Just for the hell of it, I decided to look at our entire roster in an attempt to illuminate the places where we need to add bodies. Of course this is insanely premature and you can never tell what personnel decisions will be made in the next three or four monthes, but speculation is always fun, right. Here are the players that I believe will be kept at each position and how many more players we will need from free agency or the draft:
Offense: Normally about 25 players
QB (3):
Alex Smith- The now entrenched starter for next season
Shaun Hill- His true position is as a solid back-up
Nate Davis- Potential for the future
*No reason to draft anyone at this position*
WR (4): (Normally 5 players here is a good average)
Michael Crabtree- The most exciting WR we've had since T.O.
Josh Morgan- I believe he will begin to blossom as the #2.
Brandon Jones- Hasn't had a chance yet to show his abilities
Jason Hill- At the very least he has been a good special teamer.
*These are the four WRs that I believe are locked in for next year. One more player will have to be decided on between Ziegler, Battle, or possibly someone from the outside with return abilities.*
TE (2): (Normally 3)
Vernon Davis- Starting to get it.
Delanie Walker- Great compliment
*They still have J.J. Finley if the y want to have a third, blocking TE. No need to spend time on this position*
RB (4): (Normally 5)
Frank Gore- The only fear is that time will catch up to him
Glen Coffee- Not thrilling to watch, but I think he gets a bad reputation. He's a solid runner and a solid back-up.
Michael Robinson- Just a great guy to have on the team. I think he would have been a bigger part of the offense if he hadn't gotten hurt.
Moran Norris- A one-tool player. Will it be enough?
*Gore is really the only explosive guy on this list. It would be nice to add one guy that could be a break away threat. Some thought Sheets was that guy. Could Spiller be worth the money in the 1st round?*
OL (6-7): (Normally 9)
Joe Staley- Hopefully the knee injury won't linger.
Eric Heitmann- Having a solid season.
Chilo Rachal- I really believe the light is going to turn on for this guy soon.
Adam Snyder- Even if he is supplanted as the starter at RT, he is a valuable back-up.
Tony Wragge- Solid interior back-up
*Cody Wallace
*Barry Sims
*David Baas
*Tony Pashos
**We enter the off-season with three definite starters (Staley, Heitmann, Rachal). Baas MIGHT be back, but the unit definitely needs an upgrade. Sims has had an outstanding year as a back-up, so he should be back. Cody Wallace... do we even know if he is worth keeping? Pashos was a nice signing, and if we don't find a future RT in the draft, he is definitely worth resigning. We could have as many as four vacancies in this unit. **
Defense: Normally about 25 players
DL (7): Normally 6-7 players
Justin Smith- The best signing of the McC era.
A. Franklin- They will do whatever it takes to sign him back.
Isaac Sopoaga- Quietly solid all year
Kentwan Balmer- He gets better every time he steps on the field.
Ray McDonald- If his knees stay healthy, he is an absolute terror
Demetric Evans- Hasn't really done much this year, but this is not a flashy position
Ricky Jean-Francois- It sounds like he is working hard and waiting for his opportunity.
*No reason to spend time on this position in the offseason unless we get a shot at a pro-bowl caliber player.*
LB (8): Normally 8-9
Manny Lawson- Starting to regain his form.
Patrick Willis- Stud
Takeo Spikes- Great veteran presence, he will almost assuredly be back.
Parys Haralson- Steady pass-rusher. People want more flash, but he gets the job done.
Ahmed Brooks- Emerging as a true force
Scott McKillop- Solid back-up.
Matt Wilhelm- He may or may not be back, but he is a solid special teamer and a veteran that could step in and do just fine.
Diyral Briggs- Could be groomed into a stud pass rusher.
