Hey everyone. I used to post here but stopped the past little bit and was just a lurker on this board. Anyways, with the excitement of the past few days I felt it was time to "unretire" and post some of my thoughts on the recent activity.
First of all, like everyone I am very excited about Thomas. He seems like a great fit here, and his versatility should be very valuable. We found reps for all of Colvin/Vrabel/McGinest, doing the same for with AD shouldn't be a problem - especially with both Vrabel and Adalius also taking a lot of reps inside. I'm also happy that the contract won't be one to hamper us in the future. Aging LB's can contribute in this system, and I expect AD to provide at least 3 Pro Bowl caliber years and then at least another year or two as a good capable starter.
Brady was also a solid signing. A little expensive, but we know BB loves him and his blocking is great (pretty much as close to Graham's as you'll get). I really love the Morris signing. He isn't the refined runner Cory is, but he's a great ST player, he can catch the ball, he's a very good blocker, and can still pound the ball effectively. Obviously Maroney will be getting more carries this year, but I am fully confident in Morris if we need him. Then when you look at his cheap cost (less than 2 mil per), and this is probably my favorite of all the moves. So we lose a little in pure running ability, but we gain a lot in terms of cap room, athletic ability, versatility, and most importantly special teams.
Now on to Welker. I think most will agree that a poison pill is located somewhere, and Wes will get about 3-4 mil per year. A lot of people are unhappy about giving up the pick. However, I think that this is a trade off BB is willing to make in order to secure a solid WR at a decent price. I bet Welker's actual contract will pale in comparison to the crazy deals Stallworth and Curtis will sign. As for the player, Welker fits what we do, and should be very effective working out of the slot. Don't expect 70 catches, Tom spreads it out, but he'll get 50 very effective and important grabs. I'm looking forward to seeing how many times Brady checks down immediately to Welker when the other team tries to blitz. This is where he'll prove his worth - 3rd down conversions and check downs. Losing the second hurts, but there is absolutely NO WAY any second round pick would be as productive in the next 2 years as Wes (if ever). Caldwell-Gaffney-Welker-Jackson isn't dominating, but it's much better than last year and should be very effective at picking on defensive weaknesses.
All-in-all, I am ecstatic with the moves made. Each seems well thought-out and fills a particular role. I think we're done for the next little while until the market dries up a bit, but I still think we'll look to add a cheap vet ILB for the rotation. Most importantly, BB now has the leeway of having a set roster prior to the draft, and allowing him to take advantage of whatever value presents itself then.
First of all, like everyone I am very excited about Thomas. He seems like a great fit here, and his versatility should be very valuable. We found reps for all of Colvin/Vrabel/McGinest, doing the same for with AD shouldn't be a problem - especially with both Vrabel and Adalius also taking a lot of reps inside. I'm also happy that the contract won't be one to hamper us in the future. Aging LB's can contribute in this system, and I expect AD to provide at least 3 Pro Bowl caliber years and then at least another year or two as a good capable starter.
Brady was also a solid signing. A little expensive, but we know BB loves him and his blocking is great (pretty much as close to Graham's as you'll get). I really love the Morris signing. He isn't the refined runner Cory is, but he's a great ST player, he can catch the ball, he's a very good blocker, and can still pound the ball effectively. Obviously Maroney will be getting more carries this year, but I am fully confident in Morris if we need him. Then when you look at his cheap cost (less than 2 mil per), and this is probably my favorite of all the moves. So we lose a little in pure running ability, but we gain a lot in terms of cap room, athletic ability, versatility, and most importantly special teams.
Now on to Welker. I think most will agree that a poison pill is located somewhere, and Wes will get about 3-4 mil per year. A lot of people are unhappy about giving up the pick. However, I think that this is a trade off BB is willing to make in order to secure a solid WR at a decent price. I bet Welker's actual contract will pale in comparison to the crazy deals Stallworth and Curtis will sign. As for the player, Welker fits what we do, and should be very effective working out of the slot. Don't expect 70 catches, Tom spreads it out, but he'll get 50 very effective and important grabs. I'm looking forward to seeing how many times Brady checks down immediately to Welker when the other team tries to blitz. This is where he'll prove his worth - 3rd down conversions and check downs. Losing the second hurts, but there is absolutely NO WAY any second round pick would be as productive in the next 2 years as Wes (if ever). Caldwell-Gaffney-Welker-Jackson isn't dominating, but it's much better than last year and should be very effective at picking on defensive weaknesses.
All-in-all, I am ecstatic with the moves made. Each seems well thought-out and fills a particular role. I think we're done for the next little while until the market dries up a bit, but I still think we'll look to add a cheap vet ILB for the rotation. Most importantly, BB now has the leeway of having a set roster prior to the draft, and allowing him to take advantage of whatever value presents itself then.
