Bear in mind: I'm not saying Lang can't handle LT - and I do think he should get a fair shake at doing just that. But since we're playing at some fantasy land scenarios, here, I'll take a shot.
For the remainder of 09 -
LT: Lang - let him learn the ropes, and as long as he doesn't fall apart, he's there. Cliffy's in the wings if they need him.
LG: College gets a chance to prove he's either The Guy here, or we finally cut bait on that endeavor.
C: I really want Spitz to get healthy, stay healthy, and rack up some serious starts, here - again, it's a matter of seeing if he can be The Guy in the middle, as physically I like him more than Wells.
RG: Sitton's probably the only real lock on this line, IMO.
RT: Personally, I think Barbre is a bust at this spot. He may have improved incrementally over his disasterous start, but he just made Edwards look like a player - I'd like to see Tausch back in there.
So for the rest of this season it's Lang, College, Spitz, Sitton, Tauscher.
Next year, I want - no, need - to see a commitment to the offensive line that's comparable to the commitment they showed to the defense this year.
1. Campen - fired. Possibly Philben as well, if he's had anything to do with the current scheme. A new OL coach is brought in - a proven guy with a scheme that will A) PROTECT RODGERS (this has to be priority #1) and š provide the option to run the ball consistently - I want 3 yards at a minimum if a run is called on 1st down. Now, I'm not going to fret overly about what kind of scheme - if the coach has proven he can implement it and make it work, that's fine. The Broncos proved that the ZBS can work very well - just make sure the coach knows the scheme. Honestly, this change is the biggest one, IMO.
2. Even if Lang looks great the rest of this year, they had better take a long, hard look at LT. Draft a blue-chip LT? If one's out there, see what it would take to get it done. FA - look into it, Ted. Seriously. Turn over every rock and expend whatever effort is necessary to determine if a legitimate left bookend can be brought in. If it's possible, DO IT. Protect the investment you have in Aaron Rodgers - JOB NUMBER ONE.
3. From LG to RG: If College is getting the job done, re-sign his ass and let him own LG. If not, see step 2 above and apply it here. Same goes for C - if Spitz can stay healthy and do his job, give it to him. I expect Sitton is our RG, but if he needs to be replaced, fine.
4. My sense is that Lang can and should own RT for years to come - if he doesn't manage to lock LT down the remainder of the season, put him here and enjoy years of a secure right side and a great place to send your running backs.
IMO, if you get a good coach and a solid scheme (none of which has any effect on salary cap), you're 60% there. Beyond that, this line is as little as one good LT from being a dependable foundation for years. I flatly refuse to believe that this team can't get that one guy, somehow.
It's totally do-able, I think.