2025 NFL Free Agency and Draft: IOL

supafreak84 wrote:

Fair points, however as it relates to Meinerz, Rick had the same platform as the rest of the league to view him the week of the Senior Bowl. Taking Davis was a big whiff

True, but keep in mind Meinerz went to DIII UW-Whitewater, whatever the hell that is, where he faced off against stalwart defensive linemen from the likes of John Carroll U, whatever the hell that is. 

He did prove he could play at the Senior Bowl, but Davis was a 5-star recruit who went to Ohio State, where he was a unanimous All American, and whose grandfather is in the NFL Hall of Fame. No clue why he didn't work out. But sometimes it just doesn't make sense.

MaroonBells wrote:

True, but keep in mind Meinerz went to DIII UW-Whitewater, whatever the hell that is, where he faced off against stalwart defensive linemen from the likes of John Carroll U, whatever the hell that is. 

He did prove he could play at the Senior Bowl, but Davis was a 5-star recruit who went to Ohio State, where he was a unanimous All American, and whose grandfather is in the NFL Hall of Fame. No clue why he didn't work out. But sometimes it just doesn't make sense.

I remember watching Davis specifically during some Ohio State games and he just looked small to me and didnt dominate like the hype led you to believe. Pretty amazing how badly Davis, Surratt, and Mond fizzled out.

The @Vikings will be “pretty aggressive” in the guard market during FA and will make it a “priority”, according to @BenGoessling.

Goessling notes that he thinks they’ll have “a lot of interest” in @Chiefs G Trey Smith.

“I think they'll be pretty aggressive for players like… pic.twitter.com/GeHijCFwlS

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 5, 2025

MaroonBells wrote:
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would be happy to get one of these guys...We have a lot of re-work to focus on in the defensive backfield too. 

ITs not hard to argue that the DB room is in the most in need of any positional group on the team.

purplefaithful wrote:

would be happy to get one of these guys...We have a lot of re-work to focus on in the defensive backfield too. 

ITs not hard to argue that the DB room is in the most in need of any positional group on the team.

Yes, and I'd be the spokesperson for that argument. DB, especially CB, is our #1 priority right now. We need to add at least two. But IOL should get some real attention too.

I remember a popular draft adage from the 80s or 90s: Don't draft to fill holes, draft to fortify strengths. Build a formidable, insurmountable unit somewhere. At night, after Sydney Sweeney goes home, I fantasize about adding two big bullies to the IOL and then drafting Ashton Jeanty. JJ, JA, TJ and Jeanty? All behind a top 5 OL. Imagine trying to stop that offense. 

MaroonBells wrote:

Yes, and I'd be the spokesperson for that argument. DB, especially CB, is our #1 priority right now. We need to add at least two. But IOL should get some real attention too.

I remember a popular draft adage from the 80s or 90s: Don't draft to fill holes, draft to fortify strengths. Build a formidable, insurmountable unit somewhere. At night, after Sydney Sweeney goes home, I fantasize about adding two big bullies to the IOL and then drafting Ashton Jeanty. JJ, JA, TJ and Jeanty? All behind a top 5 OL. Imagine trying to stop that offense. 

Ha, you got the spokesman chair...

I dont want to detract from IOL in this thread, but what they do with Bynum/Murphy will most certainly impact IOL moves. Quite a puzzle they have to put together.

To get a G, I prefer Fries, and a C in FA would fix a ton of issues. Bradbury just needs to be replaced. Get Fries and Dalman would be a freaking dream for this team. Grab a G in the draft that can start week one, I prefer Luke Kandra, and the line is fixed. Still need to focus on CB as well, but we've learned that we don't have to throw big money at it in FA. 2024 proved that. Get one with our first pick as well.

Not sure how true this is, or if it's just another Mike Tice telling us how awesome Cory Withrow is. But if the Vikings are indeed high on Jurgens, I think this argues for keeping Bradbury. I don't think you'd pay a free agent center pots of money to come in if this Jurgens kid is perhaps a year away from starting. Maybe a healthy competition between Jurgens and Bradbury is on tap for '25. 

“No doubt” someone close to @PAOnTheMic told him about #Vikings C Michael Jurgens being a starting Center in the #NFL one day.

