However, he was a plus blocker. Wilson couldn't block, but could run routes. Friel was pretty average at everything. So'oto wasn't going to play with Pitta and George in the way. Mahina was a lot like Friel.
If the coaches had done it right, Holt would have been moved to OT on day one. Wilson was a receiver only. They did the right thing with So'oto. Mahina was probably a better Dlineman. Friel was probably playing in the right spot, but was fair average. Hindsight is 20/20, but I think the coaches should ultimately get blame for not recruiting/developing tight ends.