*There is always room for another pass rusher, but I don't think the need is as imminent as it has been. Brooks seems to be stepping up, Manny is getting better, Parys is solid, and Briggs is full of potential. Maybe a middle to late round pick could be used on a pass rusher, but I don't see the need to go any higher.*
DB (7-9): Normally 9-10
Dashon Goldson- Up and down first year starting. Many people want to see him replaced, but I think he is developing quite nicely. Obviously, if we have a shot at Berry it would be a no brainer, but I don't think Safety is as much of a need as people think.
Michael Lewis- The concussions are worrisome, and perhaps a successor at SS should be considered. Taylor, from last year, might be the guy.
Mark Roman- Roman will be back if we don't pick up a better alternative. He is serviceable
Nate Clements- Talk of him moving to FS is premature. I believe he will bounce back from his injury to be an above average CB for a few more years.
Tarell Brown- He's been a bit inconsistent, but I believe experience will cure that. This year was his first significant playing time.
Shawntae Spencer- Fantastic bounce back year.
Reggie Smith- Great start to the year was derailed by injury.
*Marcus Hudson- A good special teamer that is on the bubble every year. He will be gone if we upgrade during the draft.
*Dre Bly- Depending on what upgrades we make, he might be worth bringing back.
*Curtis Taylor- Who knows what we have in him. He is extremely athletic, but we don't know if he has the instincts.
** Upgrades in this unit are needed. Clements and Spencer project as the starters at CB with Brown as the NB. That's not a bad starting line-up, but having a guy like Haden to push them would be worthwhile. We also need to find a young SS to be able to step in for Lewis if need be.**
I don't know if that was interesting to anyone, but I enjoyed trying it.
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Our roster going into the off-season
Dec 18, 2009 at 9:25 AM
- Karma
- Veteran
- Posts: 1,165
Dec 18, 2009 at 9:30 AM
- English
- Moderator
- Posts: 40,211
Kharma!
Dec 18, 2009 at 10:04 AM
- genz22
- Veteran
- Posts: 634
Dre Bly is a must! He is a solid nickel back.
I think the draft works out like this....
RD1 Okung/T. Williams (Time to sure up the O'line)
RD1 Spiller or trade down (Spiller fills KR/PR and 3rd down/playmaking RB we need bad) Imagine Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Josh Morgan, and CJ Spiller.....WOW!
RD2 Best available DB (unless Haden is picked in RD 1)
I think the draft works out like this....
RD1 Okung/T. Williams (Time to sure up the O'line)
RD1 Spiller or trade down (Spiller fills KR/PR and 3rd down/playmaking RB we need bad) Imagine Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Josh Morgan, and CJ Spiller.....WOW!
RD2 Best available DB (unless Haden is picked in RD 1)
Dec 18, 2009 at 10:11 AM
- Karma
- Veteran
- Posts: 1,165
Originally posted by genz22:
Dre Bly is a must! He is a solid nickel back.
I think the draft works out like this....
RD1 Okung/T. Williams (Time to sure up the O'line)
RD1 Spiller or trade down (Spiller fills KR/PR and 3rd down/playmaking RB we need bad) Imagine Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Josh Morgan, and CJ Spiller.....WOW!
RD2 Best available DB (unless Haden is picked in RD 1)
I am more and more enamored with the idea of drafting Spiller. We need some electricity in the backfield and in the return game. Our receivers and TEs are excellent down field blockers so having a weapon like Spiller on the screen pass would be brilliant! However, OL should be our first, second and third priority. I believe that unit is the biggest difference between us being a playoff contender or just sitting at home. The secondary is our second concern.
Dec 18, 2009 at 10:24 AM
- Karma
- Veteran
- Posts: 1,165
If we drafted an OT, C.J. Spiller, and then an OG with our first three picks, we could spend the rest of the draft on finding a hidden gem in the secondary! A healthy Clements, Spencer, Brown, and possibly Bly and Harris, the need for immediate CB help is lessened. Find a kid later in the draft that you can develop at CB and another at SS. Let them sit and learn!
