finding out Deshaun popped his lung and was beat up like a Ray Rice girlfriend made them feel some kind of way, Im sure these guys have some pride and want to be successful and sometimes we need somebody or something to kick our ass into action.

Furthermore we could probably find multiple, similar examples to the Dallas game where Deshaun was beat to hell that one sticks out because of a resulting injury. All goes back to a shoddy line yes, but there are things coaches can do to mitigate and sometimes it is just as simple as players playing better.

edit: i forgot about the 7 sack fiasco Buffalo game after the Dallas game YUCK ok AFTER THAT GAME the line started playing 'better'

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

PFF HOU Texans‏@PFF_Texans 22h22 hours ago


#Texans Offensive line pass-blocking grades and pressures allowed vs TEN:
Davenport - 49.4 (5)
Kelemete - 71.8 (1)
Martin - 58.8 (2)
Fulton - 77.1 (3)
Lamm - 57.3 (3)
*Mancz (12 snaps) - 79.2 (0)

 

[vtech9]

PFF HOU Texans‏@PFF_Texans 22h22 hours ago


#Texans Offensive line pass-blocking grades and pressures allowed vs TEN:
Davenport - 49.4 (5)
Kelemete - 71.8 (1)
Martin - 58.8 (2)
Fulton - 77.1 (3)
Lamm - 57.3 (3)
*Mancz (12 snaps) - 79.2 (0)

IMO, the OL seemed to be slightly better when Mancz was playing C last season. He's done ok when he plays G, but I think the OL in general played better when Mancz was at C. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I got after Martin went out for the season. I know when Martin is healthy, BOB wants him in, but maybe it would be better to move Martin to G, and start Mancz at C.

 

[JB]

IMO, the OL seemed to be slightly better when Mancz was playing C last season. He's done ok when he plays G, but I think the OL in general played better when Mancz was at C. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I got after Martin went out for the season. I know when Martin is healthy, BOB wants him in, but maybe it would be better to move Martin to G, and start Mancz at C.

We know Mancz plays guard at a high level, do we know that about Martin? If it ain't broke, don't fix it

 

[Earl34]

Doesn't make any sense really, they were a dominate line the last couple of years. Maybe Jones is that bad at calling out protection in this new offense, maybe coaching does matter at the NFL level regardless of what some on here say. They've dealt with some injury, but nothing to serious IIRC.

I think they were a power blocking unit and with Vrabel they are now using ZBS. Everyone says draft or sign free agent linemen and assume it will automatically fix the OL issues. This is another example of scheme and coaching might be just as big a factor as talent acquisition. Especially when the scheme might not match your personnel.

 

[Insideop]

IMO, the OL seemed to be slightly better when Mancz was playing C last season. He's done ok when he plays G, but I think the OL in general played better when Mancz was at C. I could be wrong, but that was the impression I got after Martin went out for the season. I know when Martin is healthy, BOB wants him in, but maybe it would be better to move Martin to G, and start Mancz at C.

It was 2 seasons ago that Mancz played Center and there are more that a few people on this board that have the same thoughts as you in regards to putting Mancz at OC and Martin at OG. I just don't think the coaches are down with that idea!

 

[thunderkyss]

It was 2 seasons ago that Mancz played Center and there are more that a few people on this board that have the same thoughts as you in regards to putting Mancz at OC and Martin at OG. I just don't think the coaches are down with that idea!

But the question is why not? It's not because Martin is a better Center.

We start two guys at Guard other than Mancz when they are healthy. It would make sense to start the better Center.

It would be nice to think the coaches believe Martin is the better Center, but that's hard to believe.

So we don't know... we have to guess. Is it because they drafted Martin to be a Center & dont want to change from that line of thinking?

I look at Rankin & wonder the same thing. Pre-draft, I'm told, he was projected as a Guard. He looked better stepping in at Guard having never played or practiced at the position than he did at his natural position.

Coaches.....

 

[steelbtexan]

But the question is why not? It's not because Martin is a better Center.

We start two guys at Guard other than Mancz when they are healthy. It would make sense to start the better Center.

It would be nice to think the coaches believe Martin is the better Center, but that's hard to believe.

