Simple question but not an easy answer. I was going to say yes immediately but that "at this point" held me up a bit. No question OT is high on the long term draft agenda. We need a 10 year guy there, but "at this point" we can probably kick that can to 2024 and focus on the defense more as well as getting an interior OL.
The trio of Armstead, Jackson, Little have bought us at least a year barring an i*****.
I'd say we've reached the "luxury" status of this rebuild where we can start drafting talent over need and hone in on better prospects from a smaller talent pool.
What's convenient about this upcoming off season is our needs are pretty self explanatory based on our free agents and cap situation.
Gesicki and Van Ginkel are both FA's, don't see a path for either to stick around unless its on a 1 year deal prove it type deal, which honestly would likely only happen because of an injury at this point. AVG could be more inclined to go that route given his recovery from appendicitis, Gesicki will get a multi year offer that can't be touched. Even if its well below market value. You already know my stance on the Gesicki situation, I think everyone knows. Still love the guy and I especially loved his "I stay ready" remark after a catch. I believe you Mike. But we can't pay you.
Jerome Baker is the other goner. $5.7M in cap savings, ya that's a no-brainer. He finally made a couple plays in the 2nd half yesterday but nothing that is going to justify keeping that salary on the books. We need impact, not a guy who can wrap a ball carrier and fall forward with him for 2 or 3 extra yards. Hate to cut a former Buckeye but not even my scarlet and gray allegiance would keep him on the roster in 2023 (not that anyone cares what I would do).
From the way too early to speculate but I'll go there anyway files......Chase Edmonds. It's nice to get those two TD's but that's not going to be a huge factor in the talent evaluation for me. A bigger factor for me is the dropped go ahead TD pass that he was bailed out on with a penalty. If that was 4th down and there was no penalty called, how do we feel about him today? $5.65M cap hit, $5M of that is non guaranteed salary. I have a feeling we'll want that $5M more than keeping Chase on the roster. Still a lot of football to play as Chase figures out this offense but he's going to need to do a lot before the season ends. He's making more money than Melvin Ingram.
EDGE, TE, ILB and CB is where we are starting the off season plans.
Alabama's Will Anderson Jr is still the pipe dream but that door opened slightly after Denver's pathetic win over San Fran. Still need a lot of luck and probably a decent trade up but that kind of instant impact to replace AVG would do wonders in containing all these SOB's in the AFC.
Notre Dame TE Michael Mayer is a guy that could change those plans. I could see the FO falling in love with the stud from South Bend and our pick could fall right in line with where he's projected. Right now I'm seeing mostly 7-13 range, with as high as 5. Rarely listed below 12/13 in a mock draft. ND's QB is out for the year so that could affect his season but that's doubtful. That cat was let out of the bag already. Kid has WR DNA in a TE body.
I have so much college football stored on my DVR right now I love it. Can't wait to dive into some of those games after the season is over looking at specific players (again, no one asks me for my opinion anyway).
Don't trade your 2024 first round pick, outside of that, all picks are now ammo.
I'll take a developmental player here and there but I expect a few trade ups. The extra third rounder from New England is looking like a possible pick in the late 60's, if not the early 70's. Ya we are watching San Fran's pick obviously but that pick from New England will be SIGNIFICANTLY higher than anyone initially thought. It will be pretty close to our second rounder.