Dec 18, 2009 at 11:07 AM
- tohara3
- Veteran
- Posts: 28,604
Originally posted by Karma:Originally posted by genz22:
Dre Bly is a must! He is a solid nickel back.
I think the draft works out like this....
RD1 Okung/T. Williams (Time to sure up the O'line)
RD1 Spiller or trade down (Spiller fills KR/PR and 3rd down/playmaking RB we need bad) Imagine Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Josh Morgan, and CJ Spiller.....WOW!
RD2 Best available DB (unless Haden is picked in RD 1)
I am more and more enamored with the idea of drafting Spiller. We need some electricity in the backfield and in the return game. Our receivers and TEs are excellent down field blockers so having a weapon like Spiller on the screen pass would be brilliant! However, OL should be our first, second and third priority. I believe that unit is the biggest difference between us being a playoff contender or just sitting at home. The secondary is our second concern.
I really want Spiller. If we went that way we could try Perrish Cox or Brian Jackson in the 3rd round for a corner.
Dec 18, 2009 at 11:23 PM
- AB81Rules
- Veteran
- Posts: 32,785
Here's the players under contract for 2010, im including potential RFA's and EFA's.
QB 11 Alex Smith(2010), 13 Shaun Hill(2010), 7 Nate Davis(2012)
RB 21 Frank Gore(2011), 29 Glen Coffee(2012), 24 Michael Robinson(2012), 33 Thomas Clayton(EFA)
FB 44 Moran Norris(2011), 45 Brit Miller(2010)
WR 84 Josh Morgan(2011), 15 Michael Crabtree(2014), 81 Brandon Jones(2013), 89 Jason Hill(2010), 88 Isaac Bruce(2010)*Signed for Cap Purposes, will be cut/retired*
TE 85 Vernon Davis(2010)*Extension Likely, if not he would be Tagged in 2011 offseason*, 46 Delanie Walker(2012)
C 66 Eric Heitmann(2011), 59 Cody Wallace(2011)
OG 62 Chilo Rachal(2011), 64 David Baas(RFA)*Should be tendered high, 1st or 1st and 3rd tender, but would be UFA with new CBA*, 69 Tony Wragge(2010)
OT 74 Joe Staley(2017), 68 Adam Snyder(2011), 61 Chris Patrick(2010)
DL 94 Justin Smith(2013), 92 Aubrayo Franklin(FRANCHISED)*I predict if no extension, he will be tagged in the offseason*, 91 Ray McDonald(2010), 96 Kentwan Balmer(2012), 90 Isaac Sopoaga(2012), 93 Demetric Evans(2010), 95 Ricky Jean-Francois(2012), Baraka Atkins(EFA)
LB 99 Manny Lawson(2010)*Could see a extension in offseason*, 98 Parys Haralson(2013), 52 Patrick Willis(2011)*Should see extension soon, asap IMO*, 51 Takeo Spikes(2010), 56 Scott McKillop(2012), 55 Ahmad Brooks(RFA)*Would be tendered high IMO, but would be UFA with no CBA, but should return*, 50 Diyral Briggs(2010)
