We have now traded one pick for a player and secured two 2008 picks. We have drafted a future starter. We have two fourths and some long shots to go in the draft. I expect that we will continue to move into 2008 whenever we can. bb obviously doesn't like this draft and already has plenty of new faces from free agency and from players returning from IR who will provide improvement over last year's playoff squad.
I agree that few rookies will make this team. I assume that we are discussing the 53 man roster, and excluding the Practice Squad. I think that 5 is about the max, and it could be fewer. My 56 man roster (including Samuel on some list or traded and Jackson and Jackson on the PUP) does not include any of the list below. Rookies will need them out first, before beating out my preliminary roster. I already have include Meriweather on my roster. Brown could also be on the PUP.
RB Hill
OL Mruczskowski, Barthelmes
WR Childress, Smith, Kight
TE Kranchick
DL Thomas
DB Williams, Spann, Andrews, Baker
P Burger, Malone
In addition, I expect a couple of free agents, yet to be signed, to make the roster.
The obvious choices for draft upgrade is at linebacker, but bb seems insistent to find those players in free agency. Ditto for a short yardage running back. Perhaps we will see a late QB pick.
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2007 COMPARED WITH LAST YEAR'S PLAYOFF TEAM
OFFENSE
I expect that we are much stronger after the addition of the receivers. I do expect a short yardage back to complete the offense.
DEFENSE
The DL is already one of the best. Smith and Hill at #6 and #7 are OK, although they could be upgraded.
The LB's are improved from the playoffs. We have replaced Banta-Cain with Thomas. We should add at least one veteran to replace Alexander's time, and in case of injury.
The defensive backfield is clearly better if Samuel plays, perhaps even if he doesn't. James and Meriweather have been added. Harrison, Gay, Wilson and Mitchell are back from injuries.
