Bolts Prospect Analysis: O-Line, Part IV

Jaime Cattano wraps up her four-part series analyzing the offensive linemen the Bolts requested face-time with at the Senior Bowl. San Diego’s line is under construction and this would be a dynamite time for this prospect to join the crew. Equipped with consistency and experience, the Bolts see his capability to plug the void on the front wall.

The Bolts pulled Roy Schuening of Oregon State University aside for a private meeting during Senior Bowl week. Considered one of the best linemen in OSU history, the Bolts knew they weren’t wasting time.

Tagged with first-team All-Pac 10 honors and named a Pro Football Weekly All-American and first-team ESPN.com All-American in 2007, Schuening showed a mean streak with the Beavers, setting a school record by starting 50 consecutive games. He entered the week in Mobile, Ala., exuding confidence.

“I feel good about going into the Senior Bowl game. I’ve had a good week of practice. I came in and did well at certain things and got better in other things which make me feel comfortable with my game.”

With a career-high 114 knockdowns his senior year, Schuening led all Pac 10 blockers with 17 touchdown-resulting blocks. The 6'4", 308-pound athlete displayed desirable versatility, starting the season at guard and ending at right tackle. His experience helped him prepare for the offseason events.

“It’s a great opportunity being invited to the Senior Bowl. I wanted to see where I stood against some of the top talent in the nation and I feel good about the outcome."

Schuening also squeezed in meetings with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings. The aggressive athlete has the ideal frame to continue his dominance on the pro level. His quick first step helps him shield the defender in one fell swoop.

He does best with short-range blocking because he lacks the agility to sniff out linebackers on the second level. While his lateral quickness needs improvement, Schuening makes an excellent guard who could supplement the Bolts roster.

Kris Dielman and Mike Goff man the guard positions, but the trenches need some mending with the release of Shane Olivea. Schuening’s experience playing both guard and tackle makes him an ideal replacement. His desire to improve and diversify will only make him a hotter prospect.

"I’m a tough, hard-nosed player who will do whatever he can to help the team out, be it on special teams or whatever it may be. I’m going to do what I can to help the team win,” he said.

The Bolts could use Schuening's reliable force on the front line now more than ever. His versatility is the alluring factor that will demand attention when the Chargers go on the clock in the middle rounds.