Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

The Dolphins have signed one of the top offensive tackles left, agreeing with ex-Falcon Tyson Clabo Sunday. And Clabo off the market, it was time to add another tackle to PFT’s All-Unemployed Team.

After some contemplation, we went with Max Starks, a 16-game starter at left tackle for the Steelers a season ago.

The 31-year-old Starks has played on both sides in his NFL career. In fact, he started at right tackle and left tackle in different Super Bowls for Pittsburgh. However, it’s his ability to play left tackle, coupled with his overall dependability, that gives him a slight value edge over the rest of the field.

The tackle market isn’t completely barren. There are a few serviceable right tackles left, with Eric Winston the top unsigned tackle available and Winston Justice and Barry Richardson other experienced options. Those looking for left tackles, however, don’t have many great choices, with Demetress Bell perhaps the best of the group. Jared Gaither also remains unsigned, but as Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune detailed in January, Gaither’s stint in San Diego was notable in the resentment he allegedly created among his teammates.

Will Gaither get a shot with another team? Will someone take a short-term flier on Bell? Those are a couple storylines to watch at the position now that McKinnie and Clabo have found employment.

Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow | ProFootballTalk

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

What we have is better than what is out there.

Brown can play, he just needs to stay healthy.

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

LOT has been. looks like we are going to wait till camp cuts and see if anything falls out from that.

I am watching the UDFA closely and hope the saints make a pick up or two there for the PS.

Roger Gaines, OT, Tennessee State
Chris Faulk, OT, LSU
Manase Foketi, OT, West Texas A&M

* I still have a whole list of players i hope the saints make a move on

Drew will not survive another year of these OT of ours going down. Last years group has now spread to LOT and that aint good.

Fingers crossed that last years red shirted freshman has one that stay healthy and step up.

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

I don't think the coaching staff is worried.

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

I think the tackles we have can play. I think Jason Smith is going to live up to his potential and start at LT. Charles Brown will hopefully take Zach Strief's spot at RT.

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

So. Much uncertainty. Very few positions are solid outside of QB, WR1,TE1 and so on

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

well i think it is time if any of them go down they need to be replaced. you can gamble with OL for only so long till you reach the point you risk injuring drew.

IMO we are freaking too close to that point. if drew goes down we are done. then again we can draft a top OT in 2014 if he does because we will be drafting in the top ten.

not worth the risk

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

Gaines was signed by the Ravens, Faulk was signed by the Browns and Foketi was signed by the Broncos.

So, are you saying that they might get cut by those teams and that if that were to happen - the Saints should try to sign them?

I'm a bit confused... http://smileys.on-my-web.com/reposit...onfused-28.gif

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

all UDFA so when camp breaks and the season start you have the PS to sign so you have a shot at picking up a player or two at that time. lets see if any of those guys are out there at that time.

Re: Veteran tackle pool becoming more shallow
 

It is probably Brown's job to lose. I wouldn't count on Jason Smith, as he has been a total bust so far. And, the coaching staff will bring Terron Armstead along slowly in his first season. He is athletic enough to play LT once he gets his feet wet.