CB 22 Nate Clements(2013)*I dont see a position move neccessary, i think the play of Brown and Bly has proved Nate isnt as bad as people here think*, 36 Shawntae Spencer(2012), 25 Tarell Brown(2013), 23 Marcus Hudson(RFA)*Would be tendered low, not neccesary re-signee, would be UFA with no CBA*
S 38 Dashon Goldson(2010)*Should get extended soon, not sure when, but should get one rather soon IMO*, 32 Michael Lewis(2012), 28 Curtis Taylor(2012), 30 Reggie Smith(2011)
ST 6 Joe Nedney(2011), 4 Andy Lee(2012), 86 Brian Jennings(2014)
rest of FA's:
WR Battle, OL Pashos, OL Sims, ILB Wilhelm, CB K.Smith, CB Harris, CB Bly, S Roman
QB 11 Alex Smith(2010), 13 Shaun Hill(2010), 7 Nate Davis(2012)
RB 21 Frank Gore(2011), 29 Glen Coffee(2012), 24 Michael Robinson(2012), 33 Thomas Clayton(EFA)
FB 44 Moran Norris(2011), 45 Brit Miller(2010)
WR 84 Josh Morgan(2011), 15 Michael Crabtree(2014), 81 Brandon Jones(2013), 89 Jason Hill(2010), 88 Isaac Bruce(2010)*Signed for Cap Purposes, will be cut/retired*
TE 85 Vernon Davis(2010)*Extension Likely, if not he would be Tagged in 2011 offseason*, 46 Delanie Walker(2012)
C 66 Eric Heitmann(2011), 59 Cody Wallace(2011)
OG 62 Chilo Rachal(2011), 64 David Baas(RFA)*Should be tendered high, 1st or 1st and 3rd tender, but would be UFA with new CBA*, 69 Tony Wragge(2010)
OT 74 Joe Staley(2017), 68 Adam Snyder(2011), 61 Chris Patrick(2010)
DL 94 Justin Smith(2013), 92 Aubrayo Franklin(FRANCHISED)*I predict if no extension, he will be tagged in the offseason*, 91 Ray McDonald(2010), 96 Kentwan Balmer(2012), 90 Isaac Sopoaga(2012), 93 Demetric Evans(2010), 95 Ricky Jean-Francois(2012), Baraka Atkins(EFA)
LB 99 Manny Lawson(2010)*Could see a extension in offseason*, 98 Parys Haralson(2013), 52 Patrick Willis(2011)*Should see extension soon, asap IMO*, 51 Takeo Spikes(2010), 56 Scott McKillop(2012), 55 Ahmad Brooks(RFA)*Would be tendered high IMO, but would be UFA with no CBA, but should return*, 50 Diyral Briggs(2010)
CB 22 Nate Clements(2013)*I dont see a position move neccessary, i think the play of Brown and Bly has proved Nate isnt as bad as people here think*, 36 Shawntae Spencer(2012), 25 Tarell Brown(2013), 23 Marcus Hudson(RFA)*Would be tendered low, not neccesary re-signee, would be UFA with no CBA*
S 38 Dashon Goldson(2010)*Should get extended soon, not sure when, but should get one rather soon IMO*, 32 Michael Lewis(2012), 28 Curtis Taylor(2012), 30 Reggie Smith(2011)
ST 6 Joe Nedney(2011), 4 Andy Lee(2012), 86 Brian Jennings(2014)
rest of FA's:
WR Battle, OL Pashos, OL Sims, ILB Wilhelm, CB K.Smith, CB Harris, CB Bly, S Roman
Dec 19, 2009 at 2:01 PM
- Karma
- Veteran
- Posts: 1,165
Originally posted by AB83Rules:
Here's the players under contract for 2010, im including potential RFA's and EFA's.
