Geoff Schwartz’s big bag o’ football mail: What does it mean when an offensive lineman has ‘violent hands’?

Welcome to my first ever mailbag for SB Nation NFL! I’m excited to do these. I always enjoy the fan interaction and this is another way for y’all to get involved.

Y’all can ask non-offensive lineman questions as well. I cover it all.

That being said, we will start with a question about offensive lineman

During draft season, when guys are evaluating linemen, they will comment that a guy has “violent hands.” I know a lineman’s punch is important, but I don’t get what “violent hands” means. Can you explain and also provide an example or two?

(From Scott M)

Well, a lineman’s punch is uber important, and depending on your natural leverage, it’s even more important. The term “violent hands” is often used when discussing pass protection, because it’s easier to notice a punch and it’s the main recourse to stop a pass rush.

A proper punch isn’t generated from the chest, but rather from the back and core. A proper punch should jolt the defender and change his course. It’s noticeable when a lineman has “violent hands.”

Here is the Jaguars Jeremy Parnell showing and using violent hands. That punch is noticeably different than most. Those are violent hands.

What is your opinion of the quality of play in the NFL? My take is that it is somewhat boring, or more than it should be. I’ve been a football geek since the ‘70s and I know that much has been done — and should have — to improve player safety. Nevertheless, I’m seeing soft tackling, too much o-line finesse stuff, and the officiating is just awful. This is a physically violent sport. Can’t we have real football again?

(From Bod DC)

Good question, Bob, and this subject is something I often discuss. As far as the NFL not being as physically violent as in the past, I disagree with that. There are precautions put in place to help prevent head injuries or lessen the impact of those injuries, which is a much needed addition to the game. That being said, the game is still ridiculously violent. The athletes are bigger, faster, quicker, and stronger than ever before and the collisions on the field prove that.

To your second point about the soft tackling and OL finesse, well, that is a function of less practice time. I agree with both those assessments, and it’s often worse early and gradually improves over the season. Those two issues aren’t changing. Practice times won’t be increased and days in pads will not change. And with the college game hitting less and less during practice, the kids entering the NFL are already behind in those skills.

And your last comment on officiating. I’ll respectfully disagree here. I think the officials do a fine job considering how fast the game is played. Remember, we are sitting at home watching these games with super slo mo camera replays. The officials are doing it in real time. They get more right than wrong.

What should the punishment be for coaches/management that waste years of great players? Bengals and [AJ] Green, Green Bay and Aaron [Rodgers], etc.? I’m thinking barring them from TV gigs after being fired.

(From Kyle B)

Excellent question. It’s something I’d never thought of. The best “punishment” would be not getting hired again for the same job, but we know that rarely happens. The NFL coaching and management circle is so small and everyone gets hired by their buddies. Fans being vocal about the lack of success can also make things uncomfortable for the front office.

I’m not sure any general manager would ever agree to a contract that’s tied to team performance. If you win X amount of games, you get X amount of money. Just one issue I see with some of these is injuries. You can’t predict injuries and your season can be derailed with just a single injury to your quarterback through no fault of any management or the coaches.

Should the NFL Draft be held at an earlier date? I’m kind of tried of these ridiculous pre-draft build up stories ... granted they won’t go anywhere anytime soon, but we would get less of it. Also, what do you think about the idea of holding the draft first then starting the free agency period after?

(From Jason O)

The pre-draft period fuels the content for this time of the year! As someone who’s in the media this is fantastic. With all the coverage surrounding the draft and with attention made to the slightest newsworthy item of a top prospect, I can see how it’s frustrating. I generally don’t pay attention to mock drafts until a week or two before the draft, therefore I’m not getting too worked up over picks made to generate clicks. Remember as well, the NFL wants to dominate every month on the calendar; that’s why the draft keeps getting moved back.

As far as holding the draft first, then free agency … I have a feeling it would greatly devalue the free agent market. Let’s use this offseason as an example. Nate Solder gets paid a shit ton by the Giants to play left tackle. If the draft was before free agency and the Giants drafted a left tackle in any of the first three rounds, Solder isn’t signing there and his market could dry up.

Lastly, there is already barely a market for veteran offensive lineman, and if free agency was after the draft, teams would just use their lower level picks for lineman. I’m all for players getting paid, so I’d keep free agency where it is.

What NFL positions will become more important as time goes by?

(From Alex P)

It has to be a nickel corner. Teams are now in 11 personnel over 60 percent of the time, and that number will continue to rise. Offenses are now using more motions, stack formations and shifts to get their best receiver into good matchups, even if that’s in the slot. So your slot corner must be a stud. Also, with tight ends playing in the slot as almost wide receivers, having a nickel corner who can be physical is a must.