So we don't know... we have to guess. Is it because they drafted Martin to be a Center & dont want to change from that line of thinking?

I look at Rankin & wonder the same thing. Pre-draft, I'm told, he was projected as a Guard. He looked better stepping in at Guard having never played or practiced at the position than he did at his natural position.

Coaches.....

Mancz injury history suggests he cant last a full season as an every down starter. BOB wants his C to be the captain of his OL and be able to play a full season so Martin starts at C. I dont necessarily agree with BOB on this.

Rankin's natural position is LG. He was playing LT (Which he was All SEC in college) out of necessity.

 

[thunderkyss]

Mancz injury history suggests he cant last a full season as an every down starter. BOB wants his C to be the captain of his OL and be able to play a full season so Martin starts at C. I dont necessarily agree with BOB on this.

Rankin's natural position is LG. He was playing LT (Which he was All SEC in college) out of necessity.

I hope that's the reason Martin is playing. It's better than the reasons I come up with, but... I dont know.

Going by your reasoning though you'd think Fuller will be second string when fully healthy & we'll be looking for a replacement soon.

As far as Rankin. You say he was an all American LT. BO'b put him at LT. Are you saying BO'b got it wrong & Ranki should be playing LG? If so, we agree.

Or are you saying we drafted him to be a LG & when he & Mancz are dressed as backups we're going into games without a real option at tackle if something were to happen to our starting tackles?

 

[OptimisticTexan]

Just thinking out loud here but I wonder what type of Center Rankin would make if given some time in the off-season to learn the position. His physical makeup certainly scream OG, like some of the early scouts mentioned but if he's better served to play OG....I just wonder what type of Center who could make?

 

[steelbtexan]

I hope that's the reason Martin is playing. It's better than the reasons I come up with, but... I dont know.

Going by your reasoning though you'd think Fuller will be second string when fully healthy & we'll be looking for a replacement soon.

As far as Rankin. You say he was an all American LT. BO'b put him at LT. Are you saying BO'b got it wrong & Ranki should be playing LG? If so, we agree.

Or are you saying we drafted him to be a LG & when he & Mancz are dressed as backups we're going into games without a real option at tackle if something were to happen to our starting tackles?

I'm saying you're full of it with all of the back and forth in your own mind. I've already told you the what's and why's of Rankin in several other posts.

Fuller- LOL

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

Just thinking out loud here but I wonder what type of Center Rankin would make if given some time in the off-season to learn the position. His physical makeup certainly scream OG, like some of the early scouts mentioned but if he's better served to play OG....I just wonder what type of Center who could make?

I would think that at 6'5", Rankin's anchorage/leverage following a snap may not be ideal. Line of site, especially for a 6'2" QB may also be a problem.

 

[thunderkyss]

I'm saying you're full of it with all of the back and forth in your own mind. I've already told you the what's and why's of Rankin in several other posts.

Fuller- LOL

You said his natural position is LG.

You said BO'b probably played him at LT because it was the position he was most comfortable playing.

Do you not see the contradiction there?

 

[JB]

You said his natural position is LG.

You said BO'b probably played him at LT because it was the position he was most comfortable playing.

Do you not see the contradiction there?

He played LT his entire college career

 

[OptimisticTexan]

I would think that at 6'5", Rankin's anchorage/leverage following a snap may not be ideal. Line of site, especially for a 6'2" QB may also be a problem.

I stumbled across this b/c I was curious as to what his NFL Draft Profile may have predicted for his NFL future:

Prospect Info
COLLEGE: Mississippi St.
HOMETOWN CLASS: Mendenhall, MS / Senior

HEIGHT: 6' 4"
WEIGHT: 308 lbs
ARMS: 33 3/4"
HANDS: 10 1/8"

Overview
As a left tackle, Rankin will struggle with edge speed and as a right tackle he may have issues as a run blocker handling the power he will face. While he offers tackle flexibility and may get an early look at right tackle, his best position might be at center where his instincts and intelligence will stand out. The further Rankin kicks inside the better he will be. He may be average as a tackle or guard, but he could become a good NFL starter if he gets his shot at center.
Strengths

• Offers five position versatility and center might be his best spot as a pro
• Feet are active and sudden in his sets and mirroring
• Good initial get-off with kick slides
• Disciplined enough to stay square in pass sets longer without opening too early
• Explodes from upper body into his punch
• Instinctive with eyes that don't panic
• Doesn't overreact to early movement from twists and stunts
• Stays focused on sneaky Petes looking to loop over the top or attack with a delayed blitz
• Accelerates with loaded hands into down blocks
• Lands with force creating early imbalance from defender
• Takes good angles to his direct second level targets
• Shows some ability to reset hands and scramble when early phase of block is off.

