2009 Roster Projections: Offensive Line
by Fooch on May 18, 2009 8:00 AM PDT
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13 comments
The next round of offseason training activities gets going today, so it's time for another round of 2009 roster projections. Two weeks ago we discussed the defensive line and last week we discussed the running backs. Today we move on to the offensive line. The o-line has managed to be both a cause for concern (right tackle), and somewhat of a source of burgeoning pride (Staley, Heitmann, Rachal). I actually think the offensive line could be a strength this year, but it's just going to take a few things going the right way.
Locks
Eric Heitmann, Joe Staley, Chilo Rachal, David Baas, Marvel Smith, Adam Snyder, Tony Wragge
No Chance
Jacob Bender, Matt Huners, Kyle Howard, Joe Toledo
Bubble
Cody Wallace, Barry Sims, Alex Boone
In reality I think Alex Boone is the only big time bubble guy. I decided to go slightly more conservative with the bubble list and include some folks who are likely on the roster, but don't have quite the lock of others. Wallace saw no playing time as a rookie after being drafted in the fourth round fo the 2008 draft. As strictly a center he has legit value as a backup for Eric Heitmann. At the same time, I include Wragge as a lock because of his versatility. He can play guard and center, which gives him tremendous value. The same holds true for Adam Snyder who can play both guard and tackle. When it comes to the offensive line, such super-subs cannot be valued highly enough.
In my mind, the real question surrounds Barry Sims and Alex Boone. All things considered, if the team decided to keep Alex Boone on the 53-man roster, I really do think it would be at the expense of the aging veteran Sims. Of course, the 49ers could try and slide Boone onto the practice squad. While that'd be nice, a decent preseason showing might prevent that from becoming a reality. Last year the 49ers saw some solid preseason work from OL Brian De La Puente, but he was signed by the Chiefs before the 49ers could place him on their practice squad.
The way I look at it, the biggest question becomes what will the 49ers do with Boone? His draft stock was destroyed by his alcohol problems, but there is no denying his talent. So, now I wonder just how the last spot on the 49ers offensive line shakes out. Do you agree that it could come down to Boone versus Sims in the "Showdown at Santa Clara" battle royal?
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We have to keep Boone
you just cant run the risk of losing a guy like that by putting him on the practice squad.
and cody wallace should be a lock for a roster position, the guys a beast. i see him as a sleeper candidate to start this year. i realize eric heitmann is solid, but wallace is loaded with talent and i dont know how long we can justify having him on the bench.
I take full responsibility for my irresponsibility.
by these3words on May 18, 2009 8:42 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
loaded with talent?
What makes you think that? I’m not saying you’re wrong, but I’m curious what your opinion is based on? You an A&M guy?
by Fooch on May 18, 2009 8:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wallace has core strength issues.
Which is why he was tossed around like a dishrag at the Senior Bowl two years ago. He simply did not have the strength to take on opposing tackles. Iirc, he got some snaps in preseason and was unspectacular, to say the least. He is expendable, imho, because Wragge is experienced at center and can play guard while Wallace is neither.
by MontanaPass on May 18, 2009 10:33 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
There's now way Heitmann
gets passed by by Wallace
by foosball4949 on May 18, 2009 11:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
wallace
I thought Cody Wallace was our long snapper? Anyways, I hope Boone can commit himself and be disciplined because I have serious concerns about Simms even as a third string backup, and it’s obvious he’s not getting better with age.
by TheJoeShow on May 18, 2009 10:16 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Brian Jennings is the long snapper
Cody Wallace was drafted as the potential center of the future…particularly if Heitmann couldn’t rebound from his leg injury, which he clearly has.
by Fooch on May 18, 2009 10:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hope you are right.
Althought they have drafted OL the last two years, they didn’t seem to have it together.Maybe this year, they can put it all together. You know my issue as alway been the line and I hope you’re right.
by LASVEGASNINER on May 18, 2009 10:41 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
It boils down to LT backup.
I think one has to look at the backup roles that Sims, Smith, and Snyder play right now and where Boone fits in. If Staley were injured, would Smith move over to LT or would Snyder or Sims step in again? I would call it a tossup between Snyder and Sims in terms of performance, but both of them can back up either tackle position. Smith is a big unknown – he could last all season or go down for the year after just a few games, and we don’t know how well he can still play LT. Boone is an unlikely backup at LT, but could be huge in a power running game on the right side if Smith went down. And I don’t think he would last long on the PS.
So my choice would be to keep both Sims(L&RT backup) and Boone(RT backup & future RT) and put Cody Wallace on the PS. Wragge can back up at center.
by MontanaPass on May 18, 2009 10:50 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Correct me if I am wrong...
but don’t the 49ers usually keep 8 OL in their active roster?
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"
by Jeff_Fuller_49 on May 18, 2009 11:30 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
active roster
Last year I think they kept 9. Staley, Baas, Heitmann, Rachal, Snyder, Wragge, Wallace, Sims. Then Jonas Jennings instead of Marvel Smith.
by Fooch on May 18, 2009 11:35 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm pretty sure that Wallace is a lock too
but you’re reasoning was sound enough.
I hope that Boone makes it instead of Sims, Sims is pretty useless, you want a veteran backup who can come in and hold down the fort but that was clearly beyond his capabilities last season. Boone’s problem is a manageable one so long as someone is there to help him along the way and watch him so that he doesn’t relapse. He’s my favorite UDFA pickup right now
I like Snyder though he’s struggled at times because of his versatility (which has actually hampered him because he’s never gotten to play at one position consistently). I believe the coaching staff likes him too.
I’m still mad that De La Puente got away, I think he’s going to be good
by foosball4949 on May 18, 2009 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Most...
CAL OL’s are underrated.
"The voice of the intellect is a soft one, but it does not rest until it has gained a hearing"
by Jeff_Fuller_49 on May 18, 2009 11:07 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta keep Boone
He may have some problems but he can play. Barry Sims isn’t that good and is 34. That isn’t too old for an O-lineman but what’s the point of keeping him if we could have better, younger guys. I hope Boone makes the roster. Someone will snag him off the PS so we gotta keep him and unleash his powers to dominate the trench.
In Shaun Hill will trust
by iaalexeeff on May 18, 2009 2:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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