2011 Free Agency Primer: The Offensive Tackle Position And Our San Francisco 49ers
by nocal81(Vincent) on Jun 23, 2011 10:00 AM PDT
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It would seem that the 49ers are set at the tackle position right now, however, that is just the way it seems. Anthony Davis improved a great deal during his rookie season and should add to that in 2011. That said, it is the other tackle position that worries me the most. Joe Staley has missed 14 games over the course of the last two seasons, but when healthy he is an above average tackle.
Alex Boone has shown himself to be a pretty talented young tackle that should get into the mix in 2011. Undrafted from Ohio State in 209, Boone has impressed the coaching staff and should see action if Staley cannot go.
As I said, it just seems the 49ers are set at the tackle position because they are not. Barry Sims, the primary back up over the last couple years, is a free agent; San Francisco will have to find a replacement for him or attempt to retain his services. I doubt San Francisco is going to take a look at the most heralded free agent tackles, but after the jump I will go into detail in regards to this position as it relates to free agency.
Unrestricted Free Agents with four or more years of service.
Note: Approximate Value is a formula that Pro Football Reference uses in order to indicate the worth of a particular player. The higher the number, the more value said player has for his team.
Khalif Barnes, Oakland Raiders
Approximate Value: 3 62 Career Starts in Six NFL Seasons
Analysis: I guess you could say that Barnes has been a solid offensive tackle over the course of his six years in the NFL. He isn't flashy, but tends to get the job done in the running game. I am not sure that he would be much of an upgrade over Staley, if at all. Additionally, Barnes will be looking for a starting job, so you can eliminate him filling the role that Sims filled the last couple seasons.
Approximate Value: 1 75 Career Starts in Six NFL Seasons
Analysis: An incredible bust, Barron was a 1st round pick of the Rams a couple years ago and never panned out. Moving on to Dallas in 2010 really didn't help either. San Francisco already has a project guard in Alex Boone, so I doubt they will look this way.
Jammal Brown, Washington Redskins
Approximate Value: 6 72 Career Starts in Five NFL Seasons (Two Time Pro Bowl Selection)
Analysis: You have to prioritize in free agency, and right now spending 40-50 million on a tackle probably wouldn't be the 49ers first priority. That said, Brown would be an upgrade over Joe Staley if the 49ers could find any takers for the injury plagued tackle.
Approximate Value: 10 69 Career Starts in Five NFL Seasons (2010 Pro Bowl Selection)
Analysis: one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL, Atlanta is has some difficult decisions to make when free agency starts. Justin Blalock and Harvey Dahl, both guards, are set to be free agents as well.
I would tend to think that Atlanta will make it a priority to re-sign Clabo this off-season, but at what cost? Are the willing to pony up top five tackle money for him? Only time will tell. One thing is for sure, he would be a major upgrade for San Francisco.
Willie Colon, Pittsburgh Steelers
Approximate Value: 7 50 Career Starts in Five NFL Seasons
Analysis: Pittsburgh has a knack for finding studs like Colon late in the round or in free agency. They also have a history of letting said players walk when they reach their contract year. I don't think that Colon will be any different; he will probably find a nice pay day somewhere else. As for the 49ers, I am not sure he is an upgrade over what they currently have.
Doug Free, Dallas Cowboys
Approximate Value: 8 23 Career Starts in Four NFL Seasons
Analysis: Dallas has said that re-signing Free is their top priority this off-season, but that is much easier said than done. The Cowboys are not in an envious salary cap position and may look for a cheaper alternative to Free, who is going to get a long term contract topping out at about 50 million.
That salary figure leads me to believe that the 49ers will not be making a strong push for Free, who would be an immediate upgrade over Staley.
Approximate Value: 6 34 Career Starts in Four NFL Seasons
Analysis: Ryan Harris has a lot of talent, but injuries are a major concern. He was dominating in college and has shown flashes of the same thing for Denver, however, they may be ready to move on and get a player with a better injury history.
Harris would be a nice upgrade over Barry Sims as the primary back up for Joe Staley. However, I doubt that he wants to be a back up in the NFL, that may be his only choice. Hopefully the 49ers look deep into signing Harris.
Matt Light, New England Patriots
Approximate Value: 14 138 Career Starts in Ten NFL Seasons(Three Time Pro Bowl Selection)
Analysis: New England is ready to move on and so is Matt Light. Look for him to get a nice three or four year contract somewhere else. He has been one of the most consistent offensive tackles in the NFL over the last decade and even at his age will get a lot of play on the free agent market. I doubt San Francisco takes a look at him.
Sean Lockler, Seattle Seahawks
Approximate Value: 6 78 Career Starts in Seven NFL Seasons
Analysis: Pretty consistent over the years, Locklear isn't great in pass protection but is awesome in the run game. Seattle seems ready to move on, so expect him to be playing elsewhere in 2011, probably not for the 49ers.
