Parker Ehringer Review Arrowheadpride

[Chiefswinitall 60]

.https://www.arrowheadpride.com/2018/4/4/17196638/chiefs-parker-ehinger-review-is-he-a-starter-or-not

 

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As we’ve discussed repeatedly, the Chiefs have what appears to be the makings of a video game offense in 2018. They’ve got speed all over the field, a quarterback who can throw the ball a mile, a mad scientist in Andy Reid who was already running what looked like a college offense with Mahomes at the helm last season.

The Chiefs look very, very good across the board. In fact, a strong argument can be made that every single spot on the (starting) offense is filled by an above-average to elite player, depending on what your opinion is of Patrick Mahomes (whom one must admit is, at the very least, an elite talent). Well... every position except one.

Oh, that pesky left guard spot.

Last week, I broke down some of Bryan Witzmann’s film, as he was the player who started the vast majority of the season at left guard. Of course, it started out that way because Parker Ehinger, who unexpectedly won the job as a rookie last season over Zach Fulton and Jah Reid, tore his ACL in October of 2016 and wasn’t able to return from the PUP list until August (setting him far behind in terms of working with the offense).

Many Chiefs fans, myself included, expected Ehinger to reclaim his starting spot after some time to get healthy. But Witzmann retained the role throughout the season, which left some fans puzzled, especially as he appeared to be the weak link along the line. Of course, Andy Reid can be quite conservative with lineup changes during the season, so that may be the explanation. But plenty of people are still clamoring for the younger Ehinger to get his spot back in 2018.

Since Ehinger only started one game in 2017 (Week 17 against the Broncos), and that game was at right guard instead of left guard, there’s not much film to look at. Despite that, I wanted to check out how Ehinger looked that week to try and determine if I agree with the decision to roll with Witzmann and figure out which one of them I prefer going into 2018.

A good primer for this would be to look at Witzmann’s review (linked above, or here), as well as the review I did for Ehinger’s rookie season (here). Ehinger’s rookie film is worth talking about, as he was not nearly as bad as I thought he’d be based on his college film. But I wrote plenty on it that article, so we’ll focus on his sole game against Denver to figure out how he looked post-injury.

You can click on either review to learn how I break down the film. Essentially, it’s a matter of tracking pass block wins/losses, run block wins/losses, neutral plays, and pressures/hits/sacks. The numbers help provide context, and then we discuss what I see on film. Pretty simple, no?

Let’s look at the numbers, then talk some film.

Now... one caveat to keep in mind: this is a single game, which doesn’t make for a good sample size. I think it would be wise to keep in mind the numbers charted in his rookie film (again, that review is here), where his win percentage was 24.8% and his loss percentage was 11.1%. It’s also important to remember that only about half the snaps Ehinger played were against starters in the Denver game.

That said, Ehinger’s numbers are interesting. His loss percentage (by far the most important number I track) is a very good 7.6%. On its face that puts in him a category that’s markedly superior to Witzmann (who had a 12.6% loss percentage in the 4 games I charted his snaps).

However, all five of Ehinger’s losses were in pass protection, which gives me pause. We’ll talk about the “good” side of that in a moment, but the bad side is that it means Ehinger was much weaker as a pass blocker than a run blocker.

Well that's less than ideal. Ehinger's pass pro on the right side is worse than what I remember on the left side, at least with regards to getting beat in the handfighting game. pic.twitter.com/2BlTp87iPk

— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) April 4, 2018

Now I should clarify something... five pass block “failures” in a single game doesn’t necessarily put a guy in a “he’s terrible” category, nor does it necessarily mean Ehinger is worse than Witzmann as a pass protector. In fact, Witzmann lost five times in pass protection in half the games I reviewed, both of which featured fewer pass protection plays than Ehinger had against Denver.

But still, five losses in pass protection doesn’t make me happy. The good news of that is only two of those losses were of the “instant loss” variety, which is what really murders plays (like the sack above, which is essentially ending any chance of success as soon as the ball is snapped).

On the other hand, you have to acknowledge that the guy didn’t lose as a run blocker once in my charting. That’s an impressive day, and considering the Chiefs struggled run blocking at times last season (though in this writer’s opinion that was partly schematic, asking the line to do things it didn’t do well), it’s worth pondering what Ehinger could add to the team over Witzmann.

