RayClay
Hall of Fame Poster
- Joined
- Nov 14, 2005
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“The race is not always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet.”
I'm no scout, likely neither are you. However, we need to evaluate for the future, what we have and where we can improve.
No binkies here. If a player makes the team from nowhere and becomes a lock, that's rare. Most players need to make the team every year, at least a young team like ours.
You're realistic assessment of where we can offer "competition" to players next year.
Brady's good. Not talking about backups here.
RB
BJGE - great effort and character. I see at least two new RBs and Taylor gone and Morris too perhaps. I doubt we end up with BJ as a starter, but if he wins the job, more power to him. I would really work on my agility and pass catching if I were him.
Woodhead can start as a 3rd down back IMO. As Faulk showed, it's a matter of reliability if you can be a change of pace guy and pass catcher and Woody can. Not a hard position to fill talent wise, since these undersized smurfs don't have a lot of options.
TE
Beat these guys out, I dare you. 2 future stars and a great blocking TE with a lot of tread on the tires. Crumpler is a great option as a possession guy in a pinch, not so much when has to move.
WR
Or slot or whatever. Welker will hopefully bounce back in year two flexibility wise. Branch is fine, but not in his prime. Tate needs to win a job from the draftees and Price. We need a Branch of old type, in my opinion. Those quick and fast route runners excel here. the big long striders, not so much. Edelman needs to win a job. Probably at least two serious contenders from FA or draft.
OL
Need to stock the pond here. My choice would be Vollmer at LT with RT and guard/center options in the
draft. Whatever business occurs with Mankins dictates that.
DL
Wilfork is gold, the rest need to win jobs. I see no sacred cows here. Hope Brace proves solid and Gerard Warren make it barring some spectacular rookies. If Ty comes back strong, their's a real squeeze. Our top pick, or picks goes to a DE if available.
Great effort by this group and i love them dearly, but it's a bidness.
ILB
Barring character issues (hello Brandon) we seem to have the right rotation of the right players in the right place. Guyton's affordable and in the role he's best suited for. Don't see any openings in this group.
OLB/DE
I think a premier DE and other D Line improvements helps this group, but i just don't know. Apparently overall improvement has been made, but i would like to see somebody pick up an O lineman and throw him at the QB for a change. Don't really know if it's a talent, scheme or experience issue here, so I'll just say a dominating pass rusher from within or without.
Safety Good, deep group. Is Chung badly injured, or did he just disappear? Is Meriweather a head case? We've seemed to have good talent here, but never quite delivered solid consistent play. except for sanders, the guy everyone hates?
Good young group, but some more competition or moves isn't out of the question.
CB sure looks good with McCourty and Bodden. some competition for backups, but damn, that Arrington is the definition of winning a job! Unfortunately, it will be a backup job, but i don't think you could keep him off the team with a sledgehammer.
The rest is ifs and buts, candy and nuts. Some talent, some experience, but backup jobs could be won.
Obviously, some players won jobs on special teams and we need to keep on improving there. Wondering if the coaching is up to par. Could be something to watch. Of course Gost kicking it into the stands will help.
Your thoughts on needs?
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