Chester Pitts, Seattle Seahawks
Approximate Value: 2 119 Career Starts in Nine NFL Seasons
Analysis: San Francisco came pretty close to signing Pitts a couple of years ago, but he decided on Seattle. Well, that wasn't a great career move for him. Now, he doesn't have great value and will be overlooked in the free agent market. This could benefit San Francisco as they may bring Pitts in with a small short term contract..
Marshall Yanda, Baltimore Ravens
Approximate Value: 9 42 Career Starts in Four NFL Seasons
Analysis: Baltimore will probably make a strong push to re-sign Yanda because of the possible departure of Jared Gaither. Michael Oher is an all-pro tackle and Baltimore would have nice book ends with him and Yanda. That said, the former Iowa Hawkeye standout sure get a lot of interest in the open market. Is he an upgrade over Joe Staley? Somehow I doubt it.
Restricted Free Agents
Jared Gaither, Baltimore Ravens
Approximate Value: 6 28 Career Starts in Three NFL Seasons
Contract Situation: Given 1st and 3rd round tender by Baltimore, but they drafted a possible replacement in Jah Reid and have Marshall Yanda as a possibility. Either way, Gaither will be a restricted free agent under the new collective bargaining agreement, once it is signed.
Analysis: Back problems have limited Gaither's productivity and opportunity to stay on the field. Some scouts say that these back problems are going to be a career long issue, but that Gaither can play through the pain. If so, he is going to be highly coveted, even as a restricted free agent.
The Ravens will probably look into trading Gaither once the off-season begins, and they may have a fit in San Francisco is Staley is able to be moved. This is a highly unlikely scenario; Detroit seems like a much better fit.
Barry Richardson, Kansas City Chiefs
Approximate Value: 8 17 Career Starts in Three NFL Seasons
Contract Situation: Given an unknown tender by the Kansas City Chiefs, and will be an unrestricted free agent because of his three years NFL experience.
Analysis: Started all 16 games for Kansas City and was extremely solid, improving as the season went on. There is no way the Chiefs let Richardson walk, so look for him to be playing at Arrowhead in 2011.
Overview; I really don't think the 49ers have the need or financial flexibility to go after one of the top tier tackles once free agency begins. Anthony Davis is an up and coming tackle in the NFL and he promises to get better. When healthy,, Joe Staley is an above average tackle. San Francisco also have Alex Boone waiting to be unleashed upon unsuspecting defensive ends.
The 49ers will attempt to bring back Barry Sims if the price is right. If not, they will be looking for a veteran back up to replace him. There are some options listed above, but most players listed expect to be full time starters in 2011, and San Francisco really cannot offer that.
One unlikely scenario is the 49ers gauging the market for Joe Staley and replacing him with a Doug Free or Tyson Clabo. As it stands, guard seems like more of a need for San Francisco a long the offensive line. I will be addressing that position later this week.
Current 49er Offensive Tackles
Anthony Davis
Approximate Value: 8 16 Starts in Only NFL Season
Joe Staley
Approximate Value: 4 50 Career Starts in Four NFL Seasons
Barry Sims
Approximate Value: 3 140 Career Starts in Twelve NFL Seasons (Unrestricted Free Agent)
Alex Boone:
Approximate Value: N/A 0 Career Starts in Two NFL Seasons
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I'm comfortable with Staley starting...
but I think we need an upgrade at LT, because I see Staley as a very middling tackle in the NFL. Personally, I’d like to shop him for a decent draft pick and see if we have a good replacement in either Boone or Davis. But, our depth if Staley leaves is really poor and we would be in serious trouble if there’s an injury. Sims could help add some insurance, but it’s not much.
Niners should resign Tony Wragge if possible? he’s a good back up, provides depth, can play all 5 oline spots.
by bmcrae83@yahoo.com on Jun 23, 2011 10:58 AM PDT reply actions
Keep Sims
Let Staley Learn from him for 1 or 2 Years. After that He’s sure to be a much better tackle by working with Barry Sims. Sims is currently a better tackle, and may have 1 or 2 more good years left in his tank, that our developing tackles can learn plenty from, and keep our QB from hitting the turf so much.A priority when we bring Kaep into the mix
Jay Cruise
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Shouldn't the question be
Are we comfortable having some very pedestrian LT play? I guarantee we would not have a 95% response rate of yes. Unfortunately, that seems to be the situation and all the cute online videos of folks chatting it up in the preseason locker room has zero impact on that.
I also will continue to openly wonder if Joe Staley, a college RT, and Anthony Davis, a college LT, aren’t playing the wrong positions and I am curious if Boone will be given a legitimate shot at either tackle position. I think he is hungry. Sims I feel is a luxury if Boone (or Staley/Davis) can play the swing role.
by asmithisaverage on Jun 23, 2011 12:00 PM PDT reply actions
Staley doesn't fit on the right side.
He doesn’t get enough push consistently. Davis no doubt could play LT, but there’s no reason for him to not be playing RT either.
