Grade: 66 | Key
Alert: None

Comment: Shaffer was signed two years ago to be Cleveland’s starting left tackle. That experiment failed and after Joe Thomas was drafted, Shaffer moved to the right side, which clearly fits him much better. Shaffer is very strong and has the size and skill set needed to best play on the right side. On the left side, his athletic ability was exposed, but he has performed admirably on the right side because he doesn’t have to consistently face elite speed-rushers. Shaffer also greatly benefited from the emergence of Thomas at left tackle because the Browns are able to give him help, if he is overmanned. He isn’t very nimble or fluid, but does work hard. His pad level is a problem and he lacks the ability to consistently play the game low. He is a powerful man and pushes defensive linemen backwards as a power blocker. He is a thumper who plays to the whistle and is bright enough to get the most out of his physical abilities. There isn’t much upside here, but Shaffer is certainly good enough to win with, especially with an elite talent like Thomas on the other side.

Grade: 67 | Key
Alert: None

Comment: Cook moved into the starting right tackle role in 2007. He is a huge body with good strength, but just above-average athletic ability. He has good power initially off the line of scrimmage as a run blocker, shows decent pop and has a good jolt with his hands. He needs work on his knee bend and footwork to anchor better versus power bull rushers. Cook needs to be more consistent with his initial quickness to set his feet and work with a better base. He has been inconsistent on backside blocks and needs to work with better initial angles to improve in this area. He has long arms and locks out well to keep defenders at bay versus speed rushers. He reacts well to stunts and counters, but will cross over and be out of position at times to make an effective block. Cook isn’t great on the second level and in space because he overextends and can get out of balance too often. Cook has the tools to be an effective right tackle in the league, but he needs to develop his technique and body positioning to play at a high level.

The Ragnarok has an even better breakdown of the stats and argument that this man should be the Vikings new starting right tackle.

The Vikings should have been calling last night. This morning at the latest.

If it was true that the Vikes were wanting to sign Jordan Gross (and pay him good money), then this is a no brainer. Their stats are virtually identical and a huge step up from Ryan Cook (and if Bryant McKinnie gets caught failing his anger management class or something, he could slide to the left side if needed [seePurplePeopleEaters09 post above] because that was where he originally started). He’s young, just turning 29 and easily has 6 of his best years ahead of him.

You win football games on the line of scrimmage, and this would go a long way to achieving those means. Childress, Spielman, call Zygi and get the jet preflighted. And please, this time bring his wife (if he has got one) and convince her even more that Minnesota is the place she wants to be!

Sign the man! They need a no-doubt instant contributor on the right side; well…

He’s a solid right tackle, we need a solid right tackle. It’s simple, he wouldn’t cost a ton, it makes sense…therefore, I have absolutely no confidence that we will acquire him.

Ahh, it’s almost Spring time, you can just smell the optimism in the air! :) TGIF everyone.