Originally posted by TheNef77:
+ Side: Offense
QB - Not sold on any of the guys on the team. Biggest need to fill next offseason
RB/FB+++ - From no FB to the best in the game. Joe Williams adds better depth than we've ever had since Kendall Hunter
WR+ - Garcon is a sure upgrade but everything else is still a wait and see. I guess I could give another + for Goodwin's Madden value lol
C++ - Better system with a proven vet in Zuttah
OG/OT - Can Josh Garnett and Trent Brown pick up this new system and get fast enough to execute the stretches? I'll wait until Training Camp when they're going full speed full contact to see. Firing out with and without pads are 2 different speeds.
TE+ - Hoping for Kittle to dethrone the slot drafted to play TE for the starting spot
+ Side: Defense
DL+++ - Better defined simplified roles. I expect a big year from Buck, Solo, and Taumoepenu
LB+++ - We actually addressed a need that we needed since Willis and Borland left. Baalke you FI. Anyways, best LB in the draft next to Bo and Malcolm Smith whose already been successful in this same system.
SS+ - Finally putting Reid in the box to play to his strengths. Tartt isn't far behind. No more old vet getting burned in coverage
FS+ - Hopefully Ward can revert to his college self. Why Baalke would draft a free to play nickle in the 1st round is...smh. Anyways, he had all the tools for this role back then.
CB+ - Witherspoon's weakness is all between the ears. Fear of contact is a hard thing to overcome and we're asking him to do it while stepping up to the pro's. He's a starter once he gets over it. Great in coverage. Looking forward to seeing Robinson's development. I hope Dontae Johnson gets reps in too.
LB has been one of my pet peeves for the past two years! No one fell to them in the draft but they should have worked their picks to a top LB. Now we just have to hope Foster is healthy and the new additions jell with the rest of the guys...which seems likely.
Witherspoon's reach and length will help him, but if he shies away from contact he won't last long. They can still use him for pure coverage, but if he can't stuff runs when necessary...ouch!
Ward is an instinctive player, as is Reid. I believe Baalke didn't see Reid as a SS due to his concussion issues, which still worry me. But since Tartt and Ward were HS team mates it would be a great story to have them excel together in the NFL!
As for QB...still waiting for them to find a FQB but until then...these guys will be better than last years group for the WCO.