At this point I think Tauscher should get the benefit of the doubt and get a contract for at least one more year.
I agree with the starter of the thread that a rookie at the 23 pick is risky to start next year and that left tackles are hard to find in free agency, almost none available. Clifton for the price is probably the best one available, unless TT is willing to break the bank.
TT just said in a recent interview when questioned what position are you looking at with your first pick and he clearly said we will go by best player available, not by position.
I think there is a decent chance to get a Left Guard in free agency/trade, and that the probability that we will get a lineman in the 2nd round and later who will be a work in progress and not somebody you want starting opening day at left tackle.
Lets start with the left tackle position, we have Lang/Colledge/Clifton. Clifton made 8 million last year and is not under contract and Colledge is due a new contract but depending on labor negotiations may not be free to walk. Colledge is clearly a backup LT and I guess his best position is LG, but IMO is a backup at best. His year to shine was last year and he did so so. Lang's natural position seems to be RT and I think he could play guard as well. So for Lang's further development playing one of the tackle positions makes the most sense.
The big question is Clifton. He is old, injury prone, and will be expensive. He is already showing signs of decline. He does have years of experience and has run the zone blocking scheme and at least has the skill to do what he has to do to keep A-rod from getting his head taken off, even if he has to cheat.
IMO I think Clifton is not an option, he can't stay healthy and Lang is as good as Clifton at this point of his career with the two bad knees and ankles, regardless Lang will be playing left tackle once Clifton gets hurt which is a given. IMO you sign Tauscher to another year as you can not have both Lang and Giacomini/Barbre/rookie starting at the tackle positions. You start Lang at left tackle at the beginning of camp and get him ready.
LT - Lang/rookie#1/rookie#2
LG - Spitz/Barbre/rookie#3
c - Wells/Deitrich/rookie#3
RG - Sitton/Barbre/rookie#3
RT - Tauscher/Giacomini/rookie#1/rookie#2
You draft two more Left tackles in the draft to develop and I think you part ways with Colledge. The Pack drafts or picks up at least 3 more lineman and based on training camp, Barbre/Deitrich/Giacomini are not assured roster spots, depending on the play of the new players.
I guess this is what I see the first day of camp.