At the end of the day, when you look at Ehinger’s loss percentage as a rookie (11.1%) and then in the one game he played (7.6%), it’s hard not to draw the conclusion based on that alone that Ehinger should have been getting the nod once healthy. This is especially true when you take into consideration that Ehinger was a rookie and then a 2nd-year player coming off a major injury, while Witzmann has been in the league since 2014.

Ehinger, against Denver, repeatedly demonstrated that he is a very smart player who “gets” how to play on the line. This is true in pass protection (despite his higher loss number there) as well as run blocking.

Sifting through the (limited) film of Parker Ehinger in 2017. Only 1 game to look at, but he remains very aware of what is going on around him so far. pic.twitter.com/mJ7wlXBWXm

— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) April 3, 2018

Not one of Ehinger’s losses in my charting was due to him missing a blitz or a stunt. He consistently keeps his head up and his hands alert, sensing when it’s time to pass off pass rushers and head off a player screaming towards the quarterback.

This is a very, very valuable skill, and it’s part of why Ehinger’s losses aren’t generally of the instant variety. Missing on blitzes and stunts is usually the quickest way to get a quarterback killed, and Ehinger avoids that the vast majority of the time. This was the case as a rookie was well, which is part of the reason his film was significantly better than I expected despite shaky (in my opinion) college film and preseason film. While he’s not a perfect or even a particularly good lineman, he’s competent on the vast majority of snaps and doesn’t lose in the ways most young guys do.

As a run blocker, Ehinger’s has always been able to get out in space and make blocks. Interestingly enough, the Chiefs gameplan against the Broncos didn’t call for a lot of pulling from Ehinger, but we have plenty of examples of that from his rookie year.

Ehinger does a good job on the move. Fast, finds guys pretty well, understands angles. Fisher is a great run blocker. pic.twitter.com/0sWAySToMG

— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) June 10, 2017

Based on what I watched, I don’t think Ehinger is quite as athletic as Witzmann, who seems a bit faster when asked to pull or get to the second level after a double team. However, he’s no slouch in the department and I think he looks better at getting a “hat” on someone once he gets into space (whereas Witzmann whiffs a bit more often at the second level).

Something that differentiates Ehinger from Witzmann as a run blocker, and the reason he loses less often there (both against Denver and as a rookie) is that unlike Witzmann, Ehinger is able to generate some movement at the point of attack.

Despite Ehinger's strength issues in pass pro, he can move guys a bit in the run game. His initial movement of Peko here is crucial. Of note... Witzmann goes wider than I'd like here. pic.twitter.com/wR4y6E0GB9

— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) April 3, 2018

It’s interesting, because Ehinger is definitely lacking in the strength department and doesn’t show as strong an initial punch as Witzmann. But despite that, he’s consistently able to move guys a bit when asked to do so. A big part of this, which you can see above, is that he’s able to get his pad level beneath defenders. That’s something Witzmann often struggles with as a run blocker.

Ehinger’s ability to generate movement shows up both in one-on-one situations and when he’s asked to be part of a double team to wash defenders out of a hole.

Ehinger and Schwartz doing some work here. Not sure Akeem Hunt needed to cut back there. pic.twitter.com/1xFLN3m37f

— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) April 3, 2018

Ehinger being able to get movement as a run blocker is surprising to me, because his lack of strength shows up in pass protection. However, I’ll take a pleasant surprise all day when it comes to such things. Overall, Ehinger is simply a better run blocker than Witzmann because he’s more versatile in what assignments he can take on (Witzmann can’t move guys at the point of attack), as well as a guy who is better at locking on to defenders once he reaches the second level.

Of course, again, there’s that strength in pass protection issue. That was his biggest weakness as a rookie, and it remains an issue of Week 17 is any indication.

Ehinger has played really well so far, but the strength concerns are still there. When his base isn't right he can get rolled quickly. pic.twitter.com/MEsfZDv3yi

— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) April 3, 2018

When Ehinger has his legs underneath him and is able to set himself up well, he generally does a good job in pass protection. He has good feet and lateral movement, can hang with speed rushers, and does a good job overall. But when defenders are able to get him a bit off balance and rush him as half a man, he lacks the strength to recover.

The good news with Ehinger is that generally his pass protection was pretty good against the Broncos, and it was better than I thought it would be when he was a rookie.

Ehinger gets help early from Schwartz here, does a good job afterward with hand placement and a wide base. He's got good feet.

