AFCE Offseason thread

[Jets81]

So the Jets, Bills, and Phins all had pretty crappy seasons and all have some glaring needs. The purpose of this thread is to find out what you think your teams problems are, what you expect in FA, and who you think your team will take in the draft. I'll get the ball rolling with the Jets major needs as I see them.


Offensive needs:

1. 60% of the O-line:

The Jets OL was a disaster last season. The departure of Pete Kendal was underrated by the CS and many fans (myself included) alike. Having given up 53 sacks last season, the focus should be solidifying the line too allow Clemington time to read through it's options at least once. The Jets are also in need of a mauler to get some push up front, where they were overpowered by more physical lines last season.

FA Prospects:

Alan Faneca: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...ort=NFL&id=641
Stacey Andrews: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2834
Ryan Lilja: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=3005
Jordan Gross: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2366
Sean Locklear: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2667
Jacob Bell: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2843

Draft Prospects:

Jake Long: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=10082
Gosder Cherilius: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings....php?pyid=9100
Barry Richardson: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=32915
Carl Nicks: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=72756


2. A Playmaker:

The next issue will be having a tall, speedy WR that makes a nice go-to target and will allow the Jets to stretch the field a bit. Jericho Cotchery has proven to be a solid #2 receiver. Coles is as gutsy a player as there is in the NFL, but he's getting older and he's taken a lot of hits. Durability is a concern from here on out. The Jets have no legitimate option at the 3rd WR spot. The Brad Smith experiment is proving to be slow in developing and Justin McCarains should be bagging groceries next season (if he can hold onto them). WR Chansi Stuckey could be a viable 3rd option if he can stay healthy.

Thomas Jones is a solid workhorse with limited big play potential. Leon Washington is the Jets biggest threat when he's on the field.

FA Prospects:

Bernard Berrian: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...port=NFL&id=36
Bryant Johnson: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2092

Draft Prospects:

Darren McFadden: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=56491
Chris Johnson: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=80717
Matt Forte: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=33758
James Hardy: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=33065
Limas Sweed: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings....php?pyid=8826

3. QB:

Chad Penningtons performance early in the season landed him on the bench. Throwing horrible picks at the worst possible times left Eric Mangini with no other choice then to go to the 2nd round draft pick Kellen Clemens to see if he could provide some kind of spark. He didn't, at least not in the flashy, gunslinger kind of way that most Jets fans were probably hoping for. The Jets win total did increase, however, which could mean that the starting position will be Clemens to lose heading into TC next season. With some playing time under his belt and the addition of Bill Callahan to the Jets CS, the Jets offense should be receiving a face lift heading into next season, which could be tailored to Clemens strengths. However unlikely it may be, the Jets might consider drafting a day 2 QB. This could hint at a possible Pennington trade, or the possibility that the Jets CS wasn't sold on Clemens during his 7 game tryout.

FA Prospects:

Billy Volek: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...ort=NFL&id=231
Josh McCown: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2090

Draft Prospects:

Eric Ainge: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=33664
Joe Flacco: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings....php?pyid=9300


4. TE:

Chris Baker is a solid pass catching TE, but leaves something to be desired on the blocking end of things. The Jets would benefit greatly from a solid blocking TE in the running game. They need help any way they can get it.


FA Prospects:

No guess here

Draft Prospects:

Kellen Davis: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=61174
Brad Cottam: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=17440


Defensive Needs:

1. A Defensive Line:

The Jets didn't do much of anything well along the defensive line last season. Teams ran the ball down there throat most of the year and they all had what seemed like an eternity to throw the ball in passing situations. The Jets lack a solid 3-4 DT and a pass rushing DE, and it showed to the tune of 29 registered sacks, opponents having a success rate of 42% on 3rd down, and allowing over 130 rushing yards a game. After fixing the OL, the DL is the next spot on this team in need of serious attention. Between Jared Allen, Albert Haynsworth, and a number of DT/DE prospects available in the draft where the Jets will be picking, there is no reason to believe that the Jets will ignore one of there biggest needs this offseason.

