I think there are always areas that can be improved upon and we always need depth for camp and injury cover. I've gone back and forth on the Emmanuel Sanders thing and I've decided that isn't a move I would make. I like his talent but I'm unsure if his style of play will really fix some of our deficiencies. I would certainly take him if he was a true FA, but having to give up a draft pick and a front loaded contract makes it too much for me. With it needing to be front loaded so the Steelers would have trouble matching would then handcuff us for the rest of free agency and perhaps not allow us to strengthen some other areas.
Outside of WR I don't think there are any areas that need 'starters' or major pieces so I would categorize these acquisitions as role players or depth signings.
Re-sign WR Julian Edelman
Free Agency Role Players
DE- John Abraham and/or Dwight Freeney
We certainly need another pass rusher and I wouldn't be against both guys. I'm still not sure what teh 'base defense' will be, but in the end there will certainly be enough snaps as situational pass rushers for one of these guys if not both
CB- Nnamdi Asomugha/Antoine Winfield/Brent Grimes/Quinten Jammer
I think we still need a backup outside CB because of Dowling's injury history. I would love Asomugha or Winfield as a buy low veteran candidate, but the guy that has really interested me lately is Jammer. At this stage of his career he probably isn't a full time starter, but I think he would be a great option as a #3 on the outside. I also think he could backup at FS because of his intelligence, leadership and tackling ability. Could solidify two positions.
Free Agent Camp Depth/Roster Battles
NT- Sione Pouha
A legitimate backup NT to give Vince some snaps off and help push Kyle Love. He could also allow Vince to push to LDE in some packages depending on scheme. Should be cheap, quality camp competition and cover for DL injury.
DT- Amobi Akoye
We need more pressure from our interior DL and Akoye could be a decent option as a sub rushing DT.
WR- Mohamed Massaquoi
I like Massaquoi coming out of Georgia and I wouldn't mind taking a shot at him. He flashed some talent in Cleveland and may step up with TB12 at QB. He is a legitimate outside WR at 6'2" 210lbs and worth a shot in camp at the veteran minimum.
WR- Devery Henderson
Although he is getting up there in age Henderson is still a deep threat and could catch on at the bottom of the roster. I would see him as a similar signing to Donte Stallworth last year.
Draft
This is a deep draft and the talent dropoff between the last first and the 3rd round isn't that big. With our lack of picks I am pretty confident we will trade down, accumulate picks and still get some quality players. I would look to do something like this:
Trade 1st for 2nd and 3rd
Trade 2nd for 3rd, 4th and 5th
Trade 5th for two 6ths
2. WR- DeAndre Hopkins/Justin Hunter/Markus Wheaton
3a. WR- Da'Rick Rogers/Terrence Williams/Quinton Patton
We still need two outside WRs and we should be able to get that in the 3nd and 3rd rounds
3b. SS- TJ McDonald/ DJ Swearinger
More depth and talent at S. I love the Wilson signing but we still don't know what we have long term. If this pick means Gregory doesn't make the team then I don't think thats a bad thing. Another SS also adds more versatility to the defense to be able to match up with TE's and passing offenses.
3c. OT- Brennan Williams/Chris Faulk
Can never have too many guys in Dante's dancing academy. Perhaps a long term replacement for Vollmer.
4. RB- Marcus Lattimore/DT- Bennie Logan
Lattimore would purely be a luxury pick but his talent is immense. Logan is more of a need pick but still a quality player.
6. TE- Michael Williams
Hooman is overpaid at his current tender, I think Williams would not only be an upgrade but cheaper too. He is also a very good special teams guy and is as high a character guy as you will find.
6. MLB- Vince Williams
I think Williams could be a long term replacement for Spikes and I honestly don't know why he isn't ranked higher. He looked like a beast on tape to me.
7. WR- Marquess Wilson
Yep another WR. If he can beat out the vets we bring to camp then he will deserve his spot. If we end up with Amendola, Edelman and 3 rookies as our WR group its because they are the best options and they certainly earned their spots. I would take the same approach as last year, bring a lot of guys to camp and let them battle it out.
7. DE/OLB- Walter Stewart
Can never have too many pass rushers and Stewart has huge upside if his health checks out. Maybe a redshirt as a rookie and take over from one of the Vets we sign in a few years.
I would also see whats out there for a Mallett deal. If we can get a 3rd and 2014 conditional pick I would take it. In that scenario I wouldn't trade back from our second 2nd round pick and look at a DT like Sylvester Williams, John Jenkins, Jessie Williams or even a Jonathan Hankins who seems to be falling.