QB 11 Alex Smith(2010), 13 Shaun Hill(2010), 7 Nate Davis(2012)
RB 21 Frank Gore(2011), 29 Glen Coffee(2012), 24 Michael Robinson(2012), 33 Thomas Clayton(EFA)
FB 44 Moran Norris(2011), 45 Brit Miller(2010)
WR 84 Josh Morgan(2011), 15 Michael Crabtree(2014), 81 Brandon Jones(2013), 89 Jason Hill(2010), 88 Isaac Bruce(2010)*Signed for Cap Purposes, will be cut/retired*
TE 85 Vernon Davis(2010)*Extension Likely, if not he would be Tagged in 2011 offseason*, 46 Delanie Walker(2012)
C 66 Eric Heitmann(2011), 59 Cody Wallace(2011)
OG 62 Chilo Rachal(2011), 64 David Baas(RFA)*Should be tendered high, 1st or 1st and 3rd tender, but would be UFA with new CBA*, 69 Tony Wragge(2010)
OT 74 Joe Staley(2017), 68 Adam Snyder(2011), 61 Chris Patrick(2010)
DL 94 Justin Smith(2013), 92 Aubrayo Franklin(FRANCHISED)*I predict if no extension, he will be tagged in the offseason*, 91 Ray McDonald(2010), 96 Kentwan Balmer(2012), 90 Isaac Sopoaga(2012), 93 Demetric Evans(2010), 95 Ricky Jean-Francois(2012), Baraka Atkins(EFA)
LB 99 Manny Lawson(2010)*Could see a extension in offseason*, 98 Parys Haralson(2013), 52 Patrick Willis(2011)*Should see extension soon, asap IMO*, 51 Takeo Spikes(2010), 56 Scott McKillop(2012), 55 Ahmad Brooks(RFA)*Would be tendered high IMO, but would be UFA with no CBA, but should return*, 50 Diyral Briggs(2010)
CB 22 Nate Clements(2013)*I dont see a position move neccessary, i think the play of Brown and Bly has proved Nate isnt as bad as people here think*, 36 Shawntae Spencer(2012), 25 Tarell Brown(2013), 23 Marcus Hudson(RFA)*Would be tendered low, not neccesary re-signee, would be UFA with no CBA*
S 38 Dashon Goldson(2010)*Should get extended soon, not sure when, but should get one rather soon IMO*, 32 Michael Lewis(2012), 28 Curtis Taylor(2012), 30 Reggie Smith(2011)
ST 6 Joe Nedney(2011), 4 Andy Lee(2012), 86 Brian Jennings(2014)
rest of FA's:
WR Battle, OL Pashos, OL Sims, ILB Wilhelm, CB K.Smith, CB Harris, CB Bly, S Roman
I may not contribute comments much, but I regularly sift through the forums, and you are consistently knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you for the roster breakdown. It looks like the offseason priorities are locking up Franklin, extending Lawson, perhaps Willis, and deciding on Bly, Pashos, and possibly Wilhelm. The team has positioned themselves nicely so that they can focus on locking up their own talent and focusing on the draft. I would like to see the team sign an O-lineman or two, but they don't need to use Free Agency as much as they have in the past.
Dec 19, 2009 at 2:13 PM
- AB81Rules
- Veteran
- Posts: 32,785
Originally posted by Karma:Originally posted by AB83Rules:
Here's the players under contract for 2010, im including potential RFA's and EFA's.
QB 11 Alex Smith(2010), 13 Shaun Hill(2010), 7 Nate Davis(2012)
RB 21 Frank Gore(2011), 29 Glen Coffee(2012), 24 Michael Robinson(2012), 33 Thomas Clayton(EFA)
FB 44 Moran Norris(2011), 45 Brit Miller(2010)
WR 84 Josh Morgan(2011), 15 Michael Crabtree(2014), 81 Brandon Jones(2013), 89 Jason Hill(2010), 88 Isaac Bruce(2010)*Signed for Cap Purposes, will be cut/retired*
TE 85 Vernon Davis(2010)*Extension Likely, if not he would be Tagged in 2011 offseason*, 46 Delanie Walker(2012)
C 66 Eric Heitmann(2011), 59 Cody Wallace(2011)
OG 62 Chilo Rachal(2011), 64 David Baas(RFA)*Should be tendered high, 1st or 1st and 3rd tender, but would be UFA with new CBA*, 69 Tony Wragge(2010)
OT 74 Joe Staley(2017), 68 Adam Snyder(2011), 61 Chris Patrick(2010)
DL 94 Justin Smith(2013), 92 Aubrayo Franklin(FRANCHISED)*I predict if no extension, he will be tagged in the offseason*, 91 Ray McDonald(2010), 96 Kentwan Balmer(2012), 90 Isaac Sopoaga(2012), 93 Demetric Evans(2010), 95 Ricky Jean-Francois(2012), Baraka Atkins(EFA)