Free Agent Prospects:

Albert Haynsworth: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2636
Jared Allen: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2837
Corey Williams: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2876

Draft Prospects:

Vernon Gholston: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=10412
Chris Long: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=33806
Sedrick Ellis: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=15666
Glen Dorsey: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=33156
Derrick Harvey: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=33156
Darrell Robertson: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=61382
Red Bryant: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings....php?pyid=8859



2. Linebacker:

The Jets are in an interesting position at the LB spot this offseason. The emergence of rookie David Harris might just have made fish out of water Jon Vilma expendable. There's little denying that Vilma's production has tailed off since the implementation of Eric Mangini's 3-4 scheme, and with Harris playing lights out most of the season it appears that the Jets have found the man in the middle that they've been looking for. The extent of Vilma's injury may put the Jets in a position where it will be more worthwhile too see how he plays at RILB along Harris and whatever addition the Jets bring in to play ROLB. Eric Barton is serviceable and David Bowens is a solid option for passing downs. If the Jets bring in a guy like Gholston, Bryan Thomas recaptures his 06' form, and Vilma can play in harmony next to Harris, the Jets LB core could become one of, if not the best in the league.

FA Prospects:

Terrell Suggs: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2237

Draft Prospects:

Quentin Groves: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=16980
Ali Highsmith: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=16980
Shawn Crable: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=10055
Vernon Gholston: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=10412


3. Defensive Back:

For a rookie who missed most of TC, Darrel Revis had a pretty impressive year. He went up against the best WR's in the league and did more then hold his own. A baptism by fire of sorts, he did give up some big plays this season, but who wouldn't going against the likes of Randy Moss, Terrel Owens, and Braylon Edwards? After a slow start Kerry Rhodes (along with the rest of the defense) came on towards the end of he season. His numbers should have earned him his first PB appearance, but with living legends like John Lynch (snicker) still active, he'll have to wait for his turn. Hank Poteat has preformed admirably in his role, and Justin Millers return could help the group out even more if he can put it all together on the defensive side of things. Speculation is that The Jets may court Assante Samuel, a move that would bolster what is already the strongest position on the team.

FA Prospects:

Assante Samuel: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=1127
Drayton Florence: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...ort=NFL&id=631
Randall Gay: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...rt=NFL&id=2965
Nnamdi Asomugha: http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pla...ort=NFL&id=779

Draft Prospects:

Antoine Cason: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=14970
DeJuan Tribble: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings....php?pyid=9177
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings...php?pyid=72974


Any input on this list would be appreciated. Anyone I've missed as a prospect or opinions on needs and position breakdowns would be appreciated as well.

I'm interested to see what the rest of the AFCE thinks they need heading into this offseason as well, so lets hear it! Beats talking about the Patriots right? :D

 

[like2god]

Miami Dolphins

Needs:

1. A new defense - That may sound a bit extreme, but when you consider that Miami will be switching to a 3/4 fulltime and their players don't really fit that, there will be a pretty dramatic turnover. We need a true NT, the LBing core needs some serious help and Will Allen is the only sure thing in the secondary.

Solution:
Draft one of the following players at #1 (Dorsey, C. Long, Ellis, Gholston)
Draft heavily on defense, period. There are alot of goood players available this year
Sign Shaun Rogers or Jason Ferguson if either player hits FA
Sign a guy like Trufant in FA, but stay clear of Asante.
Gibril Wilson may be considered


2. A true #1 WR - There are a few intriguing names on the market, but I hope the Dolphins are wise enough to do this rebuild right and stay away from the big names. A guy like Ocho Cinco will not change the fortunes of this team and will only become a distraction during the rebuilding process. We need someone to play opposite of Ginn, along with depth at the WR position.

Solution:
Stay away from the "quick fix" (Ocho, Williams, etc)
Bryant Johnson might be a possiblity
This draft is pretty deep at the WR position

3. OL - The OL performed really well for most of the year, but lost their way towards the end of the season. With Parcells and Co. calling the shots there could be a pretty big emphasis on the OL. With Carey and Satele the only players certain to be back, there are some holes that might need to be filled. It all depends on if Hadnot is retained and if LJ Shelton is a Parcells player.

Solution:
FA - Flozell Adams, Ryan Lilja, Floyd Womack, and even Feneca could be options. I'd prefer to stay away from the big names, but Womack might be a good fit.
Draft, Draft, Draft - Look for Miami to address both the OL and DL in the draft.

4. TE is a must - 'nuff said

Solution:
Draft Martellus Bennett or Brad Cottam
FA is kind of thin in the TE department

All in all, Miami has alot of holes that need to be filled and that won't happen in one offseason. This is a rebuilding team and we need to stockpile draft picks and draft our own players, instead of trading them away for the "quick fix". Trading picks for established players is considered "retooling" and that rarely works. This team is going to have to suffer through a year or 2 of painful football, but it will all be worth it if the rebuild is done the right way.

 

[Jets81]

Now that I think about it, I'm not so sure I like this. Miami switching to a full time 3-4 creates more competition for the Jets to land players both in FA and the draft.

