http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/fanblogs/84338837.html 

I don't see it myself but an interesting thought.

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Chad Clifton, has maybe one to two years left in him.. tops.

So what real value would any team give us back for his rights, under a franchise tag number?

What if Clifton would sign the tag right away.. then we are on the hook for that elevated salary.

I don't see this as a situation where that works.. because of his limited window of playing days left.

But I do agree with Thompson and the writer.. I see no reason Lang can't man the left tackle spot.

In a dream scenario, I would love to see Cliffy sign a one year deal with some reasonably obtained incentives laid into it. A solid plan B if Lang or a roster addition (Whether it be Rookie or UFA) struggles to anchor the spot.

In other words.. unless there is a solid prospect sitting looking us in the eyes at left tackle in this draft.. I don't draft them. No since in reaching for a player in this draft..

BTW.. I believe Tauscher reups to finish his career here.. two year deal.

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How would you project TJ Lang against the following players?



Jared Allen, Vikes
Osi Umenyiora, Giants
Trent Cole, Eagles
John Abraham, Falcons
Joey Porter, Dolphins
Adalius Thomas, Patriots
Demarcus Ware, Cowboys

Just about as comfortably, slightly more, than I would a "blue chip" rookie left tackle lining up over on that side.

He has the footwork and extension to play the spot.. some say he is a little short to play the position.. but his measurables are quite close to Joe Thomas of the Browns..

Will he have a learning curve over there.. probably, but almost all young tackles, especially lefts are going to have learning/adjusting to do.. but the kid understands how to setup and use his feet properly.

Again.. if there was a blue chip tackle available.. I would probably draft them...

What I am saying.. is if we are not in position to take a very solid prospect in the first or second round this season at a tackle spot.. I definitely wouldn't reach for one with the options we have..

Meaning.. Attempt to reup Clifton.. Ink Tauscher and we have Lang that I have enough faith in at either left or right tackle.

My hopes are they find the home for Lang and let him develop in that spot.. we have two holes on the offensive line at tackles that need the next generation in the hopper already.

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BTW... can anyone tell me why they think Lang can't play left tackle?

Is it because he struggled a little bit there this season.. is that really fair as he was bounced around like a pogo ball?

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Because he's going to be our Left Guard, College walks.

Clifton resigns three year contract and a project left tackle drafted.

Wells and Spitz once again battle for the center position in TC. Spitz gets tendered 2nd rounder.

Sitton - staple for 12 more years.

Resign Tauscher on 3 year deal, Giacommini backs him up.

We also draft another guard, both Clifton and Tauscher have team option years on third year of contracts.

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I will start with the most obvious "concern".

I don't like the Vikings...I'm funny that way.

Week 4 22 snaps at LT gave up 2 sacks and a pressure, week 8 same opponent , gave up 3 sacks and 2 pressures....

I think Aaron plays "jumpy" when he's there, and I think his (Aaron's) "concerns" are legit, what with him not wanting to get BLIND-SIDE KILLED, and all....

That would be fine.. as we need an upgrade at Center and most likely one at guard...

But here is my rub on that... tackle is a much harder position to play than at guard, and my opinion is the kid has the natural talent to play the tackle spot.. why "waste" that potential inside..

Now, I am not saying that guard as easily replaced, like Ted has, but when you have a player the could become a pro bowl level tackle.. you don't move him inside unless you have two other quality prospects..

In our case.. we have Tauscher, which I think can play another two years on the right.. but we have no other long term players on the roster than can develop into solid NFL level tackles..

Hire a new position coach.. that may change.. as I think Colledge would be a better fit outside if someone could remove his head from his ass at times.

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The reason I would want to keep Clifton is depth. If we had to go with Lang there and Clifton is not on the roster they will be ultra thin there.

I think LT would be Lang's third best position and that bothers me. I think he would be a great guard and a good RT. If they want to elevate the play of the OL I don't think putting a player at a position where his play would not be what it could be somewhere else is the way to get there.

You stop gap and you get stop gap results.

They made the mistake of THINKING they had the line in order last year and found out quickly they were wrong. If we go with ANY other lineup other than how we finished last year there better be a very strong plan B in order in case it doesn't work out.

If Clifton's gone right now the only backup to Lang would be Colledge and we don't even know if he will be back. I don't see this as a solid solution or a good plan to correct the OL problems that have haunted the team and really held it back before.

If we could hold onto Clifton and come out of the draft with a guy that could be the LT at some point they could put Lang where he could really be a beast and that would be the way to compete in 2010 and improve from there.

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And where did he get all the reps going into the season.. at guard and right tackle.. expecting him to get settled in on the left tackle in a week isn't a fair evaluation IMO.

If we continue to play musical chairs with this guys on a weekly basis.. we are going to see issues in their play.. and I am not talking about moving a right guard to the left.. guys like Colledge and Lang have been shifted every which way but Friday in their young careers.. which is part of the issue I see with this staff.

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