Weaknesses

• Average slide quickness to meet edge speed
• Plays with some ankle stiffness
• Base narrows as slide progresses
• Hands take rounded route into punch opening his frame
• Hand placement runs wide and high
• Struggles to latch and ride in pass pro with defenders displacing his hands
• Lacks of firmness in outside hand and average slide quickness allows rushers access to his edge
• Gives some ground to power
• Comes off ball and lands with elevated pad level in run game
• Loses leverage battles
• Lacks initial lateral quickness
• Unable to sustain as drive blocker
• Inconsistent finisher losing command in the third phase of the block

I had no idea they also projected him as a good fit at Center. I didn't pay attention to Rankin b/c I didn't have him in any of Mocks since I expected him to be off the board earlier. Based on his season so far, I think this analysis could be pretty accurate.

 

[CloakNNNdagger]

I stumbled across this b/c I was curious as to what his NFL Draft Profile may have predicted for his NFL future:

Prospect Info
COLLEGE: Mississippi St.
HOMETOWN CLASS: Mendenhall, MS / Senior

HEIGHT: 6' 4"
WEIGHT: 308 lbs
ARMS: 33 3/4"
HANDS: 10 1/8"

Overview
As a left tackle, Rankin will struggle with edge speed and as a right tackle he may have issues as a run blocker handling the power he will face. While he offers tackle flexibility and may get an early look at right tackle, his best position might be at center where his instincts and intelligence will stand out. The further Rankin kicks inside the better he will be. He may be average as a tackle or guard, but he could become a good NFL starter if he gets his shot at center.
Strengths

• Offers five position versatility and center might be his best spot as a pro
• Feet are active and sudden in his sets and mirroring
• Good initial get-off with kick slides
• Disciplined enough to stay square in pass sets longer without opening too early
• Explodes from upper body into his punch
• Instinctive with eyes that don't panic
• Doesn't overreact to early movement from twists and stunts
• Stays focused on sneaky Petes looking to loop over the top or attack with a delayed blitz
• Accelerates with loaded hands into down blocks
• Lands with force creating early imbalance from defender
• Takes good angles to his direct second level targets
• Shows some ability to reset hands and scramble when early phase of block is off.

Weaknesses

• Average slide quickness to meet edge speed
• Plays with some ankle stiffness
• Base narrows as slide progresses
• Hands take rounded route into punch opening his frame
• Hand placement runs wide and high
• Struggles to latch and ride in pass pro with defenders displacing his hands
• Lacks of firmness in outside hand and average slide quickness allows rushers access to his edge
• Gives some ground to power
• Comes off ball and lands with elevated pad level in run game
• Loses leverage battles
• Lacks initial lateral quickness
• Unable to sustain as drive blocker
• Inconsistent finisher losing command in the third phase of the block

I had no idea they also projected him as a good fit at Center. I didn't pay attention to Rankin b/c I didn't have him in any of Mocks since I expected him to be off the board earlier. Based on his season so far, I think this analysis could be pretty accurate.

Most of the season prior to that Draft Profile, Rankin was severely hampered by a significant high ankle sprain, and his mobility and pass coverage significantly regressed because of it (he allowed 18 QB pressures in 9 games according to ProFootballFocus). He was not entirely rehabbed from his high ankle when he sustained his metatarsal foot fracture (likely compensatory) his early rookie offseason............then lost his entire offseason and TC.

I'm not willing to evaluate Rankin on the basis of that Draft Profile.......and before he has an entire offseason and TC to establish his proper stake on the offensive line. Before that, I would not even rule out Martinas ending up at OT.