They told PA “they didn't say when, and I didn't ask when. But that's at least as of like last off season, what they thought about [Jurgens].” pic.twitter.com/DozCiiPwXw

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 5, 2025

MaroonBells wrote:
Not sure how true this is, or if it's just another Mike Tice telling us how awesome Cory Withrow is. But if the Vikings are indeed high on Jurgens, I think this argues for keeping Bradbury. I don't think you'd pay a free agent center pots of money to come in if this Jurgens kid is perhaps a year away from starting. Maybe a healthy competition between Jurgens and Bradbury is on tap for '25. 

“No doubt” someone close to @PAOnTheMic told him about #Vikings C Michael Jurgens being a starting Center in the #NFL one day.

They told PA “they didn't say when, and I didn't ask when. But that's at least as of like last off season, what they thought about [Jurgens].” pic.twitter.com/DozCiiPwXw

— The Purple Persuasion (@TPPSkol) February 5, 2025

If we have one on roster, I am game. I don't know a lot about Jurgens. I read up on him very little. Most says he doesn't have the core strength and gets pushed back with initial attack. Not a lot of positives. One strength that I like. He will look to pass protect first, he will rush to help his G's block on every play he can or that he doesn't have a man. Being smart with a big work ethic is huge when it comes to the oline. Let's hope he developed his glaring weaknesses. I am sick of Bradbury.

Been watching the G's closely and Kandra even closer. Most boards had Luke Kandra at around player 220 overall. He has steadily crept up every day. Today many have him around 150 now. Not sure why that is, but with the research I have done on him, and it's been a lot, he never should have been that low. I was hoping he would stay under the radar. He is everything you want in your G. Football IQ is phenomenal. Work ethic is great. SO balanced that he rates out great in both pass and run, with him being a little better pass blocker. Hard to come by with G's. Many excel at one or the other. Very versatile. Great first step to take on DT. Exceled against every DT position. Never gave up a penalty. Will be the first to help out C or T and has the ability to close in quickly. Instincts show he processes fast when knowing to get to a block that isn't his own.

Canthony wrote:
Been watching the G's closely and Kandra even closer. Most boards had Luke Kandra at around player 220 overall. He has steadily crept up every day. Today many have him around 150 now. Not sure why that is, but with the research I have done on him, and it's been a lot, he never should have been that low. I was hoping he would stay under the radar. He is everything you want in your G. Football IQ is phenomenal. Work ethic is great. SO balanced that he rates out great in both pass and run, with him being a little better pass blocker. Hard to come by with G's. Many excel at one or the other. Very versatile. Great first step to take on DT. Exceled against every DT position. Never gave up a penalty. Will be the first to help out C or T and has the ability to close in quickly. Instincts show he processes fast when knowing to get to a block that isn't his own.

Speaking of whom....

Luke Kandra is a guy I like more than the consensus at guard.

Safe pick from Cincinnati. Rarely ever called for penalties (0.1% penalty rate) and boasts just a 0.3% sack allowed rate.

Prototypical frame at RG listed at 6’4, 323lbs. Early day 3 pick in a weak IOL class. pic.twitter.com/pGxr5FtQfh

— NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) February 13, 2025

What's everyones thoughts on Dalman if he hits the mkt?

I've read lots of opinions/takes on him - from a clear upgrade to Bradbury to a guy with short arms, not enough anchor against the big dts's...

purplefaithful wrote:
What's everyones thoughts on Dalman if he hits the mkt?

I've read lots of opinions/takes on him - from a clear upgrade to Bradbury to a guy with short arms, not enough anchor against the big dts's...

I see him as having the same issues as Bradbury does against bigger IDL. He would be a small upgrade in pass blocking for a substantially larger cost.

Knucklehead wrote:

I see him as having the same issues as Bradbury does against bigger IDL. He would be a small upgrade in pass blocking for a substantially larger cost.

Like I mentioned in the other thread, there have been encouraging reports on second year player Michael Jurgens about him being a "no doubt" starting caliber center in the NFL. He is big (6'5"/315), has a year in this offense under his belt, and when I watched that second and third team offensive line last preseason with Jurgens and Rouse...they were moving people. I think Jurgens is the better and cheaper option to replace or compete with Bradbury at center and we don't need to dip into free agency to solve the issue at center when the best option is likely already on the roster.

