Joshua Garnett, IOL
How does a guy like Garnett not turn into a successful offensive lineman at the NFL level.
-Outland trophy winner: check
-Team captain: check
-Great film against good competition: check
-Coaches praise him: check
-Physical at the L.O.S: check
-Athletically gifted: see for yourself below
The #49ers trade back into the 1st round to take Josh Garnett, who had a good #RAS.Strong correlation to NFL success pic.twitter.com/wNNugJN0Sv
— Kent Lee Platte (@MathBomb) April 29, 2016
I remember thinking that the mid 20s was a solid place to pick a guard like Garnett because he wasn’t a star IOL, but he felt like a guy that was going to really lock down his position for the next decade.
However, that just hasn’t been the case and the 49ers seem ready to move on without him already.
Buying low is key in any sort of investment opportunity, so why not take a chance on a guy that has that sort of upside if you are the Tennessee Titans. Let him completely reset and start as a backup behind Rodger Saffold for a year.
If he doesn’t develop like you want him to or if he doesn’t respond to coaching for whatever reason, fine move on. However, if he does then you can extend him at a reasonable rate for a few years and let him battle Nate Davis for the other guard spot long term.
I firmly believe that you need eight good offensive linemen that fit your scheme if you really want to make it far in the NFL. That, or you need an elite offensive line coach.
The 49ers seem hesitant to cut him given his guaranteed money so why not make the deal for a conditional late round pick based on him actually starting some this season. They get Garnett off the books and the Titans only have to start him if he really impresses them.