Liked:
1.) Drafting Sean Smith
- I think Sean Smith was excellent value at #61. He possesses a rare size/speed ratio, and his overall atletic ability is top-notch. I think he defensive back skills are good and will only get better - lots of upside here.
2.) Making a coaching change at offensive line
- While Jake Long played great, the rest of the guys were just ok. The pass blocking was solid during the season and fell apart during the playoffs. The run blocking was below average too much of the time. Plus, reports indicated that Mike Maser was not an effective communicator/motivator, and got too cranky too easily.
3.) Bringing back Jason Taylor at a bargain basement price
- What a series of mind games, posturing, and subsequent transactions by Parcells & Co. during the past year in dealing with Jason. They stayed patient and then fleeced the Redskins when their starting DE went down in training camp. Then, they played the leverage game wonderfully in getting him back. As a situational 3-4 pass rusher, I couldn't think of anyone better for the money.
Disliked
1.) Signing Jake Grove over Jason Brown
- Brown is a younger, bigger, more talented version of Grove. I don't understand passing him up. Grove may prove to have a better year or couple of years, but on paper, this looks like a clear loss. And don't tell me that it was all about the money - because Grove got plenty and the Fins are in decent cap shape.
2.) Passing on Rey Maualuga and Hakeem Nicks for Vontae Davis
- I may be way off on this, but initially, I was bummed that we passed on these two in favor of Davis. Time will tell...
3.) Not signing a veteran wide receiver (Torry Holt?)
- This may still change, but I thought it would have been a good idea to briing in a veteran that would push for playing time while serving as a mentor for the very young WR corps.
I agree with some of what you said. The passing of Rey Maualuga was big miss, but I think Vontae is going to be good. Jake Grove is a better bargain than Jason Brown. And I think the FO thought center was our biggest hole, since we have justin smiley coming back next year, why get a guard who is in my opinion over paid.
Here is my list:
1. Drafting Pat White- this guy is going to be a very versatile player for us. he can run the 'cat, he can catch the ball, he can run and best of all, he can be a GREAT qb. What other college QB can say he won all 4 bowl games? And he has a cannon for an arm. We have our Michael Vick, minus the stupidity
2. Not trading Ronnie- Ronnie is in a contract year. This can be a very good year for him. He knows Miami may potentially keep him, or he may get a big pay from another team next season. I think he will be fired up and Ricky will keep pushing him to be better. Notice Ronnie's beste seasons have been when Ricky is with him.
3. Signing Crowder, Bell, Wilson, Wake, Taylor- these guys will be a catalyst for success on defense for us. Wilson is a big upgrade at safety and having the likes of Bell with him gives us a pretty potent safety lineup. Signing taylor will allow cameron wake to develop as a player in this league. Wake will learn from one of the best versatile DE/LB in the game. Crowder is a horse and can only get better from here.
Things I didn't like:
1. Not trading for Boldin/Edwards- We need a big play WR. Ginn hasn't blossomed into one...yet..and he needs time to develop. I think adding one of those two guys would solidify our WR corp and have a guy who can take a small gain into a big one. I would prefer Boldin, but bringing Edwards back with Henne would be big for the future.
2. Not finding a playmaking tightend- Fasano picks his spots and so does David Martin. But we need a guy who was like McMichael who can make big plays over the middle and be big between the 20s.