Knucklehead wrote:

I see him as having the same issues as Bradbury does against bigger IDL. He would be a small upgrade in pass blocking for a substantially larger cost.

I agree, he wouldn't be a huge upgrade, but an upgrade all the same. I don't know if the Spotrac market value estimates are accurate or not but Dalmans is $6.8M per. Bradbury's '25 cap hit is $6M.

Watched pretty much every snap this guy took during the Senior Bowl and practice. Extremely fluid mover. He’ll need a little more sand in his ass, but he can easily carry another 10-15 lbs. T-Rex arms bothers me but it doesn’t seem to hurt him. Monheim and Kandra are two of the 5 guys on the iOL I’ve mocked the most consistently. Day 3 I’m pounding the table for him. He’s damn near a perfect fit for what we do.

Jonah Monheim was a highly recruited lineman out of California before committing to the USC Trojans. He quickly adjusted to the collegiate level, becoming a full-time starter by his second season. Since then, Monheim has started at all five positions on the offensive line, amassing over 35 starts. Initially, he alternated between guard and tackle, but he has taken on the center role for the 2024 season. While his versatility has been evident throughout his career, I believe Monheim’s best fit at the professional level will be at center.

What stands out most about Monheim as a prospect is his extensive experience at every position along the offensive line. After reviewing his film from the past couple of seasons, his performance has consistently been impressive, especially for someone who has frequently switched positions. While he may not retain the same multi-positional role at the next level, his experience shines in his current responsibilities as a center. Monheim brings a unique perspective to the position, one that sets him apart from most, if not all, centers in the 2024 class.

Monheim looks like a point guard when he addresses the ball and makes his identifications to his teammates. He’s a composed and articulate communicator before the snap, never being rattled and always taking it upon himself to get his line on the same page. For a guy making those calls for the first time, it’s incredibly impressive to see him take ownership of the necessary qualities of a starting center.

Athletically, Monheim demonstrates excellent movement skills and core strength. He possesses the quickness and agility necessary to execute any block. His experience playing both on the edge at tackle and in tighter spaces at guard has laid the groundwork for his impressive footwork and striking ability in pass protection. His reactionary footwork and ability to recover will be key attributes for teams seeking a skilled interior lineman on their offensive line.

In the run game, Monheim is still improving his ability to generate power off the snap, but his hand placement and ability to maintain structural integrity while straining to defeat opposing linemen are notable strengths. The Trojans’ offense often employs Monheim as a pulling lead blocker in gap schemes, where his physicality and athleticism are on full display. His versatility allows him to thrive in various blocking schemes, including inside zone, duo, wide zone, and gap runs. The overarching theme with Monheim is that he’s a do-it-all football player.

Monheim projects as a starting interior lineman at the NFL level. His versatility and extensive experience across the offensive line speak volumes about his potential as a prospect. There’s a lot of optimism regarding how his game will translate to the next level. I expect Monheim to become a long-term starter or a valuable sixth man capable of filling in wherever needed.

Jonah Monheim profiles as a high-floor, moderate-ceiling interior offensive lineman at the next level. His exceptional pass protection skills and positional versatility will be coveted by teams running zone-heavy schemes that prioritize athleticism over raw power. Monheim's transition to center demonstrates his football acumen but also highlights the steep learning curve he faces in mastering a new position.

At the NFL level, Monheim projects best as a center or guard in a system that emphasizes movement skills and pass protection. His elite pass-blocking ability will translate immediately, allowing him to compete for playing time early in his career. However, his effectiveness as a run blocker will likely determine his long-term ceiling. To maximize his potential, Monheim will need to add functional strength without sacrificing his impressive athleticism.

Given his skill set and physical attributes, Monheim is likely to hear his name called on day two or early day three of the NFL Draft. His intelligence, versatility, and pass-protection prowess make him an intriguing developmental prospect with the potential to outperform his draft position as he refines his craft at the pivot.

JustInTime wrote:
Watched pretty much every snap this guy took during the Senior Bowl and practice. Extremely fluid mover. He’ll need a little more sand in his ass, but he can easily carry another 10-15 lbs. T-Rex arms bothers me but it doesn’t seem to hurt him. Monheim and Kandra are two of the 5 guys on the iOL I’ve mocked the most consistently. Day 3 I’m pounding the table for him. He’s damn near a perfect fit for what we do.

