Kelly said today that RT is Eichenberg vs. Kraemer and that they prefer to have Bars at RG. This is the right move and is similar to when Elmer moved from RT to RG a couple seasons ago. Both Kraemer and Eichenberg could be future studs on the OL and Bars is better suited inside. The "loser" of the Eichenberg/Kraemer battle ends up waiting in the wings to replace McGlinchey next year which sets up the OL pretty damn well for 2018 too.
If Bars does move to guard, then the only true tackles on the team are McGlinchey, Eichenberg, Kraemer and Lugg...with McGlinchey out of eligibility after this season an Lugg a total unknown. I guess Banks could potentially play RT, but I view him more like Bars and Nelson...guys that were considered tackles by recruiting services, but project better at guard in ND's offense.
It is a challenge. We are hopefully bringing in 2 this class with Mabry already one of them. Tillery messed up the depth. Liam and Kraemer are basically it in 2018. Scary.
Bars is not ideal at RT but with a dedicated blocking TE on his outside, he would be an asset at RT. I expect that anyway with Smythe. Liam and Kraemer give Smythe more freedom to be a receiver. They will all be here in 2018. Lugg and Bank as well. It isn't like we don't have players to work with. It just seems they are mostly out of their best position or too inexperienced.
Byrne was originally recruited as a tackle. Bivin is the Swiss Army Knife guy who can play all over the line if need be. IF Bars starts at RG there is nothing from stopping him from kicking back out to RT in the event of an injury. If Bars were to be forced back to tackle, Hoge or Boudreaux is there at guard too. Notre Dame has some good versatility on the OL right now.
Looking at the current crop of tackles and guards in the 2017 draft, they each would've been top prospects and perhaps would've been 1st round picks. Not only do I pray that they avoid a Jaylon Smith situation, but that they excel and improve their draft stock even more. Zack Martin is headed for a huuuuuge payday and I hope these guys earn it as well.
McGlinchey could have been a late 1st rounder based on his size and testing but his film from last year isn't all that impressive. His 2015 film from RT was much, much better. If he settles in better at LT this year though he has a chance to be a mid 1st rounder next year.
Nelson needs to improve this year too. Guards don't get drafted nearly as high as tackles so 1st round would have been a big stretch for him this year. He's not at Chris Watt's level yet and he was a 3rd rounder.
Rather see the loser of right tackle move over. McClinchy isn't very good - just a Kelly favorite
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If so, it's not even the best variation of his last name people have used.
I think teams would've liked his potential despite the tape, but we will never know. Time for them to settle the debate on the field.
Zack Martin has helped changed the perception of taking a guard higher than normal but even still, there was 1 OG in the 1st round and just 3 in the first two rounds and that is including Nick Martin who played more center.
So teams have the option of using him there, he came with a little position versatility. Nelson, or Watt, don't have that.