Silver and Black Report

ROBERT GALLERY

• LEFT GUARD
• No: 76
• Height: 6’7”
• Weight: 325
• Birth date: 07/26/1980
• College: Iowa
• Acquired: Selected in the 1^st round (2^nd overall) of the 2004 NFL Entry Draft

The consensus top offensive tackle in the 2004 draft was Robert Gallery. And much of the hype that surrounded his career in Iowa and pre-draft workouts signaled that he would be the safest selection of that draft. But it has not been as expected for the Outland Trophy winner in 2003, as Gallery has moved from right tackle, to left tackle before ultimately settling at left guard in 2007.

The vision was to have Gallery anchoring the offensive line for several years at left tackle. But his struggles, partly due to the volatility in the coaching ranks since his arrival, have led him to a position of lesser magnitude.

But that does not mean that he wont be a key cog on Tom Cable’s unit in 2008, which is expected to improve upon the 6^th best rush attack in the league.

Gallery played significantly better in Cable’s zone blocking scheme, which appears to be a perfect fit for his nimble abilities.

After starting 16-games at right tackle in 2005, and playing at left tackle for most the 2006 season, it will be refreshing to see Gallery keep his job at one spot in back-to-back seasons with the right tutelage and coaching continuity to solidify his placement at left guard.