I thought Bielema was the Offensive Line Guru

[Head]

When he was hired,  I remember everyone saying that he has placed more offensive lineman in the NFL than any other active coach.

Clearly the Offensive line was a major concern in Dallas, which makes it even more puzzling how the team is failing at the coaches biggest strength.

What's happenin here man??

[311Hog]

When he was hired,  I remember everyone saying that he has placed more offensive lineman in the NFL than any other active coach.

Clearly the Offensive line was a major concern in Dallas, which makes it even more puzzling how the team is failing at the coaches biggest strength.

What's happenin here man??

definitely one of the biggest mysteries IMHO.  I mean Ragnow can't get any better but what about the rest?

Sure been alot of turnover in the OL coaches spot but still.  That is the one thing i did NOT think would be a big problem under CBB.

[onebadrubi]

It appears he believes in having a dominant OL and the style of play it brings.  What is appearing to show is he is not capable of creating it from scratch without having severe help from an assistant or established program.

[sickboy]

Again... this is a losing argument. I'm frustrated with the program and would like to move on from Bielema... but the guy does 100% develop o-line talent and get them drafted.

Since he's been at Arkansas he's sent Tretola, Kirkland, Skipper and Swanson. That's four lineman with NFL opportunities in three draft classes since he's been at Arkansas. Ragnow will go and make it five lineman in four classes. To NFL people -- that's really, really, productive. Most programs don't do that.

While he was at Wisconsin -- he had a stretch that was just ridiculous. He sent so many lineman to the NFL it wasn't funny.

Again, I get that we're not happy with the program -- but how our offensive line plays on Saturdays has nothing to do with the OPs original argument about Bielema not sending lineman to the NFL.

[DeltaBoy]

EPIC FAILURE!

[scottwillrazbackfan1]

Swanson was recruited and signed by BP.

[Youngsta71701]

I hate to sound like I'm talking about the young man because I'm not. But I'm glad they finally moved Gibson back to right guard and put in another tackle. Guard is his best position not tackle. And Clary just wasn't ready for the big boys. They were pushing him into the backfield at will. Next step, put Brian Wallace back in at right tackle then we'll be on to something. Although Ramirez did play a lot better after his first few mistakes.

[sickboy]

Swanson was recruited and signed by BP.

Doesn't matter. They can both claim they were involved in developing Swanson. Because they both were. To NFL scouts it's a moot point.

[sickboy]

I hate to sound like I'm talking about the young man because I'm not. But I'm glad they finally moved Gibson back to right guard and put in another tackle. Guard is his best position not tackle. And Clary just wasn't ready for the big boys. They were pushing in into the backfield at will. Next step, put Brian Wallace back in at right tackle then we'll be on to something. Although Ramirez did play a lot better after his first few mistakes.

Gibson made some monster blocks against A&M. He's maturing. Which is pretty remarkable considering he was a walk-on.

[ricepig]

Swanson was recruited and signed by BP.

Which has nothing to do with putting guys in the league.

[thebignasty]

The o-line problems are really just for the last 2 years.  After Ragnow, I'm not sure we start anyone on o-line that would start at a top half SEC school.  Thats not good, its especially puzzling when you put the o-line on the program.

[Tejano Jawg]

definitely one of the biggest mysteries IMHO.

To me, this is THE biggest mystery of the Bielema era.

Starting with 2014 season, I thought the OL would be an area we never needed to concern ourselves with (and I know most of those guys were already here). With Jon Williams and Alex Collins—two 1000-yard backs—that was my favorite running game since Felix, DMac and Hillis. I believed the foundation was set, and we were only going to get better.

Like every position, it starts with recruiting. We may still get a stud or two, but we can't be super on one side, and weak on the other. I thought we'd be strong all across the line, then have some depth. This is the place you want depth. I believe if we had the best OL in the country, we wouldn't have to worry about the skill guys (except QB, which is hard to find). As long as one star RB shows up—Alex, Rawleigh, now Hayden—we'd be good to go.

But in the words of President Donald Trump—"Wrong."

[johnny cash]

EPIC FAILURE!

u need to call into Bo's show today and give them hell.

[DeltaBoy]

u need to call into Bo's show today and give them hell.

Unfortunately I a pretty swamped at work. But I will try.

[Boss Hog in the Arkansas]

I hate to sound like I'm talking about the young man because I'm not. But I'm glad they finally moved Gibson back to right guard and put in another tackle. Guard is his best position not tackle. And Clary just wasn't ready for the big boys. They were pushing in into the backfield at will. Next step, put Brian Wallace back in at right tackle then we'll be on to something. Although Ramirez did play a lot better after his first few mistakes.

Bingo

[DeltaBoy]

When he was hired,  I remember everyone saying that he has placed more offensive lineman in the NFL than any other active coach.