Of course, the real reason I'm showing this is to watch the Mahomes no-look pass and superb block by Chesson one more time. But you knew that already. pic.twitter.com/pZOOWKCHod

— Seth Keysor (@RealMNchiefsfan) April 3, 2018

That’s not a very impressive pass protection snap, given the help he gets from Schwartz early, but it demonstrates the difference it makes when Ehinger is set up properly. In those situations his pad level, active feet and hand placement allow him to keep defenders well away from the quarterback, strength issues or not. (of course, the main reason I’m showing that clip is that Patrick Mahomes is insane and Chesson lays a great block. But still)

Overall, if I were to pick either Witzmann or Ehinger to start tomorrow for a game, I’d choose Ehinger. I think he’s the better player at this point due to his awareness in pass protection (blitzes, stunts, etc.) and superior power in the run game (note: it’s not that he has good power, it’s that he has at least some power, which is more than Witzmann can boast). They both have a similar weakness in that they lack strength, but Ehinger’s pad level and feet are generally superior and it allows him to get by more often.

The analysis becomes even easier for me when you account for the fact that Ehinger is 25 years old (turning 26 in December), while Witzmann turns 28 in a few months. Ehinger has a chance to add on a bit of strength in his lower body still (tearing his ACL his rookie season likely set that back last year, so we’ll know more in 2018), while Witzmann likely is what he is physically at this point.

In short, one player is a bit better than the other (in crucial areas, mind you) and possesses a higher ceiling. That makes it pretty easy for me. I’m Team Ehinger for next season if the Chiefs roll with the two of them as their potential starting LG. I think he can be a solid player, putting him a notch above my hopes for Witzmann as a “non-weakness.”

All that said, it’ll be tempting if a guy like Wynn or Hernandez drops to the 2nd round. But the defensive weaknesses are glaring enough, and Ehinger’s film contains enough promise, that I think I’d wait until later in the draft to address guard for competition purposes. I guess we’ll see if Brett Veach agrees.

 

[Balto 723]

Good read and thanks for posting!

 

But I agree that what he has done good or bad its such a small sample size 

[DieHard 2,061]

It’s interesting that he did better in running plays which I considered his biggest weakness. But as someone said it is a small sample size. Hope he makes a comeback. Best case is we draft someone better and have him as depth.

[xen 1,010,220]

Be nice if we could find an interior starter on day 3.

[Palangi 788]

An interesting name is Joseph Noteboom. LT from TCU. Had had visits with the chiefs. But could slide in as an athletic LG.

 

http://www.draftscout.com/members/ratings/profile.php?pyid=129799&draftyear=2018&genpos=OT

 

 

https://youtu.be/v1448Pk-Hqw

 

https://youtu.be/CqpcZdOhd44

[Chiefswinitall 60]

Seen some mocks with Auburn Braden Smith.  

[dhitter 1,424]

The guy in the article considers Fischer an above average to elite talent? LMAO!

[sith13 1,746]

The sample size is way too small but good production in short time. Right now we have basically no depth at interior OL and Veach went after Jensen in FA according to multiple reports. So they might be considering Morse as the LG or Ehiringer as backup. In any case I'm expecting a mid round OL pick this year to either start or be the backup depending on how the camp goes.

[PAChiefsFan79 136]

The guy in the article considers Fischer an above average to elite talent? LMAO!

And?

 

That guy watches more film than any of us here. He never said he IS elite. He said he COULD be elite. Meaning...realizing potential. How is that incorrect? Please state your case against what he said. Fisher is a good tackle. He's above average. He has the potential to be great to elite. Will he reach that potential? Probably not. Most players don't reach their maximum potential. Nothing incorrect with what he said.

 

As for the article which is what this topic is about...

 

I think PE will retake the LG spot. Chiefs need more run blockers. I think PM will offset any passing blocking issues with his talent. Blitz him and he will kill you with his arm.

[sith13 1,746]

And?

 

That guy watches more film than any of us here. He never said he IS elite. He said he COULD be elite. Meaning...realizing potential. How is that incorrect? Please state your case against what he said. Fisher is a good tackle. He's above average. He has the potential to be great to elite. Will he reach that potential? Probably not. Most players don't reach their maximum potential. Nothing incorrect with what he said.

 

As for the article which is what this topic is about...

 

I think PE will retake the LG spot. Chiefs need more run blockers. I think PM will offset any passing blocking issues with his talent. Blitz him and he will kill you with his arm.

