Talking About Offensive Line Draft Busts
by Chris Thorman on Feb 11, 2009 11:38 AM CST
in 2009 Offseason
62 comments
As the draft nears and talk heats up on AP about who we should draft, we'll be delving into tons of past draft recaps, bust rates, etc.
Today, I've put together a list of offensive linemen drafted in the top five overall picks of the draft in the last ten years. Take a look at the info I've put together and let us know how comfortable you are drafting an offensive linemen with such a high pick.
| Year | Name | Bust? |
| 2000 | LT Chris Samuels (3) | No |
| 2001 | G Leonard Davis (2) | No |
| 2002 | T Mike Williams (4) | Yes |
| 2003 | None taken in top 5 | N/A |
| 2004 | Robert Gallery (2) | Yes |
| 2005 | None taken in top 5 | N/A |
| 2006 | T D'Brickashaw Ferguson (4) | ??? |
| 2007 | T Joe Thomas (3) | No |
| T Levi Brown (5) | No | |
| 2008 | T Jake Long (1) | No |
| Bust rate | 25% |
2000 - LT Chris Samuels
Drafted by the Washington Redskskins after the team had just chosen LaVar Arrington with the #2 overall pick, Chris Samuels has been an ideal left tackle. He's been to the Pro Bowl 6 times and only missed a handful of games due to injury over the last nine years.
Both Samuels and '09 tackle prospect Andre Smith played at Alabama and both won the Outland Trophy for the country's best college offensive lineman.
2001 - G Leonard Davis
Davis has been another solid contributor as a high draft pick on the offensive line. Drafted by Arizona, Davis played guard for three years before moving to left tackle in 2004. What makes Davis a very dependable lineman is the fact that he's only missed five games in eight years.
Davis was signed by the Cowboys in 2007, where he's been a Pro Bowl guard for the last two years.
2002 - T Mike Williams
And with Williams, we have our first big offensive lineman bust of the decade. The Bills drafted Williams hoping he'd been their right tackle for the next ten years. Instead, the Bills got a below average run blocker and a terrible pass blocker.
Williams was moved to guard rather quickly but was undependable due to injuries. Williams was cut by the Bills in 2005; signed by the Jaguars in 2006; and placed on injured reserve before the '06 season even started. He is currently out of football.
2004 - T Robert Gallery
Those crazy Raiders. How can anyone succeed over there?I'll let Wikipedia tell Gallery's bust story, because it's just so succinct and brutal.
In 2004, he started 15 games at right tackle and gave up 3 Sacks. In 2005, he started all 16 games at right tackle and gave up 3.5 Sacks. The Raiders moved him to left tackle at the beginning of the 2006 preseason. In the Raiders' first game of the 2006 regular season, Gallery was part of an offensive line that gave up nine sacks (at least 3 charged to him) to the San Diego Chargers. He played 10 games on the season, and gave up 10.5 Sacks on the season, placing him 4th in most sacks given up, despite missing 6 games. In 2007, Oakland coaches moved Gallery to left guard.
There are a lot of caveats when judging talent on the Raiders but it's clear Gallery hasn't lived up to his potential. Hopefully for him (or not for the Chiefs sake) his move to left guard improves his play.
2006 - T D'Brickashaw Ferguson
Ferguson is the one draft pick on here that I'm hesitant to call a bust or a success. He's started every game since he's been in the NFL, which is a huge plus in my opinion. He hasn't made it to a Pro Bowl yet which is a big award for a position that is tough to quantify.
This would be a good discussion- Is Ferguson a bust or not?
2007 - T Joe Thomas and T Levi Brown
The two tackles taken in this top five of '07 appear like they will turn out to be excellent players. Two years is a short time to judge any draft pick but I think it's fair to say that Thomas and Brown are going to be above average offensive linemen.
We'll withhold full judgement on these guys until after next year.
2008 - T Jake Long
The number one overall pick in '08, Jake Long started all sixteen games for the resurgent Dolphins and only allowed 2.5 sacks. For a rookie at a position that is often matched up against the opposing defense's best player, Jake Long did an excellent job in 2008 and every indication is that he will be a fantastic left tackle.
***
This list tells us that if there is a top offensive line prospect, odds are that the player won't be a total bust and will contribute for a long time. Of course, like with any position, you have your land mines that are impossible to avoid.
How comfortable are you drafting an offensive tackle with the #3 pick?
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Bust
I dont want to even here the word bust in kc unless its like a strip joint or hooters .
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 11:44 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Only 3 years out
I think that’s the reason for the ???
by Joel Thorman on Feb 11, 2009 11:52 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was just me answering it
and to your answer your other question I’d be REAL comfortable drafting an OT #3
by KansasCityShuffle on Feb 11, 2009 12:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I don't believe Ferguson is a bust
rookie season was nice, 2nd year slump for him in what was a down year for the Jets offensive line all together which could be contributed to Mawae going to TN, then last year played solid again when Faneca stepped in to provide some veteran leadership.
