Starting 5 OL versus Detroit is ??

[MakoShark]

I'm just hoping we don't have a thread like this for every week!

Amen!

[Coachmarkos]

LT - King Dunlap
LG - Orlando Franklin
OC - Chris Watt
RG - Johnny Troutman
RT - DJ Fluker

Barring injury, which is always possible. I think this is the lineup.

[MakoShark]

LT - King Dunlap
LG - Orlando Franklin
OC - Chris Watt
RG - Johnny Troutman
RT - DJ Fluker

I wonder how Rivers feels about this? Really only 1 spot is changed from that poor showing all last year.

[TTK]

Any lineup that has Troutman is a fail.

[Steve]

It depends on how much the returnig playeirs improve. Watt was lost because he was a rookie forced to change positions midseason. Fluoker had an injury. Troutman switched positions and is only a second year guy. I am pretty sure they will get better.

That being said it will be an open battle at rt and rg, maybe c too.

[Formula 21]

No matter who plays, it can't be worse than last year.

[Guest]

LT King Dunlap
LG Orlando Franklin
C Trevor Robinson
RG Chris Watt
RT D.J. Fluker

At least, that's what I would do. Actually, this is what I would ultimately do if I were HC/GM:

LT King Dunlap
LG Orlando Franklin
C Trevor Robinson
RG Evan Mathis
RT D.J. Fluker

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2015/7/8/8910879/chris-hairston-is-why-d-j-fluker-should-play-guard-san-diego-chargers

An interesting take...

[Steve]

The only problem with bolt from the blue is the coaches don't need to decide. Let Troutman, Hairston and Barksdale play for their spots.

The thing to remember is only Pork chops has ever played OG before. Barksdale played inside some in LSU unbalanced line, so he may have a leg up, but it will just depend on how well they play in ps. And since both Barksdale and Haiston can be pretty underwhelming, it's tough to rule pork chops out.

[Formula 21]

The OL was so bad last year, I suspect Coach D will be breathing fire in TC this year. The top 5 producers get the start. And the rest are fighting to not get cut. That's motivation. Pre season game 1 will tell a lot.

And Fluker to OLG looks like more than even money to me. He needs to drop weight and that doesn't appear to be happening. Pass rushers are getting lighter and quicker, Fluker needs to follow.

[Steve]

Except we appear to want Franklin to start at LG.

The biggest problem with Fluker is his technique more than anything. He lunges and misses because of leverage, & when he gets out of position he can't move his feet.

The big advantage Barksdale & Hairston have is they are more patient and will defend their ground, while Fluker likes to stay on the line. He needs to sink his hips, take away the angles, & he will be fine.

[Panamamike]

This whole drop weight not happening nervousness etc.....you guys do realize that there is plenty of time to drop weight between mini camp and TC....especially when talking about 20 lbs for a really big guy. It's not like he had a May/June weigh in for a September fight. Drop the weight too early and it will likely be harder to keep off, especially with a few weeks of vacation prior to resuming training ahead of TC. Some lineman struggle to keep the weight on, some have different body types and struggle to keep their weight down. Let's see what he looks like when TC starts.