Clearly the Offensive line was a major concern in Dallas, which makes it even more puzzling how the team is failing at the coaches biggest strength.

What's happenin here man??

It was only in my dreams

                                                                 

[jkstock04]

Swanson was recruited and signed by BP.

That, and I'm also wondering about skipper? I know he is with the Cowboys but is he actually on the traveling squad or is he a practice squad guy?

I agree with the OP. O-line has been overrated and average at best under Bielema. Overall it's been a major disappointment.

[WilsonHog]

That, and I'm also wondering about skipper? I know he is with the Cowboys but is he actually on the traveling squad or is he a practice squad guy?

I agree with the OP. O-line has been overrated and average at best under Bielema. Overall it's been a major disappointment.

Dan was released a couple of days ago.

[Hogdomer]

Which has nothing to do with putting guys in the league.

He was "going to the league" even if Petrino was his coach all four years.

[madison]

Badger fan here. Just as an FYI, Bielema had little to do with those Badger offensive lines. That was mostly Bob Bostad. He had two years in which almost every single lineman he coached was drafted. Some are still in the NFL.

Bielema was a defensive coach. He was DC in 2004-05 at Wisconsin. His 2010-11 teams at UW got a lot of praise because they ran the pro style offense with the big road graders up front, but scored a lot of points. But he had little to do with offense -- that was Paul Chryst, the OC. I think Bielema was hoping to replicate those 2010-11 teams at Arkansas. Unfortunately for you guys, it's easier said than done. Especially in the SEC where Saban runs the pro-style offense but recruits at a much higher level.

[Youngsta71701]

Badger fan here. Just as an FYI, Bielema had little to do with those Badger offensive lines. That was mostly Bob Bostad. He had two years in which almost every single lineman he coached was drafted. Some are still in the NFL.

Bielema was a defensive coach. He was DC in 2004-05 at Wisconsin. His 2010-11 teams at UW got a lot of praise because they ran the pro style offense with the big road graders up front, but scored a lot of points. But he had little to do with offense -- that was Paul Chryst, the OC. I think Bielema was hoping to replicate those 2010-11 teams at Arkansas. Unfortunately for you guys, it's easier said than done. Especially in the SEC where Saban runs the pro-style offense but recruits at a much higher level.

Thanks for the point of view. Now we know.

[jcbville]

He puts guys in the NFL. But the Oline issues these last 2 seasons are a result of putting too much faith in KA. HE just isnt a good Oline coach on his own. He needed to cut him loose after last season but he stuck with him and its going to cost him.

CBB lets his assistants run their spots. Which can be good. But when theyre on different pages and there isnt a cohesive over riding plan it becomes a problem. Hes given them too much freedom and it will cost him now. KA is the worst hire hes made. He believed him when he said he could get it done the 2nd year and kept him.

[DeltaBoy]

Bret seems to be a poor judge of coaches.

[twistitup]

Badger fan here. Just as an FYI, Bielema had little to do with those Badger offensive lines. That was mostly Bob Bostad. He had two years in which almost every single lineman he coached was drafted. Some are still in the NFL.

Bielema was a defensive coach. He was DC in 2004-05 at Wisconsin. His 2010-11 teams at UW got a lot of praise because they ran the pro style offense with the big road graders up front, but scored a lot of points. But he had little to do with offense -- that was Paul Chryst, the OC. I think Bielema was hoping to replicate those 2010-11 teams at Arkansas. Unfortunately for you guys, it's easier said than done. Especially in the SEC where Saban runs the pro-style offense but recruits at a much higher level.

The truth hurts....ouch

[ShadowHawg]

Doesn't matter. They can both claim they were involved in developing Swanson. Because they both were. To NFL scouts it's a moot point.

Sorry but Swanson was on draft boards from day one of CBB being hired.

YOU are the one claiming him as CBB guy. It was correctly pointed out that he isn't one.

Secondly, re original point is that there shouldn't be a problem no th oline in year 5 because he is a guru. Are you claiming there really isn't a problem because Ragnow will be drafted?

[ricepig]

Badger fan here. Just as an FYI, Bielema had little to do with those Badger offensive lines. That was mostly Bob Bostad. He had two years in which almost every single lineman he coached was drafted. Some are still in the NFL.

Bielema was a defensive coach. He was DC in 2004-05 at Wisconsin. His 2010-11 teams at UW got a lot of praise because they ran the pro style offense with the big road graders up front, but scored a lot of points. But he had little to do with offense -- that was Paul Chryst, the OC. I think Bielema was hoping to replicate those 2010-11 teams at Arkansas. Unfortunately for you guys, it's easier said than done. Especially in the SEC where Saban runs the pro-style offense but recruits at a much higher level.

Yeah, everybody knew that, I was hoping after Bostad got canned in the NFL that Bielema would hire him to replace Pittman. Looks like he took a job as an OLB coach at Wisconsin.

