Updates on a couple offensive linemen

[skeeter]

Jalen Rivers - going through his decision making process now but solid chance he’s back for another. Has an opportunity to get his Masters degree. Scouts think he’s playing out of position as a tackle — will play guard at the next level. 6th-7th round grade right now, could help himself coming back and working on his “stiffness” as was put to me


Matt Lee - Late/PFA grade right now and Miami pushing hard to get him back. Trusts Mario/Mirabal obviously. Getting him back would be absolutely massive

Surprised Lee can't work his way into 6th round neighborhood, was very good this year.

 

[skeeter]

Poor McCoy still can't get on field lol. Unless he or Rivers beat out Markell Bell for LT.

 

[2FNFST4U]

both got 2nd team all conference. Getting Lee back would be the biggest recruiting win of the year. His play at Center this year was the best in 15-20 years.

 

[skeeter]

I'm really surprised by both grades. Is Rivers really that low vs other projected OGs? I was thinking bottom 4th, upper 5th for him. Same with Lee at Center, tbh.

Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic they're potentially coming back. What top QB wouldn't want to play behind our OL? It will be best in the conference without question.

I figured both players late, but would be surprised if didn't get drafted.

 

[San Amaro Dr]

If we were to look objectively at it (not considering player feelings, NIL, biases due to high school), Mauigoa is a guard, Rivers is a guard, and Samson is a tackle but shouldn't start until year 3. Samson may have the most raw talent of the three. But he's not strong enough and as you note, he's got a lot of development to go with his footwork in pass pro.

I actually don't agree on raw talent. Francis is that guy. Samson looks the part and has some great marketing lol. He needs to play before we can really assess that.

 

[Silentobserver]

Rodriguez worked his way into a role as an extra OL. He went to Columbus so I'm sure Mario, Mirabal, Ruiz, Alonzo Highsmith, Jorge Mas will do everything in their power to hand him the job.

I don't think Mario nor Mirable are handing anyone on the OL (starter or backup) a job even if the guy went to their alma mater. You don't risk arms and legs for a guy you didn't recruit while you were at Oregon.

 

[San Amaro Dr]

Poor McCoy still can't get on field lol. Unless he or Rivers beat out Markell Bell for LT.

I'd bet he does. He's going to be far ahead of Bell technically and looks ready physically. He really does look like Tyree St. Louis with the number out there lol.

 

[skeeter]

I'd bet he does. He's going to be far ahead of Bell technically and looks ready physically. He really does look like Tyree St. Louis with the number out there lol.

That's actually a really good comparison imo.

 

[Shooter McGavin]

Throw Mario in the ocean

 

[Empirical Cane]

Rodriguez worked his way into a role as an extra OL. He went to Columbus so I'm sure Mario, Mirabal, Ruiz, Alonzo Highsmith, Jorge Mas will do everything in their power to hand him the job.

I didn't know going to Columbus automatically makes you a high quality C.

 

[CaneDawgCrew]

both got 2nd team all conference. Getting Lee back would be the biggest recruiting win of the year. His play at Center this year was the best in 15-20 years.

You aren’t kidding! I was almost thinking Jim Otto but I think our last really good center was like in 1991? Think he got drafted in middle rounds.

 

[Cane6]

****, this would be great. If we can basically just lose Javion and Tyler from the starting 11 on offense, we'd have an opportunity to build on a pretty solid foundation for the first time in forever (with an upgraded, more experienced talent base next year too)

Bingo

As they used to say in the motherland:

“We Fuqin”

 

[Josh]

McCoy at Guard intrigues me. He was sealing **** in the run game. Francis probably stays at RT.

 

[Trav]

Who is Lee's replacement as of now?

Already on roster or another portal target?

I thought Rodriguez looked decent in limited reps.

 

[DC3]

Surprised Lee can't work his way into 6th round neighborhood, was very good this year.

A lot of those late round guys are going to be position versatile like Rivers who can play 3-4 spots across the line if needed.

Lee’s a good center, but he’s a bit undersized and is just a Center.

Would love for either to come back

 

[caneholic88]

These 2 come back and a solid vet Portal QB and I’m ready to roll into 2024

 

[skeeter]

A lot of those late round guys are going to be position versatile like Rivers who can play 3-4 spots across the line if needed.

Lee’s a good center, but he’s a bit undersized and is just a Center.

Would love for either to come back

Yup good point.

 

[JamesQuall]

Him , Elvis , or Sasquatch will start at LT. That’s a legit three deep if you ask me.

Agreed. Here's the best footage we have of Zion.

 

[FrancisSawyer]

Who is Lee's replacement as of now?

Already on roster or another portal target.

If Rivers stays and Lee leaves, I'm moving Rivers to Center. Obviously I hope Lee comes back. As of right now Lee's backup is Rodriguez but the staff wouldn't stand pat on that hand. They will hit the portal unless Tripp or Tinilau are ready which I doubt at this point.

 

[305407cane]

We’re loaded at OL. If those two guys come back we’re loaded with depth and experience. McCoy is the hinge point. If he comes back to be first man up we are in a good spot. Cooper and McCoy were great eval late takes by the staff.