There are a lot of good offensive line free agents in this class, but not a lot of Allen Fanecas. No real impact players that could give you an anchor to build around. But there are some great compliment players to fill a weak spot or solidify your line.
Chad Clifton (Green Bay Packers) His play waned last year, but in my opinion it was not due to his abilities, but instead due to injury and a lack of help on the inside. It is no great secret that Green Bay could not protect against the blitz last year and will probably look to reconcile that in a deep offensive line draft class. Green bay could go either way here; it kind of depends on how much Chad wants. If not, look for a team like San Diego, who could use a good run blocker, to take him.
Logan Mankins (New England Patriots) Here is probably the best offensive linemen in this class. Too bad the Patriots won’t let him go. Historically New England does not like to pay big money for players, but when it comes to protecting Tom Brady, spare no expense! But make no mistake, there are plenty of teams that would give up the picks to get this guy. The 49eres or the Seahawks would love to have this guy and have the picks. Especially since they are both likely to take quarterbacks on the first day of the draft this year.
Marcus McNeill (San Diego Chargers) Here is the problem with McNeil, INCONSISTANCY! This guy is young, strong and talented, but he just doesn’t produce all the time. That is a big problem at left tackle when you are protecting a franchise quarterback. I think this one could also come down to money. The Chargers have to worry about resigning Sproles and Jackson, and in an uncapped year, they know their value in the market and so does McNeil. You can tag them all, so you have to make a decision, and I don’t see someone spending picks on McNeil with a deep draft class. This could be a hold out situation.
Jared Gaither (Baltimore Ravens) There is no way the Ravens let this guy go. He will either get his contact or a tag. Sorry AFC North. Good Luck with that.
Willie Colon (Pittsburgh Steelers) Look for Colon to get a contract. He isn’t a great player and has been a disappointment, but right bow Pittsburg just doesn’t have options. Pittsburg will likely draft a linemen day one this year, but they have more than one hole to fill up front. For now, Colon will have to do at right tackle. Don’t get me wrong, he is a good run blocker, but let just say it’s a good thing been is durable.
Jammal Brown, Jahri Evans, Jermon Bushrod (New Orleans Saints) The Saints have three guys that are due new contracts, and after a Super Bowl season, they are all going to want paid and there is just no way to afford all of them. Look for Evans and Bushrod to get paid, but Brown will be the odd man out. After his injury last season, Bushrod came in and did at least as good as job, if not better, than brown, for less money. However, that does put Brown on the Market or make him trade bait for New Orleans at the 32nd overall pick. Brown is a great player, I just don’t see it being worth it to New Orleans to keep both of them. Brown could end up on any number of teams if he is released, but if the Saints want draft picks compensation, it will narrow quickly. This will be one to watch if your team needs a lineman.
Donald Penn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) Is one of the most underrated left tackles in the league. He isn’t going anywhere. Especially considering the chance that Tampa take a QB early in this draft.
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