I couldn't disagree more about this team being closer than people think. Sure, the cap situation isn't as bad as people might believe, but I think this team is as far away from being a contender since before Philben was named the head coach. The defense needs a total rebuild. The whole linebacking corps needs to be replaced along with it's depth. Jenkins may be the only guy you could get away with putting on the field every week, but that's only if your other two starting linebackers are above average because I think Jenkins is average at best. I believe that you need two starting boundary cornerbacks. Grimes looks washed up to me plus I hate the fact that he is so short. It is time to add some height to the corner position. The only young guy that has shown some promise at the position is Bobby McCain and he is another short nickel corner. I think the defense needs to add at least two defensive ends. There is not a legitimate pass rusher at that position on the whole roster without Wake. The free safety position could be upgraded for sure. On the offensive side of the ball, the situation is less dire. I believe a lot of pieces are in place, even on the offensive line. They just need a better coordinator, some time to "grow" together, and some depth.
I believe the best way to fix this mess is to add as much talent as possible through the draft and use free agency to fill some holes with cheap one year type contracts until the core of the team is talented enough to the point where you can almost ignore free agency altogether. I believe it will take at least a few years unfortunately.