As for a 75% success rate for OT in the top 5, ideally I would like to have higher odds when making such a huge investment, somewhere around the 90% mark would be great, but with such a small sample one oddball throws it off. (Gallery) In the end though with all factors considered I would be comfortable with the success rate and go for a premier OT as the upside to having a dominant player in such a key position would outweigh the risk.
by Lvl.99 on Feb 11, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Gallery vs Davis
You can’t call Gallery a bust if Davis isn’t. Gallery has been a pretty good OG for the Raiders. And there is a reason Davis isn’t playing OT, add to that that he is way overrated. The cowboys o-line wasn’t that good.
Davis is a bust just as much as Gallery.
by jimme on Feb 11, 2009 11:49 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
god i still dont understand raider fans
In my home town there are so many raider fans . I dont know how those guys have any hope every player they get is a bust they have no system no front office its horrible they have no hope.
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 11:56 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
As a Cardinals fan,
I would say Davis was a bust the whole time in Arizona. He wasn’t cut out to be a tackle and was a constant false start. In Dallas, he’s a guard and has been ok. Our very own Darnell Dockett exploited him for his lack of speed though this past season.
As for Brown, there aren’t a lot of fans of him so far in Arizona. He gave up the most sacks on the line this year with over 10. Plus he’s been remembered for giving up a sack on the last play of the Super Bowl to a 3 man rush.
Hey, hey, hey hey hey, watch the language, ok? I have a family.
Revenge of the Birds
by Andrew602 on Feb 11, 2009 11:57 AM CST reply actions 0 recs
Davis
I’d agree with that. He was poorly suited at tackle, but he’s been an outstanding guard. Not so much a bust as just misused in Arizona.
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 12:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'd rather take...
an interior lineman in round 2. I think this team is better off getting, presumably, the best defender in the draft in round 1 and then one of the top interior linemen (Mack or Unger) in the second round.
by HIV 2 Elway on Feb 11, 2009 12:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
I'd Be Extremely Comfortable With The Chiefs Drafting A Tackle
I like Branden Albert and think he’ll be a very solid LT, but it’s also not like he was the second coming of Willie Roaf last season and if the Chiefs can find a LT who can perform better I’d be fine with the Chiefs drafting him and moving Albert to the right side (where they need help and where his contract is a good fit for a RT). I don’t think it’s a stretch to say that the o-line needs a big talent injection for all positions not manned by Waters or Albert and having two good bookend tackles goes a long way towards helping our QB (Thigpen, Stafford, Bradford, Harrell, whoever) develop into a good pro.
There may be bigger needs than offensive line, but if an offensive tackle is the highest rated player on the Chiefs’ board they’ll still be doing the team a service by taking him.
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 12:24 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Besides
From what the draft pundits have been saying, it looks like there are several DEs who’ll be slipping to the 2nd round, some of whom might end up being good acquisitions for us with the 2nd round pick.
That said, I’m probably going to be fine with whoever the Chiefs draft as long as they don’t make major reaches at their picks.
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 12:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Ferguson
I wouldn’t call him a bust…he’s been a solid LT. But I would say that he’s failed to live up to the hype so far. Then again, he’s had a pretty short career so it’s premature to say right now.
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 12:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Whether or not D'Brickashaw is a bust
is irrelevent.
He has, by far, the coolest name I’ve ever heard. I am naming my first born son D’Brickashaw. It’s now become something I bring up early in dating in order to determine if the girl is a potential keeper.
by Sudden on Feb 11, 2009 12:57 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
So You're Going To Name Your Son
After a character played by Richard Chamberlain? That’s who D’Brickashaw was named after.
Personally, if I had to choose a Chamberlain character to name my kid after I’d go with Blackthorne. Blackthorne would be an awesome first name for a kid.
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 2:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
UC, You f-in rock man.
I can’t believe you found the origins for that name. I might actually be able to convince the future Ms. Sudden to do along with it now considering the importance of Father Ralph in such a well received book.