LB 99 Manny Lawson(2010)*Could see a extension in offseason*, 98 Parys Haralson(2013), 52 Patrick Willis(2011)*Should see extension soon, asap IMO*, 51 Takeo Spikes(2010), 56 Scott McKillop(2012), 55 Ahmad Brooks(RFA)*Would be tendered high IMO, but would be UFA with no CBA, but should return*, 50 Diyral Briggs(2010)
CB 22 Nate Clements(2013)*I dont see a position move neccessary, i think the play of Brown and Bly has proved Nate isnt as bad as people here think*, 36 Shawntae Spencer(2012), 25 Tarell Brown(2013), 23 Marcus Hudson(RFA)*Would be tendered low, not neccesary re-signee, would be UFA with no CBA*
S 38 Dashon Goldson(2010)*Should get extended soon, not sure when, but should get one rather soon IMO*, 32 Michael Lewis(2012), 28 Curtis Taylor(2012), 30 Reggie Smith(2011)
ST 6 Joe Nedney(2011), 4 Andy Lee(2012), 86 Brian Jennings(2014)
rest of FA's:
WR Battle, OL Pashos, OL Sims, ILB Wilhelm, CB K.Smith, CB Harris, CB Bly, S Roman
I may not contribute comments much, but I regularly sift through the forums, and you are consistently knowledgeable and helpful. Thank you for the roster breakdown. It looks like the offseason priorities are locking up Franklin, extending Lawson, perhaps Willis, and deciding on Bly, Pashos, and possibly Wilhelm. The team has positioned themselves nicely so that they can focus on locking up their own talent and focusing on the draft. I would like to see the team sign an O-lineman or two, but they don't need to use Free Agency as much as they have in the past.
no problem, and thanks for the kind words, just thought id post who was under contract.
Dec 20, 2009 at 1:02 AM
- TheGoldDiggerrrr
- Veteran
- Posts: 5,073
Originally posted by genz22:
Dre Bly is a must! He is a solid nickel back.
I think the draft works out like this....
RD1 Okung/T. Williams (Time to sure up the O'line)
RD1 Spiller or trade down (Spiller fills KR/PR and 3rd down/playmaking RB we need bad) Imagine Vernon Davis, Michael Crabtree, Frank Gore, Josh Morgan, and CJ Spiller.....WOW!
RD2 Best available DB (unless Haden is picked in RD 1)
I like the first. if spiller is gone. Let's draft Dez Bryant. I like Haden at are pick. We shop to much at cb.
[ Edited by TheGoldDiggerrrr on Dec 20, 2009 at 01:03:11 ]
Feb 13, 2010 at 11:24 PM
- Karma
- Veteran
- Posts: 1,165
I just wanted to revisit this topic again after a few months. It appears that these areas are musts for the draft and free agency:
1 Wide Receiver: Crabtree, Morgan, Hill, and Jones are set and Ziegler is a candidate for the last spot on the roster, but I believe that we need to invest a middle to late round pick at this position. It would be even better if we could find a guy capable of returning kicks and punts.
1 Running Back: Gore is an all-pro, but he is injury prone. Coffee is a decent back-up. Norris is an above average bloccker and Robinson is a fantastic special teamer. All these guys will be back but I believe we need one more guy with home-run potential. Spiller is one option, but if not we need to look at guys that can be returners as well.
At least 1 OT: Our concerns at RT are well documented, and it probably wouldn't hurt to draft two guys to compete.
1 OG: Baas will most likely be back, but many of us remain unconvinced that he is the LG of the future. We need someone to groom for this spot.
1 Safety: Goldson appears to be a star in the making, but Michael Lewis is one hard hit away from retirement. Goldson could move to SS, so we can widen our search to either safety position. Reggie Smith might be the guy, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy.
At least 1 CB: Spencer had a terrific year, but Clements faltered, Brown was inconsistent, Bly is a free agent, and Walt Harris is coming off major knee surgery. This group needs to get younger quickly.
