GB's latest mock

Even if that's true (who's to say at this point) that's not saying much. Terry and Tuten haven't set the bar very high. Gross would not be as good as NYG FAs Petitgout or Rosenthal, especially for a couple of years.

 

Gross is going to fall IMO. Not very big. Not athletic. Just strong. Faced lower quality competition. Harris will jump ahead of him, and I don't see anyone else in the top 15.

 

Steinbach from Iowa??

TFY and others are saying Steinbach from Iowa (i think) is making strides towards the top of the OL class, and he can play RT,LT or OG. I'm watching him today against the top DL.

 

About "svelte" guys like Steinbach . . .

I would leave lighter OLs like Eric Steinbach and Vince Manuwai to teams like Denver and New England. Lineman who only hover around 300 are going to have a tough future trying to handle the “bigger is better” wave of DLs who are in the same weight range (and heavier) and also have plenty of athleticism. It’s unfortunate that Manuwai and Steinbach are not a little bigger, but then they probably would have wanted to dominate on the other side of the ball. Young prospects know that endorsements and exposure come from sacking QBs, not blocking for them.

I personally like prospects like George Foster and Ben Johnson if either falls to us in round 2. The extra 35 or 40 pounds and their versatility make them more appealing to me as potential future Panther starters than finesse and pulling guard types like Steinbach and Manuwai.

I also like Torrin Tucker, Todd Williams, and Marcus Ogden from the 3rd on. They are also the big & versatile type, and one of them should still be there for us in the 3rd if we don’t have an offensive lineman by then.

 

No, I'd take Steinback or Manuwai over Johnson or Williams. Athletic ability is an overlooked key. The ability to move your feet and get to the second level is more important in a trapping offense that we have. Hell, Nesbit and James are big and strong at the POA.