Offensive Line Depth Chart Next Year - Not Scary!(?)

Submitted by JTGoBlue on

So, like many of you, I tend to peak ahead to see how the team shapes up in the future based on the depth chart, who we expect to lose, and our recruiting underway.

Regarding the offensive line, there had been plenty of concern on this board and Sam's show on depth after this year; almost a consensus that this will be the thinnest position group next year. 

However, some encouraging signs/rumors, with the good performance of Ruiz on Saturday, energence of Spanellis as a contributor, Runyan with starting snaps, good news we are hearing about Newsome's recovery, and some whispering of a great position switch for James Hudson.

So, if you believe Newsome recovers 100%, everyone with eligibility returns, and James Hudson stays at tackle, here is a possible depth chart (with no true freshman):

 

LT:

Newsome

Hudson

Stueber

LG:

Bredeson

Runyan/Spanellis

C:

Ruiz

Runyan

RG:

Onwenu

Runyan/Spanellis

RT:

JBB

Ulizio

Filiaga

 

   I took a leap that Runyan is a logical back-up at center based on overall experience, and Runyan and Spanellis will rotate as a third guard on either side. What say you? Not so scary thin?  Who knows who may emerge of Vastardis, Honigford, and Hall...any TEs slide over? 

 

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jdemille9

November 9th, 2017 at 10:16 AM ^

Ramcyzk is the exception not the rule. And he was a JUCO not a grad transfer. A late bloomer who developed in a junior college program and then took a step up. Not a guy who was already in a D1 program for 4 years that couldn't break through.

But he does help illustrate a good point here, OL can often take years to develop. He was an unknown out of HS and it took him JUCO and developing at Wisconsin before he was an NFL tackle. Not like we don't have any talented OL on the roster but they're all young and that's causing issues. Future is bright though. Any semblance of a passing game and the offense opens up big time, even with OL that aren't good in pass pro yet.

Joined: 01/29/2011

MGoPoints: 8536

CarrIsMyHomeboy

November 6th, 2017 at 6:36 PM ^

I wonder if JBB's make-up is akin to what we are told of Bredeson (*superb* guard potential; meh tackle potential). I also wonder whether what we are told about Bredeson is wholly true. How does the outlook change if JBB moves inside and Bredeson pops out?

Joined: 06/30/2008

MGoPoints: 7323

Warm Cockles

November 6th, 2017 at 8:40 PM ^

There was a great article recently about Zach Miller's very similar injury for the Bears (that was a fucking catch). It went into incredible detail about the injury, surgery, and prognosis. Basically, had the doctors not acted quickly he would have lost his leg due to lack of blood flow. The prognosis is improved if the nerves weren't damaged. If they were damaged, his chances are 0. Maybe Newsome got lucky, the chances that he did are increased considering how well he's doing in his rehab. Still he'd be an underdog to get back to playing. I think my buddy was weighing all this information when making his estimate. Running in a straight line is very different than playing OT in a live game. Let's hope he beats the odds and is starting LT next year. That would be fucking legendary.

Joined: 08/26/2017

MGoPoints: 3716

Maynard

November 6th, 2017 at 10:03 PM ^

Disagree. I don't think running in a straight line (sprinting) is that much different. They are the same bones and muscles getting used to push and it could be argued that sprinting in a straight line is higher impact in some respects for a man of that size.

We'll see what happens but I think he will be playing meaningful snaps next year based on progress so far. 

Joined: 02/19/2016

MGoPoints: 9888

bacon1431

November 6th, 2017 at 7:04 PM ^

If we can get serviceable OT play next year, I think the offense can be pretty good next year - assuming all the younger players take a step forward in their development.

Joined: 07/26/2008

MGoPoints: 25297

Bambi

November 6th, 2017 at 7:10 PM ^

The issue is tackles and pass protection, plain and simple. Middle of the OL should be good, run blocking should be good. But tackles are a huge mess right now.

In a perfect world, Newsome comes back to take LT. But in reality the expectation for him is to be excited if he ever plays again, even just a ceremonial snap at some point.

Without him we need a LT and RT. We have a pile of bodies but the only known quantities are Ulizio (bad) and JBB (great run blocker, terrible in pass pro). We can't have two sieves in pass pro at tackle so at least one (the LT realistically) needs to be average for any long term success.

Ideally JBB magically becomes a good pass protector so we can move him to LT and be set there, but that won't happen. He's already been here 4 years. With him best case is become below-average at pass pro and keep him at RT. Just deal with the bad pass pro there/give him a TE/RB to help.

