with the O line slowly getting back to health, I like the way the offense is looking. I'd like to see a 1st day pick used on the right side of the line, but I think we get through this year with what we have there, with the following caveat regarding TE:
TE - little concerned that we don't have a proven blocking specialist. Without a true "road grader" type lineman in our front five, especially with Neal out, our running game is a question mark, even with the talent in the backfield. Still, we are very solid at the position if you look around the league.
RB - no 2004 Cory Dillon or 2005 Curtin Martin, but assuming Jordan pans out perhaps more depth than we've seen in a few decades.
QB - I have high hopes for O' Connell as our #2 by end of season, so I see this as an upgrade from last year.
D Line - It'd be nice to get an upgrade on the second team, over Smith or Wright, but barring the unthinkable we're fine here. Titas Adams is not a bad practice squad player from what he showed ( IMO) .
LB - Totally depends on where the injuries happen. I'm personally very high on the rookies, so I like the depth at those positions. I'm pessimistic on Woods and Alexander. An injury to Thomas or Bruschi could have major impact , depending on severity.
I think we cut it very close waiting until 2008 to add depth to the LB corps...lets hope we didn't cut it too close. A Seau return would be a welcome sight, but other than him I think we roll with the current group.
Safety - Would love to see an upgrade at SS next year, I think we get one more year tops from Rodney and while Sanders is solid, he'll never be spectacular. In other words, he'll save the big play, but not the third down conversion, at least with any consistency. Merrieweather may be solid if he softens up those stone hands.
CB - We're fine. I for one an relieved we cut Bryant and believe O'neal is going to shine with a fresh start and good coaching. The rookies provide solid depth....they will both get burnt on occasion but they are learning from the best in the business and will be very solid in time.
I do'nt know why I answer in such a long winded fashion but it was fun..... in summary, I 'm happy with the depth we have, especially with the addition of O'neal.