Originally posted by NCommand:
I'm absolutely loving this off season so far!
While from a team building strategy perspective, DT's (and DE's now) are a dime a dozen, and we've proven you can have a #1 defense with a ton of average players rotating because of Kocurek annually, getting a proven A-list 3T in Javon Hargrave who's specialty is pass rush, is a home run. That's like adding Trent Williams to your offensive line. It raises the entire unit both in production and standards. His two best games were in the playoffs and his best game was against us. He loves big games.
Remember last year when the analytics showed Charvarius Ward was an ascending player despite playing on an average Chiefs defense? Isaiah Oliver could be another....ascending SCB who will now get to hone his skills this entire off season vs. rehabbing an ACL. He could become electric for us. He can blitz, play inside, outside, is a willing tackler in the box and some local media said he could play some FS too as well.
Resigning Jake Brendel was massive ensuring 4 of the 5 starting OL stay together. Continuity is huge. I was a big advocate for him early and wanted him resigned. Well done FO. If anyone hasn't listened to it yet, Maiocco did an interview with him and nobody outworks this guy...no days off whatsoever. So I do expect him to gain some strength, muscle and refinement in his game this off season. My only concern early was how he'd finish a 17+ schedule. He didn't fade like so many OL before him. He should be a top 10 C consistently when it's all said and done.
Resigning Tashaun Gipson was another great move. Wilks will eventually want that rangy C3 FS and you can bet your ass that FS is coming in this draft with 1 of our top 3 picks. Gipson is not only a really good player who generates TO's but mentor for Hufanga and he'll train his replacement this year to carry on that legacy after he leaves.
If we've learned anything from the injury thread or in general, Kyle needs 14 QB's, 25 RB's, 40 WR's, 15 TE's, and 100 OL a year to run his offense. And that's a fact. LOL. Adding Sam Darnold to be true competitive depth is smart. And we'll draft another for the PS too.
Defense - Cheap project ER's and DT are what we do best so adding, Clelin Ferrell and resigning Kevin Givens and T.Y. McGill are very smart and underrated signings. This is John Lynch's ultimate fantasy. More are coming as we'll always keep at least 10.
Special Teams - Myles Hartsfield will replace Tarvarius Moore and has real S experience and is a known product to Wilks. Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles is competition at SAM and a really good ST player. Taybor Pepper is a stud and keeps continuity.
Specialty - Nobody has been able to stop 3rd and Juan (Jennings) and Swing T Colton McKivitz is a solid resign too that adds to the competition and depth.
What's next? With Trent Williams guaranteed to miss games and already talking about retiring this off season and Mike McGlinchey moving on, you can bet your ass T will be a top pick in the draft and I wouldn't be surprised to see a package to move up. The OL outdid all our expectations last year but they struggled in the post season again so keep stacking talent there and let Foerster develop them properly. I'd expect some late veterans to be brought in as well to add to the competition pool.
FS should be the next top target in Wilks scheme. And of course, you can never add too much talent at CB. Finally, this is a deep TE class so expect a top pick there as well or a guy like Austin Hooper brought in to finally give Kyle what he's been looking for since he arrived.
PK? Expect pick #99 to be used here.Hopefully Gould will come back cheap or we go with pick #216 there.
If you take a deep dive into the projected 53, there just aren't many holes. That said, FA isn't over. I could give you a nice list of moneyball players we've brought in in the final phase of FA and post-cuts (e.g. Gipson). More are coming.
Aside from our major health issues, unit pass protection, QB play and secondary costing us in the end, this is still the deepest roster in football that is adding A-list talent on top of it from CMC to Hargrave.
If this team gets a bit more health and maybe one more difference-maker, and a couple second year players or starters (e.g. Burford, Jackson, etc.) taking a leap forward, you're looking at #6 in the very near future. Enjoy the ride! There's never a dull moment with this team.
Good post NC! Makes up for the time you were missing, was weird not seeing you post or fighting with someone lol