At LT we have a pile of question marks. Between Filiaga, Stueber, Ulizio and whoever else maybe someone emerges, but it's hard to say at this point.

I think a semi-real option is kick Bredeson out to LT in the offseason, let him have some growing pains there early before he ideally becomess average, and let Spanellis/Runyan take LG.

It'll probably still be a headache all next year.

Joined: 10/12/2013

MGoPoints: 23158

Bambi

November 6th, 2017 at 7:38 PM ^

Great minds.

I will say, after seeing the way Bredeson and Onwenu (even Spanellis) have developed to this point as second year guys, and seeing Ruiz as a run blocker as a freshman, gives me some hope we can figure something out with younger guys.

There's enough bodies/talent there, especially now that we have Frey who's specialty is pumping out athletic tackles, that someone could surprise. Filiaga has the best recruiting pedigree but my money would be on Steuber. He was a late riser, athletic guy who started playing football later in life, and apparently the coaches are high on him. Next year might be too early for him, but maybe he surprises. Hudson could also be an option.

I forgot about Spanellis, but if he's the 6'6" 335 guy MGoBue lists him as, that's an option as well. Spanellis would probably make me feel best because he's been here the longest and he coaches are using him like they did Newsome/Bredeson/Ruiz as a 6th lineman, and all of those guys were supposed to be future stallwarts on the line. 

Regardless until I see them play well, especially in pass pro, I won't feel great about the tackle situation no matter who's there next year. 2019 I think is the real year for the OL.

Joined: 10/12/2013

MGoPoints: 23158

bluepalooza

November 6th, 2017 at 7:15 PM ^

and some solid participation this year from backups.  I think the Oline is going to be better than this year.  Still a year away from being road graders.

Joined: 09/02/2017

MGoPoints: 2776

Steves_Wolverines

November 6th, 2017 at 7:17 PM ^

If Newsome isn't ready next year, which is probably the case, then the real question becomes;

Who is our best pass blocking OT-shaped person?

Candidates:

JBB - Experienced. + run blocker, but - - - - - pass blocker.
Ulizio - Kinda-sorta experience. Neutral run blocker, but - - - - - - - - - - pass blocker
Filiaga - OT shaped underclassmen. No experience, no practice hype, no clue?
Hudson - OT shaped underclassmen?. Coming over from DL, so maybe has better footwork? No experience, some practice hype, no clue?
Stueber: OT shaped underclassmen. Low star rating, but fits the mold for an OT kinda dude. No experience, no practice hype, no clue?
Newsome: Experience and graded out as a B across the board? Probably never playing football again. TBD?
Bredeson: 2 year starter at LG, but has the body (and was recruited) an OT. Maybe a position switch if we have enough depth at OG?

That's a lot of bodies, and a lot of question marks. I think this is why many are thinking the 2019 season is when we should have a Stanford OL. 

Joined: 01/17/2013

MGoPoints: 4672

The Fan in Fargo

November 6th, 2017 at 7:56 PM ^

Should be damn tough line to contend with next year. If...they get in the weight room and push their limits they can become elite I believe. A strenghth coach can only take you so far. Perfect example would be Saquon Barkley. It's obvious he went above and beyond what most do. It's achievable, just have to want to activate the (will) within you and take action. Maybe become a little obsessed for half a year. Get it done young men!

Image result for Rocky 4 training gif

Joined: 09/04/2016

MGoPoints: 1877

Mich1993

November 6th, 2017 at 8:19 PM ^

Watching Bushell-Beatty, Onwenu and Ruiz pushing people around is a good look ahead at what the line will look like going forward.  If Spanellis continues to progress, I think he will be hard to keep on the bench with his size.  I see an interior of Spanellis-Ruiz-Onwenu.  With these three and Runyan, Bredeson will be a tackle unless others step up big time.  Here's what I see:

 

LT:  Bredeson or Newsome if healthy.  Bredeson will be steady if not spectacular with some struggles against top flight DEs (maybe Hudson/Stueber).

LG:  Spanellis or Runyan, maybe Filiaga (Bredeson only if Newsome/JBB can man the tackles)

C:  Ruiz or Runyan (Runyan first back-up at both Gs, C and RT

RG:  Onwenu

RT:  JBB or Bredeson if Newsome is LT (Hudson/Stueber will push)

 

I think JBB at RT will be ok by next year with he and Onwenu having a year's worth of experience.  Pass rush issues will exist on occasion but defense respecting the run will lessen the issue.  

