Question about Gaither's addition

[Elbren]

So with the Ravens adding Gaither, does anyone think he possibly steps into a starting role or is he more of a work-in-progress? I have to admit, I haven't kept up with the Ravens offseason moves. Do you think the new O-line will look something like this?

LT Ogden
LG Brown
C Flynn/Chestor
RG Grubbs
RT Terry

or

LT Ogden
LG Grubbs
C Flynn/Chestor
RG Gaither
RT Brown

[McLovin]

Do you think the new O-line will look something like this?

LT Ogden
LG Brown
C Flynn/Chestor
RG Grubbs
RT Terry
Our opening day line will probably be:

LT Ogden
LG Brown
C Flynn
RG Grubbs - maybe Vincent initially
RT Terry



or

LT Ogden
LG Grubbs
C Flynn/Chestor
RG Gaither
RT Brown
I think you meant RG Brown, RT Gaither. I think we'll have to have serious injury issues for Gaither to get a start at tackle. Not that I don't have a lot of hope for him, but I think he is just too raw a prospect at this point. Yanda and maybe even Kracilik are going to be ahead of him on day one.

[TGO]

I agree with dlebrowski. I don't see anyway Gaither starts. He's got some bulk to add to his frame first and that will take some time. Then he'll have to get comfortable and develop with the speed of the NFL game. dlebowski's lineup looks right to me, though I really hope Chester can beat out Flynn. An interior of Chester, Brown, and Grubbs would be nice.

[square634]

I think it will be:

LT Ogden
LG Brown
C Flynn
RG Chester
RT Terry

until about week 5 (or after the first injury) when Chester moves over to center and Grubbs slides into right guard.

[McLovin]

I think it will be:

LT Ogden
LG Brown
C Flynn
RG Chester
RT Terry

until about week 5 (or after the first injury) when Chester moves over to center and Grubbs slides into right guard.
I could see that as well too, and it's probably the most ideal scenario.

[Sports Guy]

Yea, Flynn will definitely start the year unless he gets hurt.

[Birds of B'more]

LT Ogden
LG Brown
C Flynn (look for Chester to replace him at some point during the season)
RG Vincent (I think he will be one of the bigger surprises at camp)
RT Terry

The Ravens rarely activate more than 8 O-linemen for games, so even if a couple of the 5 above aren't starting, I think we can count on all of them at least being active. That presumably leaves 3 more spots. I think Chester and Grubbs will most certainly 2 of them. That leaves Gaither, Yanda, and Rimpf to fight it out for the 3rd active spot on gamedays. Rimpf has the experience. Yanda has played guard and tackle, so that versatility may help him. Gaither is the only other pure tackle besides the two starters, so that may be to his advantage...........but he's still raw. Of course an unfortunate injury could change everything. It should be interesting. This is definitely the most depth we've seen on the O-line in a long time.

[Hank Scorpio]

Lots of people forget about Rimpf - I think he's got as good a shot as anyone at starting at LG. If I was Chris Forester, I would suggest the following (pre-camp, pre-injury, etc...)

LT - Ogden
LG - Rimpf
C - Chester
RG - Brown
RT - Terry

Obviously, Flynn has the experience and that counts for something, but they really liked what they saw from Chris Chester last year. Athletically, he's the anti-Flynn. He gets to linebackers much better and he can get around the end much quicker if you need him to. With the addition of McGahee, I think you'll see a bit of a change in our running style with more counters / off tackle runs. Chester is a much better fit for Willis b/c he has the athleticism to get out there in front of him.

Just my $.02.

That said, Forester & Ozzie love Flynn. It'll be interesting to see what shakes down. Either way, we'll have one of the better O-lines in the AFC IMHO.

[stnwall00]

It is going to be an interesting training camp. THis is the first time in recent history for the Ravens that they come into a training camp with so much experience from top to bottom on the O line. Of the 14 Offensive linemen coming into camp, not one is an undrafted Rookie Free agent. Not counting the drafted Rookies, all but one of the lineman has spent more that one game active on a 53 man roster in the NFL at some point (Chris Pino has not, but spent two season on practice squads, one here last season and Washington the year prior). That is impressive.

Ogden: Mr OL in Baltimore
Terry: Will never get attention but solid
Vincent: I think will comeback to be solid, but numbers could see him gone in 08 because of money.
Brown: LG is his, has mean streak
Chester: FUture center
Flynn: Goodbye after this season
Grubbs: Soon to be pro bowler
Yanda:I think he will be a steal in two years, has mean streak and tough.
Gaither: Project, but great size and potential
Rimpf: Starting experience, can play guard or even tackle in a pinch.
Kracalik: Two years in system, active end of last season, Huge size.
Edwards: Has played everywhere on the line for Chicago, good size.
Ikechuku Ndukwe: been in the system, can play guard or center.
Chris Pino: ONly sure fire player with no chance of making team.

This team maybe forced to carry 9 OL. It is hard to see Gaither not get signed off the practice squad bif they don't keep him active. and if he doesn't cut it in training camp, how can you let so much experience walk in Rimpf, Kracalik or Edwards.