[ricepig]

He was "going to the league" even if Petrino was his coach all four years.

And every guy is going to the league no matter their coach, right? I never heard Bielema say he was the OL coach at Wisconsin or Arkansas, just that he was the HC and these guys played for him. It's a recruiting tool, whether it works or not is debatable, but he was their HC, correct?

[Kevin]

wonder why he did not hire bolstad

[MJ2]

When he was hired,  I remember everyone saying that he has placed more offensive lineman in the NFL than any other active coach.

Clearly the Offensive line was a major concern in Dallas, which makes it even more puzzling how the team is failing at the coaches biggest strength.

What's happenin here man??

He may end up a genius at some point, but it won't be at AR.    Not a good fit.

[twistitup]

he was their HC, correct?

Still up for debate

[scottwillrazbackfan1]

Doesn't matter. They can both claim they were involved in developing Swanson. Because they both were. To NFL scouts it's a moot point.

Who cares, I was only pointing out "BB didn't put Swanson in the NFL"  Swanson was headed to the NFL before BB arrived at Arkansas.

[ricepig]

In other related good news, Skipper was signed to the Lions practice squad today.

[Letsroll1200]

He's focusing on special teams.

[ricepig]

Still up for debate

Only to you.

[scottwillrazbackfan1]

Which has nothing to do with putting guys in the league.

Exactly, I never said it did. I was responding to the previous post, stating BB had put Swanson in the NFL. Swanson was developed before BB got to Arkansas. BB and Pittman probably made Swanson an overall better lineman.

[ricepig]

Exactly, I never said it did. I was responding to the previous post, stating BB had put Swanson in the NFL. Swanson was developed before BB got to Arkansas. BB and Pittman probably made Swanson an overall better lineman.

As I stated, it's for recruiting. I doubt seriously that Spurrier, Meyers, Muschamp, or Mcilwain have had anything to do with Florida being DBU and putting all those guys in the league, but they use it as a recruiting tool.

[longpig]

Badger fan here. Just as an FYI, Bielema had little to do with those Badger offensive lines. That was mostly Bob Bostad. He had two years in which almost every single lineman he coached was drafted. Some are still in the NFL.

Bielema was a defensive coach. He was DC in 2004-05 at Wisconsin. His 2010-11 teams at UW got a lot of praise because they ran the pro style offense with the big road graders up front, but scored a lot of points. But he had little to do with offense -- that was Paul Chryst, the OC. I think Bielema was hoping to replicate those 2010-11 teams at Arkansas. Unfortunately for you guys, it's easier said than done. Especially in the SEC where Saban runs the pro-style offense but recruits at a much higher level.

Figured as much.  Was Alvarez finding his assistants and coordinators for him?

[Letsroll1200]

He puts guys in the NFL. But the Oline issues these last 2 seasons are a result of putting too much faith in KA. HE just isnt a good Oline coach on his own. He needed to cut him loose after last season but he stuck with him and its going to cost him.

CBB lets his assistants run their spots. Which can be good. But when theyre on different pages and there isnt a cohesive over riding plan it becomes a problem. Hes given them too much freedom and it will cost him now. KA is the worst hire hes made. He believed him when he said he could get it done the 2nd year and kept him.

Where is this OL coach? We could use him at Arkansas

[longpig]

Sorry but Swanson was on draft boards from day one of CBB being hired.

YOU are the one claiming him as CBB guy. It was correctly pointed out that he isn't one.

Secondly, re original point is that there shouldn't be a problem no th oline in year 5 because he is a guru. Are you claiming there really isn't a problem because Ragnow will be drafted?

Ragnow does appear to be highly resistant to the Kurt Anderson effect, will probably take him down a round or two though.

[LumberBacks]

He puts guys in the NFL. But the Oline issues these last 2 seasons are a result of putting too much faith in KA. HE just isnt a good Oline coach on his own. He needed to cut him loose after last season but he stuck with him and its going to cost him.

By my count, here's your OL next year, projected starters in bold with 247 recruiting grades.  A walk on and 2* starting over 4* Wallace and Merrick.  Player development?  That has to be on KA. Guess you could argue development in a 2* and walkon, but not 4*s.  I'm hoping for the next Burlsworth, but I don't see anyone on this lineup that will be in the league one day, and that means a long dry spell for that Bielema OL-NFL pipeline.  The 2019 lineup is likely going to be full of inexperience.   Think this year is bad?  CBB better get a OL coach who is worth their salt in development proto.
 
