Our biggest need(s) this offseason?

[Der Philth]

I was thinking this weekend about our biggest areas of concern this offseason. My initial positions of need were QB, CB and OL. But I began to think about it... Gus played great the last half of the season, so maybe QB isn't such an immediate need. And at CB, with Poole coming back, Madison (hopefully) coming back and TDaniels having another year to mature, we could be fine there as well. Now offensive line is an area, pre-Houcke, that I'd say we were in dire need of talent, and that may well be the case. Only coach Houcke knows if smoke and mirrors will be enough this coming season.

So in my opinion, our biggest need, by position, would be linebacker and defensive tackle. With Junior on his way out and Zach getting another year older, maybe it's time to restock the LB corps with fresh blood. And I think we're on the right track with Manny Wright, I think we could use another talented, huge, DT (Vickerson?).

Anyway, if we were lucky enought to sign a Brees and a Peterson in the offseason, I think we'd have to draft OT or ILB early. In which case we'd be in great shape for 2006.

:tantrum:

 

[ChambersWI]

most people will say QB, but IMO it's the secondary. Madison's future is up in the air, Schulters is a FA, Howard will more than likely get cut, K Thomas is a FA, TeBucky might get cut and if he doesn't he's coming off of a serious injury, Poole and Mitchell are both coming back from reconstructive knee surgeries, and LeJune and Jackson suck.

Basically, the only guy who doesn't have any questions about his health/future is Daniels

 

[motioncityhifi]

I still think our greatest needs are in secondary. We need a number 1 corner to replace sam with soon and a capable nickelback. We also need get younger and better at the safetys. Jones is going to be released unless he restructures. Schulters is a free agent. Bell is a restricted free agent. Really only leaves Tillman as our only signed safety that is worth keeping even though I think he should be replaced. I personally want to see a rookie corner and possibly a young safety such as Manuel from Seattle or Hope from Pittsburgh.

 

[LarryFinFan]

While QB is far and away our biggest need this offseason, we just won't get one of the top guys in the first round, so going with CB or S makes more sense there. OL is a need pending Big Mac's situation. I think this will be addressed in FA, not the draft. Alabi probably is still a year away from having an impact as a starter...One major step will be whether Schulters is re-signed and whether SM can work out something with his contract. If those guys are kept at a more reasonable price, then perhaps a Peterson could be looked at as well as a QB...I doubt seriously that Gus will remain our starter...unless we can't get a guy in FA and we move up in the draft, which is something Saban is probably averse too...

1) QB
2) CB
3) S
4) OL
5) LB

 

[krazikarl]

Gus didn't really play better in the second half of the season - he's still putrid. We need a LT, a RG, and RT is still a ?. I don't think Sam is leaving (doesn't look like he's getting much love around the league and will be willing to restructure). If Poole comes back healthy, we have a better than average cb group I would think, but that's a big if. Safety is a problem. I think Zak has a good 2-3 years before we see a sharp decline, Crowder was great, the other lb spot is a problem. I think we're actually pretty good on the DL, with DE's having longer shelf life than most other defensive positions, and two young guys in the middle combined with some very good vets. TE and RB are great (I think our faith in Ricky will be vindicated and he will win his appeal, a fan can dream can't he? Besides, I love the guy and everything he's done and wish him the best). WR could use some help but that's just getting a little greedy I think. So, in order of most pressing need:

1. QB 2. OT 3. OG 4. S 5. CB 6. LB 7. DT 8. WR 9. DE 10. TE 10. RB

I don't think it's realistic for us to expect studs at every position, that's why I'm not as worried about our LB corp - we have two very good ones as it stands. Same goes for DL.

 

[nopony]

Gus played great the last half of the season

No he didn't.

The TEAM played great in the second half... Gus was still bad. Except for a few games this year, we won in spite of him, not because of him.

He had eleven bad games this year. Eleven. And plenty of those came in the second half.

 

[playmaker1]

we need to find a QB, CB,S, LB,OT, WR, RB

and not in that order

 

[LoneWulF]

1. lecharles bentley or steve hutchinson
2. culpepper or brees
3. gamble or law