If Nick Saban can make the following moves I think we will be one of the best teams in the NFL in years. Much better than the Patriots dynasty.
Sign a stable RT; Tom Ashworth.
This move puts alot of strength in our offensive line. Having Shelton at LT, James at LG, Hadnot at C, Carey at RT, and Ashworth at RT makes our offensive line look outstanding on paper. Plus with a coach like Houck, I don't think the line gelling is an issue - see last year's line.
Sign a middle caliber CB; Deshea Townsend.
Picking up a veteran like Townsend adds alot of talent, and knowledge in our defensive backfield. Coming from the Steelers this guy has alot of experience in a system much similar to our's, and his success is impressive enough to maintain a strong secondary without overpaying (ala Law, etc.).
Sign a stud LB; Julian Peterson.
It is safe to say this pickup is the most demanding. Everyone in the league wants a player like Peterson, but based on his past with Saban I feel we might have a hand up on alot of other teams. Picking up Peterson will solidify our LB corps for a few years to come (only needing a replacement for Thomas at MLB - Chad Greenway in the second?).
Draft a stud CB; Jimmy Williams.
I am really fearful Jimmy ends up in Atlanta - but like everyone else I can hope. This kid is a monster physically at 6'3" and 216 lbs. With 4.4 speed he can be a force at CB. The big question mark is if he can make it at CB in the NFL, but there is always the option to move him back to safety if he struggles. This kid makes big hits, and shows alot of football smarts (ideal for the 3-4 zone defense).
Draft a replacement MLB; Chad Greenway.
At one point Greenway was considered a 2nd/3rd round LB. But it appears as if his stock is rising greatly - which could make this just as much a dream as Williams. If we can get our hands on Greenway there is no way we pass him up. This kid will develop into a hell of a MLB awaiting his oppertunity to fill in Thomas' shoes.
Sign a Stud WR; Terrell Owens.
Right now this move seems unlikely, and is probably least important. With Chambers breakout year last year, and Booker's consistancy a WR is not a real focus. But if the other moves can be made, something like this should be focused on. Terrell is coming off of a terrible point in his career and isn't getting younger - but it is safe to say he is still one of the top 5 receivers in the league. If he can be attained at an affordable price I think Saban shouldn't think twice. But missing out on this one won't hurt us.
Sign a stable RT; Tom Ashworth.
This move puts alot of strength in our offensive line. Having Shelton at LT, James at LG, Hadnot at C, Carey at RT, and Ashworth at RT makes our offensive line look outstanding on paper. Plus with a coach like Houck, I don't think the line gelling is an issue - see last year's line.
Sign a middle caliber CB; Deshea Townsend.
Picking up a veteran like Townsend adds alot of talent, and knowledge in our defensive backfield. Coming from the Steelers this guy has alot of experience in a system much similar to our's, and his success is impressive enough to maintain a strong secondary without overpaying (ala Law, etc.).
Sign a stud LB; Julian Peterson.
It is safe to say this pickup is the most demanding. Everyone in the league wants a player like Peterson, but based on his past with Saban I feel we might have a hand up on alot of other teams. Picking up Peterson will solidify our LB corps for a few years to come (only needing a replacement for Thomas at MLB - Chad Greenway in the second?).
Draft a stud CB; Jimmy Williams.
I am really fearful Jimmy ends up in Atlanta - but like everyone else I can hope. This kid is a monster physically at 6'3" and 216 lbs. With 4.4 speed he can be a force at CB. The big question mark is if he can make it at CB in the NFL, but there is always the option to move him back to safety if he struggles. This kid makes big hits, and shows alot of football smarts (ideal for the 3-4 zone defense).
Draft a replacement MLB; Chad Greenway.
At one point Greenway was considered a 2nd/3rd round LB. But it appears as if his stock is rising greatly - which could make this just as much a dream as Williams. If we can get our hands on Greenway there is no way we pass him up. This kid will develop into a hell of a MLB awaiting his oppertunity to fill in Thomas' shoes.
Sign a Stud WR; Terrell Owens.
Right now this move seems unlikely, and is probably least important. With Chambers breakout year last year, and Booker's consistancy a WR is not a real focus. But if the other moves can be made, something like this should be focused on. Terrell is coming off of a terrible point in his career and isn't getting younger - but it is safe to say he is still one of the top 5 receivers in the league. If he can be attained at an affordable price I think Saban shouldn't think twice. But missing out on this one won't hurt us.
