Deflategate driving me batty until I hear TB12. Here ya go. Releasing VW. Gets me under CAP. Then, I'm extending Revis and Solder. Re-working Mayo. I think I can save about 15m there. Should be enough for the first year of; McCourty, Gostkowski, Casillas, Siliga and Branch(10-11m). I'm not going to extend these guys; Connolly, Ridley and Ayers. There are 3 skill positions that are flexible.
1. RB - I believe we have enough to extend Vereen. I think he's played his way back as our 3rd down back. I don't see him being an every down back for other teams. Meaning, we should be able to afford him.
2. WR - Still have Amendola in this scenario. Would consider dropping him for a vet. Post June 1st designation frees up 4.5m if you go there. Want a deal in place before pulling the trigger.
3. TE - I'm going to draft a younger one. Hoping he's a better blocker than Hoo-Man.
We have a couple of other guys who can be extended to save money; Arrington, Browner and Vollmer. I'm going to hold off on those. Now, the draft. I want a dt who can play in the rotation, a guard who can push Wendell and Fleming. Should be able to start. The rest is really depth. I think the Ravens are our biggest threats in the AFC. Want to get a little bigger and tougher to compete with them. That strategy won't hurt against our divisional opponents either. They seem to be going with big, tough defenses and running games too.
1. Trading 32 and 96 to move up and get a DT; Jordan Phillips, Malcolm Brown or Goldman. I think we can get to 25 with Carolina. They need picks because they're drafting much lower than they should. I'll say Jordan Phillips for now.
2. Laken Tomlinson - G - Duke - I think he can start as a rookie. Big, smart and strong player. Isn't that what you want in your RG?
3. tRADED
3 Supple - Preston Smith - DE - Miss St - Not that true pass rusher. But, if you're running a 4-2-5 as your base most of the time. The LDE has to be a bit of an anchor vs the run. Take him out and put a pass rusher in obvious passing situations. Like Hightower. Has a year or two to develop behind Ninko.
4 fm TB - David Cobb - RB - Minnesota - May not be here. But, I think he might become a starter with a year or two in a pro S&C program.
4 Shaq Mason - G - Ga Tech - 8th or 9th OL in 2015. Replaces Wendell in your gameday 7 OL in 2016 because he can prob learn to be back-up C. Battles Fleming for G spot.
6 Blake Bell - TE - Oklahoma - Big body and a decent athlete.
7 K. Smelter - WR - Georgia Tech - Required pic. Just kidding Manx.
7 T. Williams - DT - ECU - Takes more than one body to replace VW