NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 05: Mitchell Schwartz #72 of the Cleveland Browns watches from the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at LP Field on October 5, 2014 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
Brian Nemhauser·
Free AgencyOffensive LineOffseasonPassing GameUncategorized
··2 min read

Big Board: 15 Free Agent Offensive Tackles

Free Agent Big Board

After nearly completing my offseason analysis for the Seahawks, I am now in the process of building out my free agent big board. The big board ranks players, based on a variety of criteria, to determine which make the most sense for the Seahawks to pursue in free agency.

I ranked about 60 players last year, and found it a useful reference once free agency started. This year, I plan to rank many more, and am doing it position-by-position.

Scoring factors

Impact – How much can the player impact the Seahawks in 2016?
Longevity – How much can the player impact the Seahawks over the next 3+ years?
Scheme fit – How well does the player fit how Seattle plays, and what they ask of that position?
Need – How much do the Seahawks need to add a player that possesses these talents? This may differ by position. For example, the Seahawks need a left tackle more than center.
Affordability – What are the chances the Seahawks can afford this player?
Risk – How likely is this player to earn the contract they would command? This takes into account confidence in a player’s performance, injury, off-field, and other things that could impact that question. A higher score means more risk.

 

The formula:

(impact * 2) + (longevity * 2) + (scheme fit * 2) + (need * 1.5) + (affordability * 5.5) – (risk*5) = Score

 

Offensive Tackles Big Board

freeagenttacklebigboard
I am projecting Mitchell Schwartz to cost roughly the same as Russell Okung, and I think Schwartz may be a better player. He gets a better risk score than Okung due to durability. Donald Penn scores well because he is a quality tackle who should be available at an affordable price.

Kelvin Beachum is coming off an injury, which could keep his price down a bit in the market. He has some interesting upside. Jermon Bushrod was recently cut by the Saints, and shows up here due to his mixture of talent and affordability. Will Beatty is an aging vet coming off an injury, which makes him very affordable.

Cordy Glenn shows up at #6, which janks me a bit, and highlights a flaw in the formula. He’s too expensive and won’t be in Seattle. The fact that he is a very good player, and a young one, forces him up the list.

Many of the rest of these players are JAGs (just another guy). Jo Barksdale could be one to watch. Some might be surprised to see Andre Smith and Bobby Massie so far down the list. I am not a big fan of either, and think there is a real chance they will not earn their contracts.