Welcome Elijah Klein

[Kona]

The more I read about this guy, the more I like. Hopefully he can push Hainsey/Mauch for a starting spot, at the very least gives us a solid backup.

[IchabodCrane84]

Listening to his interview, I'm going to be rooting for this guy. All this talk about linemen developing year one to year two. I hope Klein makes the team and elevates his game. Would love for him to be a solid starter one day.

[Sdbucs]

Klein wasn’t on the PFF big board or consensus board, but he did post some impressive numbers as a pass blocker in his final season at UTEP. He earned a 93.5 PFF pass-blocking grade in 2023, allowing just three total pressures from 372 pass-blocking snaps.

[Sdbucs]

Wait he was the highest rated pass block guard in the NCAA, #11 rated run block, and the #4 overall rated guard on PFF. This is out of 359 guards from all the major programs

Wtf

So confused.. this guy flew under the radar so hard. Could be one of our best picks

[Snake]

Wait he was the highest rated pass block guard in the NCAA, #11 rated run block, and the #4 overall rated guard on PFF. This is out of 359 guards from all the major programs

Wtf

So confused.. this guy flew under the radar so hard. Could be one of our best picks

Teams were well aware of his analytics. It comes down to other things.

[Grahamburn]

Wait he was the highest rated pass block guard in the NCAA, #11 rated run block, and the #4 overall rated guard on PFF. This is out of 359 guards from all the major programs

Wtf

So confused.. this guy flew under the radar so hard. Could be one of our best picks

Teams were well aware of his analytics. It comes down to other things.

He’s good at football, but we’re not sure why?

[Snake]

Teams were well aware of his analytics. It comes down to other things.

He’s good at football, but we’re not sure why?

It’s the classic “what makes you good at college football won’t necessarily make you good at NFL football.”

[Ken]

He wasn't invited to the combine, so a lot of teams aren't going to put him on their boards.

[mdb1958]

When you are combing thru the list of priority free agents you have identified and most arent showing interest of coming here, you get slick and draft them.

Worried, Licht shows his prowse and welcomes Klein and Culp.

[Sdbucs]

He wasn't invited to the combine, so a lot of teams aren't going to put him on their boards.

I think this was more it. Either way, happy we actually drafted a guard to play guard and he's a sneakily highly rated guard at that.

Low expectations, high potential

[mdb1958]

Dzansi should throw his hat in the ring for LG - "hey coach give me a shot".

[Doctor]

I mean we've seen Licht hit this shot before. If he does again, we're all the better for it. Fuck, could you image the purse we could through at Wirfs and Luke with the interior all on rookie deals and the QB price controlled?

[Bootz]

Why would we be throwing a purse at Luke?

[Grahamburn]

https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/ ... l.amp.html

[Doctor]

I know everyone wants instant rookie magic, but if we just have quality development of what we have over the next couple of years we can end up with a top OL sooner than later.

[Grahamburn]

If Klein comes on quickly I wonder if they’ll move Mauch to the left where he may be more comfortable? Klein has been a RG almost exclusively.

It’s good to have options.

[Bootz]

If Klein comes on quickly I wonder if they’ll move Mauch to the left where he may be more comfortable? Klein has been a RG almost exclusively.

It’s good to have options.

But what about Hainsey?

[Doctor]

He'll still see plenty of snaps from a back up role all across the line.

[Bootz]

He'll still see plenty of snaps from a back up role all across the line.

Plenty? Hopefully not. That would mean injuries galore on an already thin IOL. Although it's conceivable he replaces someone who underperforms.

I don't feel strongly about this unit to be honest.

[Cheb]

If Klein comes on quickly I wonder if they’ll move Mauch to the left where he may be more comfortable? Klein has been a RG almost exclusively.

It’s good to have options.

If Klein wins a starting job, then Mauch would have to fight for the other starting position. Left guard versus right, there's not nearly as big a difference in technique as there is with left tackle versus right tackle.

Honestly, if Mauch gets benched I'm okay with that. Disappointed, for sure, but the best three guys should get those three interior jobs. If Mauch doesn't make that cut, that's on him.

[Grahamburn]

If Klein comes on quickly I wonder if they’ll move Mauch to the left where he may be more comfortable? Klein has been a RG almost exclusively.

It’s good to have options.

If Klein wins a starting job, then Mauch would have to fight for the other starting position. Left guard versus right, there's not nearly as big a difference in technique as there is with left tackle versus right tackle.

Honestly, if Mauch gets benched I'm okay with that. Disappointed, for sure, but the best three guys should get those three interior jobs. If Mauch doesn't make that cut, that's on him.

Competition is always good. I would expect Mauch to be given every opportunity to fail though prior to him losing a starting spot. He'd have to be significantly outplayed in training camp for that to happen.

[Grahamburn]

I will also say if I'm being honest I'd be very surprised if Klein starts. My expectation would be one of Opeta or Bredeson start at LG.

[Ken]

He's the offseason darling right now. Definitely a long shot to start as a 6th round rookie.

[mdb1958]

The mini camp pic I saw was Delgado at left guard.

Klein was right guard.