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The OL is clearly the biggest need on O, maybe the whole team, and LT is a problem. It seems clear Baker isn't the answer. Svitek seems more like a backup.

The FA market at LT is not looking pretty, I don't see anyone good we can count on to stay healthy. Our best bet may be if an elite sure thing like Grubbs or Nicks hits the market to sign them and then with our 2nd rounder take the most atheltic pass protecting tackle available. If there's someone we think will be ready week 1 still on the board close to our pick we try to trade up. Playing beside a guy like Grubbs or Nicks will certainly make it easier to transition to the NFL.

I dont like the idea of signing a guy like McNeil if he becomes available when we can't count on him to stay healthy, Id rather spend the money on OL and DL that will stay on the field

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Why is McNiell, suddenly, a health concern? He missed two games his first four seasons, then he was injured last Nov 11 and missed the rest of 2011. He missed six other games two seasons ago because of a contract dispute...not injury.

The man is 28 years old and is one of the best linemen in the entire NFL. TD would be nuts not to aggressively pursue McNiell when he comes available.

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Why is McNiell, suddenly, a health concern? He missed two games his first four seasons, then he was injured last Nov 11 and missed the rest of 2011. He missed six other games two seasons ago because of a contract dispute...not injury.

The man is 28 years old and is one of the best linemen in the entire NFL. TD would be nuts not to aggressively pursue McNiell when he comes available.

http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/Marcus-McNeill/MCN657532

If the games he missed in 2010 werent due to injury he's been fairly durable in his career. I'm pretty sure the reason that such a massive talented LT fell to the Chargers somewhere like the 4th round was because of injury concerns.

If there aren't long term injury concerns and he's healthy he would be a great pickup. Then we'd just have to figure out what to do at C and RG

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I have a feeling that Arthur Blank has toldTD that the OLine is priority number one and he needs to get it fixed. Blank made it very obvious in the post season press conference how he felt about the OLine.

McNeil is the best option if he is healthy so I think TD will be going after him.

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The OL is clearly the biggest need on O, maybe the whole team, and LT is a problem. It seems clear Baker isn't the answer. Svitek seems more like a backup.

The FA market at LT is not looking pretty, I don't see anyone good we can count on to stay healthy. Our best bet may be if an elite sure thing like Grubbs or Nicks hits the market to sign them and then with our 2nd rounder take the most atheltic pass protecting tackle available. If there's someone we think will be ready week 1 still on the board close to our pick we try to trade up. Playing beside a guy like Grubbs or Nicks will certainly make it easier to transition to the NFL.

I dont like the idea of signing a guy like McNeil if he becomes available when we can't count on him to stay healthy, Id rather spend the money on OL and DL that will stay on the field

If the Falcons draft an LT with their 2nd round pick it will be around the 8th best LT just like Sam Baker. Much better value for OG's, TE's, S, etc. in the late 2nd round.

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If the Falcons draft an LT with their 2nd round pick it will be around the 8th best LT just like Sam Baker. Much better value for OG's, TE's, S, etc. in the late 2nd round.

Your right Phatty, the LT starters will be gone near the top of the 2nd round or sooner period. We are not in position to wait for someone to develop or hope we get lucky. These guys get drafted very early on day one for a reason...

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Apparently he's been fairly durable in his NFL career so if his health checks out he'd be a great pickup. Mind you if the Chargers thought his health wasnt a problem I doubt theyd cut him even if he costs 10M, why would they sign him to a deal to pay him that much if they wouldn pay it to him healthy?

My understanding is this. McNiell was injured, then was replaced with Jared Gaither, who apparently played well enough the Chargers decided they could keep him as thier LT. McNiell has a contract that will be guaranteed after March, if the Chargers keep him. McNiell will not be cleared to play until well after the guarantee date. So...the Chargers can keep Gaither and save McNiell's 10 million salary for next season by cutting him.

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http://www.chargers.com/team/roster/Marcus-McNeill/MCN657532

If the games he missed in 2010 werent due to injury he's been fairly durable in his career. I'm pretty sure the reason that such a massive talented LT fell to the Chargers somewhere like the 4th round was because of injury concerns.

If there aren't long term injury concerns and he's healthy he would be a great pickup. Then we'd just have to figure out what to do at C and RG

Yeah, pretty sure McNeil was taken top of round 2 and that was only because he had some sort of issue with his back or something. He was considered a top pick if not for that concern.

His durability is being blown way out of proportion by half rate beat writers and i would love to get him in here. Let svitek develop behind him, since he is still a raw talent. He has proven if he is needed for a couple games he can get it done.

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