Just how good is Sam Baker?

that Baker is one of the worst LTs in the NFL. He’s on the books for one more season, and it might be worth seeing if he has value at a position like RG. He has at times been a good to very good run-blocker and his pass-blocking deficiencies wouldn’t be as exposed in the inside of the line.

Now, then the problem becomes what do we do with Mike Johnson (who will be back next year) and RGGR? Hawley though the current starter, is likely still slotted as the future C when McClure decides to pack up. Svitek has been sound if unspectacular while spot starting against some pretty big names, at least. Toward the end of the season – assuming the Falcons can afford the opportunity – I’d like to see Reynolds put out there just to see what he’s got. Maybe give him a few snaps out there against CAR who has a couple of solid DEs.

These trials are important, b/c there really don’t seem to be a lot of answers in the upcoming FA period. Moreover, we’re currently limited with draft pick options, and they might be better spent on other positions (DE, TE, LB, DB). Furthermore, I believe there are something like 20 players currently on the roster on the last year of their contracts. Therefore, it is imperative that coaches test the versatility of ALL lineman (DEF and OFF) to see if they have value (starting or backup) at other positions.

but based purely on the dreaded eye test, Svitek has at least been able to plug a few leaks in our swiss cheese pass protection. I say let Svitek keep starting and see if Baker can haul his weight as a right guard as KMarch said.

RGGR has been below average at best,sent staggering back into Ryan’s so called pocket many times, Clabo has been pretty poor as well, Hawley has played two positions and done nothing to impress at either one,Blalock has been good in that you rarely hear his name called for doing something stupid and McClure is McClure. What does this all mean? Well, over halfway thru the season our line still hasn’t jelled, the supposed heir apparents haven’t showed anything to say they’re improving much, our ONLY first rounder on the line has lost everyone’s confidence except maybe the coaches and all that equals Matt “happy feet” Ryan. Our FO is trying too hard to find diamonds in the rough in the late rounds of the draft instead of dropping that 2nd or 3rd rounder on a guy. All these supposed future starter on the roster and practice squad and what happens when Johnson goes down? We sign a journeyman to fill the roster.
     We traded 2 2’s to move up for Baker. The dude was a beast at USC. He’ss shown flashes of his dominant self, unfortunately they are few and far between. We should try him at G, but next season, not this one. This line is f&$*ed up enough without tossing a guy into a completely new position.