1 ILB: Willis and Spikes are the starters and McKillop is a decent back-up, but I would sure like to get a guy to upgrade Wilhelm's spot.
1 OLB/DE: Everyone fell in love with Brandon Graham after the Senior Bowl, but I would prefer waiting until later in the draft to address this position. With Haralson, Lawson, and Brooks ahead on the depth chart, Graham might not see the field enough to justify a #1 pick.
So, we will probably have 9 picks going into the draft, including the extra one from Carolina and the compensatory pick we are rumored to be getting. I believe we have ten spots available, so we will have to shore up at least one player from FA, and the other 9 from the draft: 2 OT, 2 CBs, 1 OG, 1 Safety, 1 WR, 1 RB, 1 ILB, and 1 OLB/DE.
1 Wide Receiver: Crabtree, Morgan, Hill, and Jones are set and Ziegler is a candidate for the last spot on the roster, but I believe that we need to invest a middle to late round pick at this position. It would be even better if we could find a guy capable of returning kicks and punts.
1 Running Back: Gore is an all-pro, but he is injury prone. Coffee is a decent back-up. Norris is an above average bloccker and Robinson is a fantastic special teamer. All these guys will be back but I believe we need one more guy with home-run potential. Spiller is one option, but if not we need to look at guys that can be returners as well.
At least 1 OT: Our concerns at RT are well documented, and it probably wouldn't hurt to draft two guys to compete.
1 OG: Baas will most likely be back, but many of us remain unconvinced that he is the LG of the future. We need someone to groom for this spot.
1 Safety: Goldson appears to be a star in the making, but Michael Lewis is one hard hit away from retirement. Goldson could move to SS, so we can widen our search to either safety position. Reggie Smith might be the guy, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy.
At least 1 CB: Spencer had a terrific year, but Clements faltered, Brown was inconsistent, Bly is a free agent, and Walt Harris is coming off major knee surgery. This group needs to get younger quickly.
1 ILB: Willis and Spikes are the starters and McKillop is a decent back-up, but I would sure like to get a guy to upgrade Wilhelm's spot.
1 OLB/DE: Everyone fell in love with Brandon Graham after the Senior Bowl, but I would prefer waiting until later in the draft to address this position. With Haralson, Lawson, and Brooks ahead on the depth chart, Graham might not see the field enough to justify a #1 pick.
So, we will probably have 9 picks going into the draft, including the extra one from Carolina and the compensatory pick we are rumored to be getting. I believe we have ten spots available, so we will have to shore up at least one player from FA, and the other 9 from the draft: 2 OT, 2 CBs, 1 OG, 1 Safety, 1 WR, 1 RB, 1 ILB, and 1 OLB/DE.
Feb 14, 2010 at 12:25 AM
- Ninefan56
- Member
- Posts: 5,106
Originally posted by Karma:
I just wanted to revisit this topic again after a few months. It appears that these areas are musts for the draft and free agency:
1 Wide Receiver: Crabtree, Morgan, Hill, and Jones are set and Ziegler is a candidate for the last spot on the roster, but I believe that we need to invest a middle to late round pick at this position. It would be even better if we could find a guy capable of returning kicks and punts.
1 Running Back: Gore is an all-pro, but he is injury prone. Coffee is a decent back-up. Norris is an above average bloccker and Robinson is a fantastic special teamer. All these guys will be back but I believe we need one more guy with home-run potential. Spiller is one option, but if not we need to look at guys that can be returners as well.
At least 1 OT: Our concerns at RT are well documented, and it probably wouldn't hurt to draft two guys to compete.
1 OG: Baas will most likely be back, but many of us remain unconvinced that he is the LG of the future. We need someone to groom for this spot.
1 Safety: Goldson appears to be a star in the making, but Michael Lewis is one hard hit away from retirement. Goldson could move to SS, so we can widen our search to either safety position. Reggie Smith might be the guy, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy.
