I wonder/fear Beane & staff have been scared off Drafting OL early, given Ford being a major disappointment. Imo, the OL is the most difficult position to Draft as there’s no known path for personal success after they turn Pro. For a large part, college ‘can’t miss’ OL flounder in the pros. I can’t explain why. At least signing a growing, capable one after their rookie contract expires (usually no more than 4 years) you have pro play on video and can chart growth at this level.
We lost a great one to this method that Beane openly rues as one of his biggest gaffes.
That we Have to have our TEs chip or even stay on the line to block every play negatively impacts their game as potential receivers.
I’ll stop just short of agreeing with Sully that this years’ team isn’t good enough to win a Super Bowl, but imo, with major players injured throughout the season, we’re a .500 team with a true MVP who plays at QB.