Do you know the origins for the name Nu’Keese by chance? I found that name while reading an article about Kiffen alleging recruiting tampering.
by Sudden on Feb 11, 2009 2:27 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I think it is derived from Nikias which is greek for "Victory"
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Feb 11, 2009 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
BTW...he was a Greek General
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Feb 11, 2009 2:50 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought Nike was the greek word for victory
though perhaps it became such as a tribute to the victorius general Nikias in the Pelopennesian War.
by Sudden on Feb 11, 2009 2:53 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Well, Nike was a goddess
She became the symbol for victory.
http://www.answers.com/topic/nike
I guess it’s all symantics.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Feb 11, 2009 3:06 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought it was more of a title
I think we have shortened it to Nike from Nike Athena. I believe it was intended as a way of saying “Athena the Victorious” sort of like Magnus Pompei translates as Pompey the Great (sorry for switching from Greek to Roman).
by Chiefs4Life on Feb 11, 2009 10:29 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
From a Greek Nerd
in the Parthenon (which means ‘maiden’ in greek – maiden refers to Athena, the patron goddess of Athens (see, the city is named after her =))
Anyway, inside the Parthenon, there used to be a huge (40 foot tall) statue of Athena holding the goddess Nike (which does mean ’victory’)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Athena_holding_Nike.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nike_(mythology)
There is another building on the Acropolis (the hill where the Parthenon is) called the temple of Athena Nike
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Athena_Nike
by PVChiefsfan on Feb 12, 2009 9:35 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Just saying
http://www.behindthename.com/name/nikias
NIKIAS
Gender: Masculine
Usage: Ancient Greek
Other Scripts: Νικιας (Ancient Greek)
Derived from Greek νικη (nike) meaning “victory”. This was the name of an Athenian general who fought in the Peloponnesian war.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Feb 12, 2009 11:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Wait
No it’s not.
I actually did take a few years of ancient Greek. I should know this.
by Joel Thorman on Feb 12, 2009 2:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
The only one I care about for the Chiefs isn't Greek, it's Latin
Veni, Vidi, Vici :-)
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Feb 12, 2009 2:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Yep
Now let’s see you decline that!
by Joel Thorman on Feb 12, 2009 3:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually
I just happened to remember that about D’Brickashaw because the story got mentioned a couple of times during the draft and I’m old enough to remember “The Thorn Birds” when it originally aired on TV. And I just happened to remember Chamberlain also played John Blackthorne in “Shogun” because a) I’m old enough to have seen that when it first aired and b) I’m a huge fan of James Clavell’s work.
No clue where Nu’Keese comes from. Speaking of Kiffin, though, maybe Al Davis wasn’t all wrong about him. He’s been making kind of an ass of himself over there at Tennessee…made a very inappropriate (and untrue) public allegation about Urban Meyers’ recruiting practices. Frankly, I’m starting to think that he really is pretty immature for a coach.
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 3:20 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm Actually Re-Reading "Shogun" Now
If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it to anyone, along with the rest of Clavell’s Asian Saga (“Shogun”, “Tai-pan”, “King Rat”, “Noble House”, “Gai-jin”, "Whirlwind"). The first three are the best works and all of them can be read in pretty much any order.
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 3:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And, Sudden...
…if you pitch your wife with the “Thorn Birds” angle, get her the DVD. It’s basically 477 minutes of pure chick flick (although a very well done chick flick and the second-most watched miniseries of all time).
You may get stuck watching it with her, of course, but then these are the sacrifices one must make to get their way on their kids’ names. :)
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Haha
I’ll be sure to work the DVD angle. I’ve sat through enough chick flicks (and sadly, reality TV shows as well) in my time where I’ve learned strategies for coping, (read: zoning out).
by Sudden on Feb 11, 2009 3:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
I Didn't Watch The Entire Mini-Series
But from the parts I recall it was actually pretty decent and not “The Notebook”-type unwatchable. :)
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 4:21 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
And the...
…most watched mini series of all time issssss……
by JComp11 on Feb 11, 2009 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
"Roots"
“What’s your name, boy?”
“Kunta Kinte” (whack)
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 11:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Bonus Points For
Anyone who can identify (without looking it up) the actor who played Kunta Kinte. :)
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 11, 2009 11:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Levar Burton
and “No”, I didn’t look it up. He acted in Start Trek, TNG as Laforge. For a time, he did some PBS kid’s shows. When it comes to useless trivia, I can remember obscure info.
BTW…he was “renamed” Toby in Roots. Horrendous scene.
Bill Parcell’s: "You are what your record says you are."
"My job is not to collect talent, but to build a team. Individuals make the Pro Bowl. Teams win championships. That is our goal."—Chiefs GM Scott Pioli.
by THE_TRUTH on Feb 12, 2009 8:10 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He's a punk.
The Gators will lay 50 on that punk in game 3 at the swamp. Urban will save all three timeouts just like against Ga. to remind that pup that he’s in the sec now.
Now that I think about it, they probably would beat his Raiders as well.
Tim Tebow.....concrete cyanide. Thanks jg.
by Chiefho on Feb 11, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
That was on the Lane Kiffin angle
Tim Tebow.....concrete cyanide. Thanks jg.
by Chiefho on Feb 11, 2009 6:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Nah
I think that in America that calling him Anjinsan would just result in a lot of mispronunciations. :)
I have absolutely no idea who the Chiefs will draft or sign in free agency and anyone who thinks that they know is talking out of their fourth point of contact.