At least 1 CB: Spencer had a terrific year, but Clements faltered, Brown was inconsistent, Bly is a free agent, and Walt Harris is coming off major knee surgery. This group needs to get younger quickly.
1 ILB: Willis and Spikes are the starters and McKillop is a decent back-up, but I would sure like to get a guy to upgrade Wilhelm's spot.
1 OLB/DE: Everyone fell in love with Brandon Graham after the Senior Bowl, but I would prefer waiting until later in the draft to address this position. With Haralson, Lawson, and Brooks ahead on the depth chart, Graham might not see the field enough to justify a #1 pick.
So, we will probably have 9 picks going into the draft, including the extra one from Carolina and the compensatory pick we are rumored to be getting. I believe we have ten spots available, so we will have to shore up at least one player from FA, and the other 9 from the draft: 2 OT, 2 CBs, 1 OG, 1 Safety, 1 WR, 1 RB, 1 ILB, and 1 OLB/DE.
Looks good to me. Now hopefully McSing sees these things as well. In addition the WR and or the RB or preferably both would have PR/KR skills.
Feb 14, 2010 at 9:28 AM
- BigBug415
- Veteran
- Posts: 1,358
Originally posted by Karma:
I just wanted to revisit this topic again after a few months. It appears that these areas are musts for the draft and free agency:
1 Wide Receiver: Crabtree, Morgan, Hill, and Jones are set and Ziegler is a candidate for the last spot on the roster, but I believe that we need to invest a middle to late round pick at this position. It would be even better if we could find a guy capable of returning kicks and punts.
1 Running Back: Gore is an all-pro, but he is injury prone. Coffee is a decent back-up. Norris is an above average bloccker and Robinson is a fantastic special teamer. All these guys will be back but I believe we need one more guy with home-run potential. Spiller is one option, but if not we need to look at guys that can be returners as well.
At least 1 OT: Our concerns at RT are well documented, and it probably wouldn't hurt to draft two guys to compete.
1 OG: Baas will most likely be back, but many of us remain unconvinced that he is the LG of the future. We need someone to groom for this spot.
1 Safety: Goldson appears to be a star in the making, but Michael Lewis is one hard hit away from retirement. Goldson could move to SS, so we can widen our search to either safety position. Reggie Smith might be the guy, but he needs to prove he can stay healthy.
At least 1 CB: Spencer had a terrific year, but Clements faltered, Brown was inconsistent, Bly is a free agent, and Walt Harris is coming off major knee surgery. This group needs to get younger quickly.
1 ILB: Willis and Spikes are the starters and McKillop is a decent back-up, but I would sure like to get a guy to upgrade Wilhelm's spot.
1 OLB/DE: Everyone fell in love with Brandon Graham after the Senior Bowl, but I would prefer waiting until later in the draft to address this position. With Haralson, Lawson, and Brooks ahead on the depth chart, Graham might not see the field enough to justify a #1 pick.
So, we will probably have 9 picks going into the draft, including the extra one from Carolina and the compensatory pick we are rumored to be getting. I believe we have ten spots available, so we will have to shore up at least one player from FA, and the other 9 from the draft: 2 OT, 2 CBs, 1 OG, 1 Safety, 1 WR, 1 RB, 1 ILB, and 1 OLB/DE.
I'm going to have to disagree with the OLBers. I think Brandon Graham is an immediate upgrade over all three guys we currently have on our roster. As much as I love Manny and Brooks, I think Graham would come right in and be an instant playmaker for us. The guy was an absolute force in the Senior Bowl and imo would be the kind of guy we need to get us closer to a dominant defense.
Imagine on 3rd downs with Brooks flying in on one end, and Graham breathing down the QBs neck on the other! That would be pretty nice.
That's why I'm going with Spiller at #13 and Graham at #16/17!!!!