The Jets also seem to be looking draft for OL. I'm hoping they do take a chance or 2 (Cherilius in particular) on some young talent but adding a guy like Faneca could be just what the line needs to get nasty.

All in all, Miami has alot of holes that need to be filled and that won't happen in one offseason. This is a rebuilding team and we need to stockpile draft picks and draft our own players, instead of trading them away for the "quick fix". Trading picks for established players is considered "retooling" and that rarely works. This team is going to have to suffer through a year or 2 of painful football, but it will all be worth it if the rebuild is done the right way.

I feel the same way here too some degree. Way to many needs to fill in one offseason, especially with a big old ? at QB. If recent history is any indicator, this should be an "on" year for the Jets. The Jets, like the Phins at times, were in a lot of there games down to the wire. It makes me wonder if the right 2-3 moves and a little luck can have them back in the hunt for a WC spot.

 

[Mike13]

3. OL - The OL performed really well for most of the year, but lost their way towards the end of the season. With Parcells and Co. calling the shots there could be a pretty big emphasis on the OL. With Carey and Satele the only players certain to be back, there are some holes that might need to be filled. It all depends on if Hadnot is retained and if LJ Shelton is a Parcells player.

Solution:
FA - Flozell Adams, Ryan Lilja, Floyd Womack, and even Feneca could be options. I'd prefer to stay away from the big names, but Womack might be a good fit.
Draft, Draft, Draft - Look for Miami to address both the OL and DL in the draft

Dude I'd kill for any of those big names and I can see where you're comming from given the Joey Porter Flop.
But Faneca is beast and I dont se him flopping, Flozell is up there in age though and thus has a higher chance of flopping.
I wouldnt mind Max Starks he is a very talented LT who could easily be a starter.

 

[like2god]

Now that I think about it, I'm not so sure I like this. Miami switching to a full time 3-4 creates more competition for the Jets to land players both in FA and the draft.

The Jets also seem to be looking draft for OL. I'm hoping they do take a chance or 2 (Cherilius in particular) on some young talent but adding a guy like Faneca could be just what the line needs to get nasty.

It just makes the offseason that much more interesting.

I feel the same way here too some degree. Way to many needs to fill in one offseason, especially with a big old ? at QB. If recent history is any indicator, this should be an "on" year for the Jets. The Jets, like the Phins at times, were in a lot of there games down to the wire. It makes me wonder if the right 2-3 moves and a little luck can have them back in the hunt for a WC spot.

Lets hope it's an off year. :)

 

[like2god]

Dude I'd kill for any of those big names and I can see where you're comming from given the Joey Porter Flop.

It's not the Porter signing that has me down on big name FA's (I actually think that Porter was misused last year), I just feel that this is a rebuilding team and we need to focus on grooming young players, instead of having those positions filled by high priced FA's.

But Faneca is beast and I dont se him flopping, Flozell is up there in age though and thus has a higher chance of flopping.
I wouldnt mind Max Starks he is a very talented LT who could easily be a starter.

The thing with Faneca is he'll be 31 next season and he'll be looking for Hutchinson/Dockery money. If we were a playoff caliber team I would be all for it, but we are 2 or 3 years away from challenging for the playoffs. I would prefer to see what Mormino can do, see what Hadnot's asking price is, see if we can draft a G like Heath Benedict and if we do go the FA route, maybe take a look at the next tier FA class like Floyd Womack of the Seahawks.

JMO though

 

[Mike13]

The thing with Faneca is he'll be 31 next season and he'll be looking for Hutchinson/Dockery money. If we were a playoff caliber team I would be all for it, but we are 2 or 3 years away from challenging for the playoffs. I would prefer to see what Mormino can do, see what Hadnot's asking price is, see if we can draft a G like Heath Benedict and if we do go the FA route, maybe take a look at the next tier FA class like Floyd Womack of the Seahawks.

I thought Faneca was younger, and yeah he'll demand a lot of cash so it is cheaper to draft a solid O-lineman.
But getting a guy like Flozell or Faneca does open up options in the draft.

 

[Jets81]

I thought Faneca was younger, and yeah he'll demand a lot of cash so it is cheaper to draft a solid O-lineman.
But getting a guy like Flozell or Faneca does open up options in the draft.

Faneca might only be on the top of his game for another 2-3 years, but that doesn't mean he won't be able to continue to play at a reasonable level beyond that. All depends on his asking price.

 

[Straztheman]

Draft Kellen Davis.

 

[TomBradyWoot]

I'll play. Obviously, for the Pats. It's tough because there's so many retirement questions (especially if they win) but I'll do my best to guess at who stays and who goes.

