I think the loss to the Ravens highlighted 3 areas in which we have personnel deficiencies. I have said for 3 years I think we need more depth at WR and once again that was exposed in a big game. I have been a little disapointed with Lloyd this year, although he has had his moments. I just don't think he has gotten open enough down the field or over the middle to make an impact. I also don't like the amount of time he spends on the ground. I get the feeling he tries to make a catch look good that trying to get YAC. I think we need at least 2 WR's, (3 if we don't re-sign Welker). I have always had a preference for bigger receivers, but I think now we need a play-making WR and a big, physical WR.
Another weakness I saw was the safety play, especially Gregory. I'll give the CB's some slack because of Dowling going on IR and Talib having injury issues. I also think McCourty will develop with a full offseason and training camp as a Safety. But I think the other starting spot definitely needs to be upgraded and I think the lack of confidence in our safeties has had a major impact on our defense. I think a lack of confidence/trust in the back of the secondary means we are forced to play a much more conservative defensive style with less room for exotic blitzes because we are forced to keep two guys back. I think a playmaking safety would do wonders for this defense.
The 3rd area I think we need to improve for next season is the defensive front 4. We simply haven't been able to get consistent pressure with just 4 guys, especially when Chandler Jones was out of the lineup. I love Ninko but I think he's most valuable using his versatility rather than just a pure down DE. We also need more pressure from the interior DL, especially on 3rd down where we have had trouble.
Having said that, this is what I would like to see with the draft and free agency right now.
Re-Sign
WR- Welker
CB- Talib
RT- Vollmer
WR- Edelman
Sign
DL- Armond Armstead
I think this is the key move as a guy who can play as a base 4-3 DE and move inside on passing downs. Everyone wants this guy so I would pay to make sure we get him.
Trades
1(29) to Minn for 2(52) + 3(83) + 4(117)
Could really be any team around that area, Minny just matches up points wise and has and extra 4th.
3(91) to Cle for 4(101) + 5(132)
Just maneuvering for an extra pick
2(52)- WR- Justin Hunter- Tennessee (53- CBS)
Normally I don't go for the raw, high upside WR, but if Hunter is available in the mid 2nd I would jump all over him. He has the highest athletic upside of any WR since Calvin Johnson, and has an elite combination of speed, length and ball skills. His style reminds me of a combination of AJ Green and Randy Moss (I said style not comparing skills) and the way he attacks the ball down the field reminds me of Torrey Smith. He is only a year removed from a serious knee injury so he still isn't back to 100% yet, but his upside is immense. He can certainly be the deep threat people have been calling for for years, but could also be so much more. This is a deep WR class so I would also be happy with Terrence Williams or Cordarrelle Patterson here.
2(59)- WR- Da'Rick Rogers- Tennessee Tech (59)
This is assuming his character checks out, if not I also really like Markus Wheaton, Robert Woods or a small trade back for Cobi Hamilton. Rogers is the physical target I would like to see us add on the outside to add some toughness to our WR core. I love his route versatility and competitiveness on the field. He is a real football guy so I think he could really benefit from being part of this Organization.
3(83)- DT- Bennie Logan- LSU (131)
Should definitely be rated higher than 131 (CBS) so I will put him here. Its a deep DT class so he could fall, if so he would be a steal here. He is very strong against the run despite his average size, but he has a strong anchor and uses his hands well. He has long arms and is able to keep lineman away from his body and has violent hands to disengage to make a play. As a pass rusher he is still untapped potential, but there is some skill there.
4(101)- S- TJ McDonald- USC (105)
Last year he was a fringe 1st round talent, now I think he is one of the most underrated players in the draft. One thing that really annoys me is blanked comparisons of player just because they played for the same team. McDonald gets the Taylor Mays comparison all the time and I don't think that is fair. The are both big, athletic hitters, but McDonald is so much more than that. He is the leader of the USC defense and was named Team Captain as a Junior. He has a good pedigree (Father Tim was a 6 time All Pro Safety) and is very instinctive and experienced. I love his play-making ability, although he will need to play with more control in the NFL (he has had a few helmet to helmet penalties the last 2 years). Overall I love this kid and what he could bring to this defense.
4(117)- OL- Terron Armstead- Arkansas-Pine Bluff (178)
Okay, I'm sold. Obviously a favorite on here and I can see why. Love not only his athletic ability, but he seems to have very good fundamentals. I don't think you could ask for a better blank canvas to give to Dante. I think he has potential as both a OT and OG.
5(132)- TE- Michael Williams- Alabama (193)
Gotta fit my Binkie in there. I really like Hoomawa.... but I think Williams would be a solid upgrade. I've already given my opinion on Williams a thousand times so I won't bore you anymore.
7(202)- DL- Damion Square- Alabama (533)
Another binkie, I think Square has an NFL future. I like him as a base LE while shifting inside on passing downs. At worst he is camp depth and competition on the DL.
7(219)- LB- Kenny Tate- Maryland (340)
A former board binkie that has really been hit by injury the last few years. Why not take a shot late in the 7th.
I am also banking on the development of some of our young guys. I hope Jones, Hightower and Dennard can continue to develop and avoid a sophmore slump. I am also looking for Bequette, Dowling and Francis to step up and contribute. I have been a big fan of Marcus Forston for many years and if he can stay healthy and live up to his potential, he could be a very good interior sub rusher for us.