It makes all the sense in the world right now to put Brown with the first team so he can get the reps and so he can go against Mario. But don't be fooled by that. Kubes is in no way saying that Brown is right now better than Salaam. Salaam doesn't need reps with the first team at this point. Brown does. If the first regular season game was today, I'd be willing to bet good money that Salaam would get the start.
As far a tipping off the other team when you change personnel, teams have used different personnel for different situations for as long as I can remember. Why do you think Brunner is on our team. When he comes in, isn't that tipping the defense? Just because it is a running situation doesn't mean it will be a run. If it is third and fifteen and the coaches think Salaam is a better pass blocker than Brown, they aren't going to risk Schaubs career just because Brown is a first round pick. In that sitiation, if Brown is on the field it will be for only one reason-because he earned it.
But on the other hand, if it is a running SITUATION, DL's aren't going to just pin back their ears and go all out on a pass rush. That doesn't mean the play won't be a pass, just that it isn't an OBVIOUS passing situation. Brown should find it easier to handle that kind of situation.
What I am saying is that if Brown beats out Salaam, it will mean that Kubes thinks he is ready to handle NFL speed rushers. That's something that very few rookie LT's are able to do from day one. Some teams even start guys out on the right side knowing that they eventually want to move them to the left when they are ready.
I personally hope Brown beats out Salaam in training camp. It will mean Kubes/Smith made a pretty solid first round pick.
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