All I know is that the Chiefs are going to field a better team in 2009. Prediction of team record will be submitted after the 2009 draft.
by UCrawford on Feb 12, 2009 6:42 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
1st pick
should go to the o-line. then linebacker. then trade LJ for a box of girl scout cookies and draft a rb.
by kcfaninsandiego on Feb 11, 2009 1:00 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
i agree
with the girl scout cookies lj is toast but maybe pioli can work some magic and get a nice return for him we will have to see.
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 1:51 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
He's probably only worth
the lemon ones. I wouldn’t give a box of thin mints for him.
by JComp11 on Feb 11, 2009 10:45 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
Thin Mints are the top selling Girl Scout Cookies
But the 2 peanut butters ones (ranked #2 and #3) are by far better.
Any candy with peanut butter in it is automatically the best. Like the Twix with peanut butter.
by Joel Thorman on Feb 12, 2009 9:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs
First pick should go
wherever Pioli wants it to go, as well as the rest =]
by GHOST OF DT on Feb 11, 2009 1:02 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Question
There are a lot of caveats when judging talent on the Raiders but it’s clear Gallery hasn’t lived up to his potential. Hopefully for him (or not for the Chiefs sake) his move to left guard improves his play.
Maybe I’m wrong on this, but didn’t Gallery suck pretty badly at Left Guard all this season?
by PVChiefsfan on Feb 11, 2009 1:06 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Not comfortable at all with an OT at #3
Not in this draft, at least
Yeah, we need line help, but the supposed “top OT” in this year’s draft has been a game of musical chairs. Who is it? Monroe or one of the Smiths? It was Oher for a long time, but now he’s dropped to the bottom of the list. Bottom line is that you have to get a) value and b) a “sure thing” with such a high pick. Would it be great to trade down, pick up a selection, and then get an OT? Definitely, but it won’t happen. Because nobody wants our pick.
The only “sure things” everyone agrees on in this draft are Crabtree and Curry. Unless Pioli et al. really believe that one of the 1st round tackles is the real deal, I think we’ve got to take one of these two.
by stag on Feb 11, 2009 1:48 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
oher
i believe i was the one that said oher would drop off he is not that great his foot work is bad he lets guys get way up field which means he is getting beat and with elite speed he will face every week i dont see that guy producing much if he cant dominate in college he is a project and a reach for an early pick in my eyes.
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 1:53 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
oher
I dont know if you have been watching the senior bowl he was getting eaten up. by college guys your telling me right now at the 3rd pick in the draft your going oher and ya i dont see that guy stopping joey porter d ware or harrison next year. no way he is a project maybe he could be good one day but i would expect to see that guy on this list in a year or so
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 2:07 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
100% COMFORTABLE
If we draft Oher or Davis I will consider this one of the best offseasons ever.
A new GM, a new coach, a new year. A new sense of hope and pride.
by CBaller13 on Feb 11, 2009 2:15 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
oher
I dont know man i just watched the bowl game wasnt impressed and i seen his senior bowl and his practices the guy is sliding he lost millions for showing up to senior bowl just not confident in that guy .
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 2:19 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
1st round tackles are the safest pick.
That position high in the draft has the fewest busts, and also the most success starting right away.
I am on a quest to find the answer to one of life's great mysteries-
Is guppy alive?
by saskwatch on Feb 11, 2009 2:28 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Interior lineman are the safest pick
I went back to 2000 and didn’t find a bust.
by Joel Thorman on Feb 11, 2009 4:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
this is from the man the myth the legend mike mayock
Mayock sees Oher as a boom-or-bust prospect.
"Michael Oher is a great athlete—as good an athlete as all of them, if not better," Mayock said. "[But] he’s inconsistent with his technique. Sometimes he looks beautiful, sometimes he gets lazy in his technique. To me, he’s the kind of guy that’s either going to be a tremendous Pro Bowl player, or four or five years from now he’s going to be a footnote."
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 2:29 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
translation
“He won’t be a Top 5 pick”
I’m not saying Oher won’t go that high, but if Mayock is right, Oher is not the kind of player you draft Top 5…ton of upside, but could be the next Robert Gallery =)
by PVChiefsfan on Feb 11, 2009 2:43 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
so your saying hes a project type guy
by sexassassin on Feb 11, 2009 2:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs
Nah
A project-type guy gets drafted in round 5 and tries to work into a starting position by his third year. If you draft an LT in mid to late round 1 and he starts from day, he’s not really a “project” he’s a player. I think what the others are trying to say is a top 5 pick should be invited to the Pro Bowl very early in their career and often.
by Chiefs4Life on Feb 11, 2009 10:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs
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