 

At this point I think he'll win the job easily as healthy Witz still sucked at the position. Ehinger with some time to train should be able to progress until camp and win the job unless Chiefs strike gold in draft or FA.

 

IMO the focus isn't about the starting five at this point but rather the production from the unit as a whole. With Mahomes at QB defenses won't be able to stack up the box which should immediately improve the OL but we might not see any progress in obvious running situations. 

[the Warparty 69]

The guy in the article considers Fischer an above average to elite talent? LMAO!

Talent level doesn't make you effective

[DieHard 2,061]

It’s funny that people think LDT is a stud and Fisher is a bum. Fisher is the best pass blocker on the team. I have to give Schwartz the nod for run blocking. Those two are both above average. I think that Fisher gets dogged on because he was #1 overall.

 

He is solid in his play and has played in every game for the last 4 years.

[Fmbl2187 2,279]

Ehinger was meant to be a guard, no?  He was drafted to be one.  I think he became the center only out of necessity and was pretty good at it before his injury.  But guard is his natural position.   He is just very, very smart and knows what is happening.  Even without injuries, most OLs don't reach their peak until the fifth year.  I seem to recall he was taken high in the second round. My biggest concern with him is whether he is too fragile.  A couple of seasons without injury would make me feel a lot better about him.

[Fmbl2187 2,279]

It’s funny that people think LDT is a stud and Fisher is a bum. Fisher is the best pass blocker on the team. I have to give Schwartz the nod for run blocking. Those two are both above average. I think that Fisher gets dogged on because he was #1 overall.

 

He is solid in his play and has played in every game for the last 4 years.

He gets beat now and then, but not often. Fisher keeps getting better each year and should be reaching his peak.  I agree.  He is fighting the #1 pick curse, but them's the breaks.

[Palangi 788]

Ehinger was meant to be a guard, no?  He was drafted to be one.  I think he became the center only out of necessity and was pretty good at it before his injury.  But guard is his natural position.   He is just very, very smart and knows what is happening.  Even without injuries, most OLs don't reach their peak until the fifth year.  I seem to recall he was taken high in the second round. My biggest concern with him is whether he is too fragile.  A couple of seasons without injury would make me feel a lot better about him.

WTF you talking about!!!!?

 

Ehinger had only played guard in the league and played tackle in college

[SEMO 6,812]

Ehinger was meant to be a guard, no?  He was drafted to be one.  I think he became the center only out of necessity and was pretty good at it before his injury.  But guard is his natural position.   He is just very, very smart and knows what is happening.  Even without injuries, most OLs don't reach their peak until the fifth year.  I seem to recall he was taken high in the second round. My biggest concern with him is whether he is too fragile.  A couple of seasons without injury would make me feel a lot better about him.

I don't remember him ever playing center.  And he wasn't drafted until the 4th round.

[xen 1,010,220]

Ehinger was meant to be a guard, no? He was drafted to be one. I think he became the center only out of necessity and was pretty good at it before his injury. But guard is his natural position. He is just very, very smart and knows what is happening. Even without injuries, most OLs don't reach their peak until the fifth year. I seem to recall he was taken high in the second round. My biggest concern with him is whether he is too fragile. A couple of seasons without injury would make me feel a lot better about him.

You're thinking of Mitch Morse.

[Fmbl2187 2,279]

WTF you talking about!!!!?

 

Ehinger had only played guard in the league and played tackle in college

I thought he moved over to center for a few games after an injury to Morse.  I must be confused. I knew he looked good at left guard before that early season injury.

[Fmbl2187 2,279]

You're thinking of Mitch Morse.

You're right. It was Morse who played guard then moved to center.  Senility is a terrible thing.

[Calichief 3,017]

Fulton was at center a lot last year

[xen 1,010,220]

You're right. It was Morse who played guard then moved to center. Senility is a terrible thing.

It get worse. Morse was a college tackle that's only played center in the pros.

[SEMO 6,812]

It get worse. Morse was a college tackle that's only played center in the pros.

He was actually the starting center his sophomore year. Finished the year at RT because of injuries.

[xen 1,010,220]

He was actually the starting center his sophomore year. Finished the year at RT because of injuries.

stfu

[SEMO 6,812]

stfu

[liquidfriend 1,151]

He was actually the starting center his sophomore year. Finished the year at RT because of injuries.

It was a total fucking disaster (good god don't watch him playing Center vs Georgia), which really caused me to have concern when they had originally said he would be a Center.