LB Core.
The "aging LBs" has been used for about 5 years and they're still performing very well. Colvin going down for the year has hurt a ton, even though it seems to have gone un-noticed largely, it's been a major difference. AD will have his second year in the system and that can only help (As it did for Colvin). I think Seau and Bruschi may be back for one more year, but regardless a young replacement must be found. Someone to spell on passing downs is a must. While they are good enough in run support, pass coverage they are weak. If Gates is 100% in the AFC title game, he catches the TD pass Bruschi knocked away. James Laurinaitis returning for his senior season is a blow because IMO, he was a top target. As was Malcolm Jenkins but that's a different topic. Someone like Erin Henderson or Keith Rivers might be a target in the draft, and a long shot such as Vernon Gholston with that DE/OLB hybrid may be looked at. It's a weak position in FA, with the possibility they take a run at someone like the once thought of highly Boss Bailey. Bottom line is the position does need to be addressed, however that's been said for a few years.

Defensive back.
It's very likely Asante is gone, leaving a huge hole at one cornerback spot. Ellis Hobbs is a decent #2 corner but he shouldn't be a team's #1. To make matters worse, nickleback Randall Gay is also a FA and may look for a chance to start at either CB or FS. However, if he's satisfied being in that sub role, he could come back as an important member. Jets are rumored to be targeting him. Oft-injured and benched FS Eugene Wilson is a FA and may also want more playing time, with Brandon Meriweather ready to go. James Sanders has taken the other safety spot, and I think Rodney Harrison will retire if the Pats win. If he stays, the safety position is in very good shape. I don't see Belichick shelling out top money for a cornerback, so it's possible they could make a run at Drayton Florence and focus on rushing the passer. Mike Jenkins, Antoine Cason, or Aquib Talib are all draft possibilities - although not all at #7.

Offensive Line + Defensive Line.
Both units are pretty much set, with almost everybody locked up for a while. The only issue may be getting Vince Wilfork ('09) signed to a long term deal. They have solid backups (Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Russ Hochstein, Ryan O'Callaghan) and depth.

Tight End.
They should focus on retaining Kyle Brady. He's happy to just play part time, be a blocker, and not be a big part of the offense. They have Ben Watson and David Thomas (IR) and should be okay.

Quarterback.
I'll ignore the obvious. There's the rumors of sucking someone into a Matt Cassel deal for a draft pick, and if that happens they will need another QB option.

Running Back.
Position is fine. Maroney, Faulk, and Morris (IR) and they like Heath Evans. There lies the possibility they draft a young backup and cut ties with Kyle Eckel.

Wide Receiver.
I think Moss comes back. Stallworth is gone ($8Mil roster bonus). Gaffney stays. That leaves you with Moss, Gaffney, Welker, Chad Jackson, Kelley Washington. Jackson needs to step it up, as I believe he's got one more year to prove himself or he's on the outs. They will probably take a late round flier on a project WR from a small school to fill out the position in camp.

Special Teams.
Gostkowski is young. They need to find a new punter. Chris Hansen blows. Welker and Hobbs on returns are fine, although it wouldn't surprise me to see them draft a WR/PR or CB/PR to take Welker off.


Most of the needs are on the defensive side of the ball, which I don't think is any coincidence since Belichick is a defensive coach and feels he can "plug and play" just about anybody. Obviously, the impending loss of Asante Samuel is a huge blow but, so was Ty Law supposed to be. I'm sure they will make do but only if a viable replacement is found. The LBs could be hit hard by retirement but even if it is, Vrabel-Colvin-Thomas is a pretty solid trio just to start. They are good and young in the trenches, which is very important, and have the 7th pick in the draft. While another undefeated regular season is very unlikely, it's hard to not see this team being the favorite going into next season.

 

[like2god]

I'll play. Obviously, for the Pats. It's tough because there's so many retirement questions (especially if they win) but I'll do my best to guess at who stays and who goes.

If you guys don't trade down, I think you might be looking at Gholston. I also wouldn't be surprised to see NE make a gutsy/risky move and draft Dominique Rogers-Cromartie with that pick if and when Asante leaves.

 

[Jets81]

If you guys don't trade down, I think you might be looking at Gholston. I also wouldn't be surprised to see NE make a gutsy/risky move and draft Dominique Rogers-Cromartie with that pick if and when Asante leaves.

The idea of Vernon Gholston in a Patriots uniform terrifies me.

 

[like2god]

The idea of Vernon Gholston in a Patriots uniform terrifies me.

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