NFL Rumors: Zach Strief Will Be The Starting OT Entering Training Camp

By Alejandro Aviles

It is rumored that Zach Strief will be the starting right tackle for the New Orleans Saints when they open training camp. This might come as a bit of a surprise since the Saints have been so high on offensive tackle Charles Brown. Brown was the Saints’ second round draft pick of the 2010 NFL draft and was expected to be the starting right tackle for years to come. However, injuries have been a big issue for Brown and he has yet to meet the Saints’ expectation. Through two seasons Brown has only played 11 games and it seems he will have to continue to prove he is healthy before he gets the starting job.

Strief has been with the Saints since 2006 and had been a competent reserve player for the Saints during his career. Last season Strief finally got the chance to start and started all 11 games that he played. Another late round gem for the Saints, Strief has played in 82 games since being selected in the seventh round by the Saints in 2006. Strief is one of the biggest members of the Saints’ great offensive line that helped gain and NFL record of 7,474 total net yards last season. Standing at 6’7″ and weighing 320 pounds Strief uses his big body to open up running lanes as well as give the quarterback time to throw. As of right now the Saints will stick with Strief as the starter at right tackle and the pressure is starting to build for Brown.

Brown needs to stay healthy and prove his worth to the Saints and he will most likely be doing that in a back-up role this season. However, is Strief is to suffer an injury that causes him to miss games it could be a golden opportunity for Brown. Brown will get his chance to start but as of right now the Saints cannot wait on Brown to meet his expectations. Strief gives the offensive line some consistency, something that the team will desperately need for the upcoming season.

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