Jonah Monheim was a highly recruited lineman out of California before committing to the USC Trojans. He quickly adjusted to the collegiate level, becoming a full-time starter by his second season. Since then, Monheim has started at all five positions on the offensive line, amassing over 35 starts. Initially, he alternated between guard and tackle, but he has taken on the center role for the 2024 season. While his versatility has been evident throughout his career, I believe Monheim’s best fit at the professional level will be at center.

What stands out most about Monheim as a prospect is his extensive experience at every position along the offensive line. After reviewing his film from the past couple of seasons, his performance has consistently been impressive, especially for someone who has frequently switched positions. While he may not retain the same multi-positional role at the next level, his experience shines in his current responsibilities as a center. Monheim brings a unique perspective to the position, one that sets him apart from most, if not all, centers in the 2024 class.

Monheim looks like a point guard when he addresses the ball and makes his identifications to his teammates. He’s a composed and articulate communicator before the snap, never being rattled and always taking it upon himself to get his line on the same page. For a guy making those calls for the first time, it’s incredibly impressive to see him take ownership of the necessary qualities of a starting center.

Athletically, Monheim demonstrates excellent movement skills and core strength. He possesses the quickness and agility necessary to execute any block. His experience playing both on the edge at tackle and in tighter spaces at guard has laid the groundwork for his impressive footwork and striking ability in pass protection. His reactionary footwork and ability to recover will be key attributes for teams seeking a skilled interior lineman on their offensive line.

In the run game, Monheim is still improving his ability to generate power off the snap, but his hand placement and ability to maintain structural integrity while straining to defeat opposing linemen are notable strengths. The Trojans’ offense often employs Monheim as a pulling lead blocker in gap schemes, where his physicality and athleticism are on full display. His versatility allows him to thrive in various blocking schemes, including inside zone, duo, wide zone, and gap runs. The overarching theme with Monheim is that he’s a do-it-all football player.

Monheim projects as a starting interior lineman at the NFL level. His versatility and extensive experience across the offensive line speak volumes about his potential as a prospect. There’s a lot of optimism regarding how his game will translate to the next level. I expect Monheim to become a long-term starter or a valuable sixth man capable of filling in wherever needed.

Jonah Monheim profiles as a high-floor, moderate-ceiling interior offensive lineman at the next level. His exceptional pass protection skills and positional versatility will be coveted by teams running zone-heavy schemes that prioritize athleticism over raw power. Monheim's transition to center demonstrates his football acumen but also highlights the steep learning curve he faces in mastering a new position.

At the NFL level, Monheim projects best as a center or guard in a system that emphasizes movement skills and pass protection. His elite pass-blocking ability will translate immediately, allowing him to compete for playing time early in his career. However, his effectiveness as a run blocker will likely determine his long-term ceiling. To maximize his potential, Monheim will need to add functional strength without sacrificing his impressive athleticism.

Given his skill set and physical attributes, Monheim is likely to hear his name called on day two or early day three of the NFL Draft. His intelligence, versatility, and pass-protection prowess make him an intriguing developmental prospect with the potential to outperform his draft position as he refines his craft at the pivot.

Sounds like just the kinda guy the Packers would love and draft....

purplefaithful wrote:

Sounds like just the kinda guy the Packers would love and draft....

They always find guys. They took a G from Michigan a couple years ago that I mocked relentlessly. Maybe I should stop mocking Monheim.

Marcus Wehr is a BULLY on the offensive line.

Highly productive player. 0 sacks allowed, 8 pressures allowed in 3 seasons.

Dominated at Shrine Bowl and was snubbed at the Combine. Played RG and RT for Montana State.

Early day 3 grade. Will outperform his draft stock. Buy now!

Only two things come out of Montana State: steers and queers.

JustInTime wrote:
Marcus Wehr is a BULLY on the offensive line.

Highly productive player. 0 sacks allowed, 8 pressures allowed in 3 seasons.

Dominated at Shrine Bowl and was snubbed at the Combine. Played RG and RT for Montana State.

Early day 3 grade. Will outperform his draft stock. Buy now!

Only two things come out of Montana State: steers and queers.

Hey watch it, bitch! I went to Montana State. Go Cats!