Joined: 12/08/2010

MGoPoints: 3511

Bigly yuge

November 6th, 2017 at 9:03 PM ^

I actually think that next years OL has the potential to be the best since Harbaughs arrival. I can't wait to see what the offense looks like next season, should be dynamic and explosive.

Joined: 09/23/2017

MGoPoints: 3166

AA Forever

November 6th, 2017 at 9:15 PM ^

that 2018 will be Harbaugh's 4th year, and there is STILL not one spot on the Oline that is rock solid and settled.  There are issues and question marks everywhere.  

Joined: 08/14/2016

MGoPoints: 765

Jeep

November 6th, 2017 at 9:20 PM ^

I don't see how anyone who watched the MSU and PSU games can think there is anything to feel good about with this OL.  We couldn't run the ball and John O'Korn was constantly running for his life.  They were dreadfull performances, that reminded me of the Brady Hoke years.

I'm sorry, but I just can't get excited about running the ball against Rutgers and the Golden Goofers.  We need to beat MSU, OSU, Wisconsin and PSU and we can't with this bunch.

 

Joined: 11/05/2017

MGoPoints: 159

jgoblue11

November 6th, 2017 at 9:35 PM ^

these are young kids, who right now, are fucking pumped about winning these past games the way they have. Any given Saturday. Look at shitty Ohio state. did you ever think Iowa would hang 55 on those nuts? I this this group can absolutely beat Wisconsin and Ohio state.

Joined: 09/20/2017

MGoPoints: 1902

yossarians tree

November 7th, 2017 at 4:22 PM ^

Gonna go out on a limb and predict that the coaches have identified James Hudson as the left tackle of the future and he will start in his second year. The right tackle spot will be a wide open competition and with Filiaga, Spanellis, JBB, Steuber, Runyan, Honigford, Hall, Vastardis all seeing their chance to hit the field next season, someone will emerge and be at least passable if not good. 

Joined: 08/19/2010

MGoPoints: 22319

bluinohio

November 7th, 2017 at 1:27 AM ^

I think having no passing game has really killed our running game against opponents with lots of talent.
Against Rutgers, etc our running game does fine with no passing game because they don't have the athletes to make us pay.
All we need is an average passing attack and our running game will look good against the good teams too.

Joined: 08/24/2015

MGoPoints: 10842

Eye of the Tiger

November 6th, 2017 at 9:24 PM ^

Right now we are run blocking very well. Though pass pro needs work, I figure all the returning starters (Bredeson, Onwenu and JBB) will up their game in that department. Then we have two backups getting a good chunk of gametime experience, and whose play is not far off the starters (Ruiz, Runyan). So I expect the same of them.

On top of that, we will likely return a very promising lineman who hasn't played this year (Newsome), and have a young talent who is an excellent tackle prospect (Filiaga). There's much more uncertainty with regards these two. Will Newsome be back where he was before his injury? How fast will Filiaga develop? 

But we project to be a very good run blocking team that's better at pass pro than we have been this year. And then add to that a more experienced WR/TE corps, and a not-so-young Peters at QB, and it's a recipe for improvement.

I mean, our offense is currently ranked #12 in rushing and #91 in passing S&P. If we can improve to, say, #10 in rushing and #40 in passing, with our defense, then we are going to be a very had team to beat. 

 

 

 

Joined: 09/14/2009

MGoPoints: 7883

Frank Chuck

November 6th, 2017 at 10:46 PM ^

from DL to OL. (And before anyone asks me "who the f*** I am?" I want to preemptively say that I know a thing or two about line play. I coached DLine and it's my favorite position to scout.)

I watched James Hudson's tape when he was ranked as a 3 star (junior iirc) and laughed because I knew he was very underrated. I was excited when he committed to us because I fimly believed we were getting a top-150 player. And sure enough, he ended up getting a big bump as a senior and finishing near the top-100.

All that said, I think James Hudson might be our LT next year if Newsome hasn't recoverd to around 90% of what he was in 2016. If Newsome is ready, then Hudson will be back-up LT or potential starting RT.

Finally, I look forward to seeing Joel Honingford and Andrew Stueber develop. Their development will provide insurance against injuries. They haven't received much attention from the fanbase but they have the look, feel, and style of productive future OGs that can play OT in a pinch.

I did not forget about Filiaga. I expect him to be a back-up OG next year. (His lateral quickness might be an issue as a tackle but he fits perfectly at LG or RG provided he can maintain leverage.)

Joined: 05/01/2015

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