May be the first in a series if I take the time.
This team is loaded with holes (opportunity...... to the optimist). My sheets have 6 (one is the nickel back), starting positions up for grabs, and 17 total available roster spots, more if they lose someone unexpected like Travis Minor or Sage Rosenfels. This is the highest turnover in years. That being said, we may see an unprecedented number of free agents join the team. Logically we can expect no more than 4 draft choices to make the team if we keep Ogunleye, and 6 if we lose him. They may package picks to move up or down etc. , but these numbers are close. There may be 4 or 5 guys on the bubble, that are already here or have been here, i.e. T. Buck, that may ultimately make it or re-sign. That leaves a remaining 7 or 8 holes to fill through free agency, not to mention players added to create competition that don't make it and/or to the practice squad. All of the talk is about the offensive line, where yes, they may add as many as three free agents. However, wide receiver could still be in the equation, particulalry if you assume that we are drafting one with our top pick. I for one may be uncomfortable relying completely on a rookie to be the #2 receiver. Derrius Thompson may have something that we did not see last year, but is better suited as the #3, where he can use his size in a possession role over the middle and on short slants and out routes. No other player in the mix, Tolver, Minnis, Newson, or Simmons is qualified for full time #2 at least not likely this year. There will be as many as three new recievers, one being a return guy. Simmons will be in for the fight of his life, and will likely lose out to the new retun man for his roster spot. He is probably not the same player, post injury. And was not that special to begin with.
I believe that we may target someone at WR, a name that is known, but not a break the bank household name. No TO, Darrell Jackson, or Meshawn. If we can land a reliable, steady, veteran guy that can hold the #2 spot down until the rookie is ready to start, it would be a good move. Three names to consider in order of probablity (in my opinion):
1)Dez White - Chicago. Florida native, Chicago connection. Good speed, was #2 in Chicago and can return kicks.
2) Kevin Dyson - Carolina. A little older than preferred, but is a capable player. With their signing of Steve Smith to a large contract, may not want to pay the veteran.
3) Tai Streets - San Fransisco. Also #2 there behind TO. Big receiver in the mold of what they may likely draft, so not sure he fits, and may be more money than the others.
Any thoughts on these guys or any others that are practical considerations? Remember, with all of the money going to the line, this #2 WR spot may not bring major bucks. Not that any of these candidates will come super cheap either...........
This team is loaded with holes (opportunity...... to the optimist). My sheets have 6 (one is the nickel back), starting positions up for grabs, and 17 total available roster spots, more if they lose someone unexpected like Travis Minor or Sage Rosenfels. This is the highest turnover in years. That being said, we may see an unprecedented number of free agents join the team. Logically we can expect no more than 4 draft choices to make the team if we keep Ogunleye, and 6 if we lose him. They may package picks to move up or down etc. , but these numbers are close. There may be 4 or 5 guys on the bubble, that are already here or have been here, i.e. T. Buck, that may ultimately make it or re-sign. That leaves a remaining 7 or 8 holes to fill through free agency, not to mention players added to create competition that don't make it and/or to the practice squad. All of the talk is about the offensive line, where yes, they may add as many as three free agents. However, wide receiver could still be in the equation, particulalry if you assume that we are drafting one with our top pick. I for one may be uncomfortable relying completely on a rookie to be the #2 receiver. Derrius Thompson may have something that we did not see last year, but is better suited as the #3, where he can use his size in a possession role over the middle and on short slants and out routes. No other player in the mix, Tolver, Minnis, Newson, or Simmons is qualified for full time #2 at least not likely this year. There will be as many as three new recievers, one being a return guy. Simmons will be in for the fight of his life, and will likely lose out to the new retun man for his roster spot. He is probably not the same player, post injury. And was not that special to begin with.
I believe that we may target someone at WR, a name that is known, but not a break the bank household name. No TO, Darrell Jackson, or Meshawn. If we can land a reliable, steady, veteran guy that can hold the #2 spot down until the rookie is ready to start, it would be a good move. Three names to consider in order of probablity (in my opinion):
1)Dez White - Chicago. Florida native, Chicago connection. Good speed, was #2 in Chicago and can return kicks.
2) Kevin Dyson - Carolina. A little older than preferred, but is a capable player. With their signing of Steve Smith to a large contract, may not want to pay the veteran.
3) Tai Streets - San Fransisco. Also #2 there behind TO. Big receiver in the mold of what they may likely draft, so not sure he fits, and may be more money than the others.
Any thoughts on these guys or any others that are practical considerations? Remember, with all of the money going to the line, this #2 WR spot may not bring major bucks. Not that any of these candidates will come super cheap either...........