SR Hjalte Froholdt 0.9340
SR Zach Rogers 0.8863
SR Brian Wallace 0.9575
SR Johnny Gibson Jr. NR
JR Colton Jackson 0.8637
SR Deion Malone 0.8337
SR Jackson Hannah NR
JR Jalen Merrick 0.9057
JR Cooper Sone NR
SO Jack Henrich 0.8954
SO Ty Clary 0.7832
RF Dalton Wagner 0.8613
RF Kirby Adcock  0.8528
RF Shane Clenin 0.8518
RF Dylan Hayes 0.8204
RF Tyler Hall NR
RS Luke Jones 0.8665
RS Noah Gatlin 0.8488

[longpig]

By my count, here's your OL next year, projected starters in bold with 247 recruiting grades.  A walk on and 2* starting over 4* Wallace and Merrick.  Player development?  That has to be on KA. Guess you could argue development in a 2* and walkon, but not 4*s.  I'm hoping for the next Burlsworth, but I don't see anyone on this lineup that will be in the league one day, and that means a long dry spell for that Bielema OL-NFL pipeline.  The 2019 lineup is likely going to be full of inexperience.   Think this year is bad?  CBB better get a OL coach who is worth their salt in development proto.
 
SR Hjalte Froholdt 0.9340
SR Zach Rogers 0.8863
SR Brian Wallace 0.9575
SR Johnny Gibson Jr. NR
JR Colton Jackson 0.8637
SR Deion Malone 0.8337
SR Jackson Hannah NR
JR Jalen Merrick 0.9057
JR Cooper Sone NR
SO Jack Henrich 0.8954
SO Ty Clary 0.7832
RF Dalton Wagner 0.8613
RF Kirby Adcock  0.8528
RF Shane Clenin 0.8518
RF Dylan Hayes 0.8204
RF Tyler Hall NR
RS Luke Jones 0.8665
RS Noah Gatlin 0.8488

Nice work, but recruiting rankings go in the trash before they step on campus.

[Tejano Jawg]

Lanny, send Madison a Hogville welcome wagon basket.

[GoHogs1091]

You can become a supposed OL "guru" when your OL is blocking the Defensive Lines of Indiana, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, and Illinois.

In the SEC, there are no Indiana, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, and Illinois Defensive Lines.

The idea that Bielema thought he was going to come into the SEC and run roughshod over SEC Defensive Lines with his supposed OL prowess is a laughable thought/idea by Bielema. 

[Jim Harris]

wonder why he did not hire bolstad

Maybe he didn't want to join Bielema here.

[hawgon]

 By the way, when handicapping the LSU game this year, remember that Matt Canada will want to break it off in Bert's hiney.  We'll get an effort and game plan from them this year all out of proportion to the actual importance of the game.

[Arkansas Fan]

Wisconsin was the place for O-line not due to Bielema, he just kept it going. Alvarez was really still in charge even over Bielema if you ask me.

[IronHog]

Again... this is a losing argument. I'm frustrated with the program and would like to move on from Bielema... but the guy does 100% develop o-line talent and get them drafted.

Since he's been at Arkansas he's sent Tretola, Kirkland, Skipper and Swanson. That's four lineman with NFL opportunities in three draft classes since he's been at Arkansas. Ragnow will go and make it five lineman in four classes. To NFL people -- that's really, really, productive. Most programs don't do that.

While he was at Wisconsin -- he had a stretch that was just ridiculous. He sent so many lineman to the NFL it wasn't funny.

Again, I get that we're not happy with the program -- but how our offensive line plays on Saturdays has nothing to do with the OPs original argument about Bielema not sending lineman to the NFL.

Swanson was all BP

Kirkland left early and went undrafted after a BAD combine showing.  Got on better shape and made a roster.  He's an example of what NOT to do....

Tretola made an NFL appearance I think before getting arrrsted

Skipper was a good lineman at Arkansas but probably won't have an NFL career



Out of the current players on the team Ragnow and Gibson have the most NFL potential.

[Donny2665]

definitely one of the biggest mysteries IMHO.  I mean Ragnow can't get any better but what about the rest?

Sure been alot of turnover in the OL coaches spot but still.  That is the one thing i did NOT think would be a big problem under CBB.

other than Pittman leaving, what other turnover is there?

[IronHog]

You can become a supposed OL "guru" when your OL is blocking the Defensive Lines of Indiana, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, and Illinois.

In the SEC, there are no Indiana, Minnesota, Northwestern, Purdue, and Illinois Defensive Lines.

The idea that Bielema thought he was going to come into the SEC and run roughshod over SEC Defensive Lines with his supposed OL prowess is a laughable thought/idea by Bielema. 

This


Jamaal Anderson whipped BBs OL so bad Nutt should've apologized

[Arkansas Fan]

Swanson was all BP

Kirkland left early and went undrafted after a BAD combine showing.  Got on better shape and made a roster.  He's an example of what NOT to do....

Tretola made an NFL appearance I think before getting arrrsted

Skipper was a good lineman at Arkansas but probably won't have an NFL career



Out of the current players on the team Ragnow and Gibson have the most NFL potential.

Swanson still played a year under Bielema, so he still gets credit.