Agree Boone should be given a shot, but it’s hard to see him getting PT over Staley. Maybe if Boone has a really strong showing in the preseason we could shop Staley.
Harbaugh will find a QB and he will succeed.
I believe Boone would have been a high round pick had he not had his off field problems.
He came in last year in great shape and played well at both RT and LT in the preseason. I would like to see Davis move back to LT and Boone take over RT and then let Staley back them up or trade him.
"Whether you think you can, or you think you can't, either way, YOU'RE RIGHT !"
Glad some people here agree with me...
Staley is just not as good as some people think. The value that PFR gave him is evidence that we highly overrate him for average play.
by 9thevolution on Jun 23, 2011 1:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Shopping Staley is a question for the 2012
In 2011 you have to see if Staley improves, gets injured again, and if Boone is good enough, how those 3 unknowns role out will determine staley’s role and value.
no place for FA on the Oline
Starters: Staley, Iupati, Baas, Rachel, Davis
Back-up: Boone, Kilgore, Wragge, Person, Snyder
wild cards: Heitman, Howell, Patrick, Sims
If Heitman has recovered the Wragge will likely be cut. No idea of Sims has a season left in him, might be resigned if Person, Howell and Patrick are all comprable and safe for the PS
I don't think Wragge will be back...
Think the two rookies are likely to stick around and play back-up at guard and center. If Heitmann returns, then only one of the rookies makes it and the other one goes to the PS. I think that Boone and Snyder are effective primary back-ups at tackle guard and center, so the rooks likely won’t even dress unless we have a long-term injury.
by 9thevolution on Jun 23, 2011 1:28 PM PDT up reply actions
We can't keep them all. I see room for 9 OL (possibly 10) in the final 53 and 2 on the Practice Squad.
If that is the case, here’s how I see the breakdown:
Tackles (4): Davis, Staley, Boone, Snyder
Center / Guards(5): Baas, Iupati, Rachal, Kilgore, Person
Practice Squad (2): T Chris Patrick, G Nick Howell
Released: Heitmann (retired/injury), Sims (age, but resignable in an emergency), Wragge (skill level)
If by good fortune Heitmann can still play, keep him and more Person to the Practice Squad.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Jun 23, 2011 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Need to trade Davis and get a FA over on the right side.
Right side is really weak for us.
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The Hometown Fan
That's giving up quick on a rookie
which is a good way to gut the salary cap and the future.
by (site decorum) on Jun 24, 2011 8:01 AM PDT up reply actions
Need to trade Davis and get a FA over on the right side.
Right side is really weak for us.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
If we aren't going to spend to lock down the LT position
Forget ever becoming a dominant force in the NFC until we do.
The tackle protecting your QB’s blindside against the opponents best pass rusher is the second most important player on your offense.
Unless Anthony Davis explodes into greatness as he matures, we don’t have that guy on our roster.
Any GM that opens the wallet for skill position players while trying to go cheap on the blindside tackle has other goals than winning football games.
OK, suppose that I accept your premise. Which FA (who is realistically available) would you prefer to Staley?
The only guy in that category that I would consider is Matt Light … he would be fine in the short term but, at his age, he is NOT a long-term solution. Back to the drawing board.
by 49erFanSince1950 on Jun 23, 2011 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
I'd also shy away from Light due to his age
But I would go after Doug Free from Dallas.
He was expected to have a rough transition from RT to LT, but did great in pass protection and dominated in run blocking. He’d be a big upgrade over Staley.
I am all for making a big free agent acquisition
but I just don’t see the need due to the lack of upside in the FA market. There are a lot of other positions where we could quickly improve a position through FA but OL isn’t one of them.
by asmithisaverage on Jun 23, 2011 1:52 PM PDT up reply actions
Keep Staley... trade Anthony Davis and go get Tyson Clabo in free agency.
Check out my site!!
The Hometown Fan
That's totally gonna happen.
I’m sure Baalke hates having Davis on the team, that’s why he traded up to draft him last year and stuff.
by SanFranciscoKnights on Jun 23, 2011 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions
its a ruse obviously
"Hi my name is Cliff Harris and I am here to lock [site decorum] down" - Cliff Harris introduction at his Freshman Orientation
Reporter : "What do you remember about the BCS title game"
Cliff Harris: "That we lost"
Pay for Matt Light
Because he is better than Sims, and his long-term upside is no worse.
In the meantime, see if he can help either Davis or Boone capitalize on their above-average talents.
Staley is a stop-gap in a division that doesn’t have a lot of great pass rushers. That said, he lost some weight this year, and may be better as a slightly undersized, quick LT than he was last year as a guy who wasn’t quick enough to get the jump on people, OR powerful enough to dominate.
2 years down the road, Davis and Boone are both starting, at least one for us.
"Football combines the two worst things about America: It is violence punctuated by committee meetings" -George Will
by lottwasgangsta on Jun 23, 2011 10:54 PM PDT reply actions
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