02-14-2022, 05:43 PM
(02-14-2022, 05:38 PM)samhain Wrote: It's going to be interesting to see how they go about it.
I have. a really hard time being okay with letting Bates walk. Getting someone to step into his role on the defense is a tough as if you're doing it looking to save money.
I feel like the focus on the o-line needs to be the interior. Hopkins had some decent games, but I don't think he gets it done well enough in the run game. He's not alone, but he's a major reason why we can't convert third and 1 consistently. Also, centers are not quite as expensive in FA as guards or tackles if you want an established one.
In addition to that, it's probably time to sell out for a known commodity to step in at RG. Absolutely nothing they've done has worked there in the Taylor era. If they can fix both of these spots for 20 mil per year combined, I think that's the way to go. I don't see them being able to get in the FA game with high-end tackles while retaining the guys already here.
The sad and painful truth is this: This organization needs to be successful in drafting linemen at some point. They have been dreadful at this for a long time, and I have little faith in their ability to find day 1 starters right now, particularly with such late round picks this year. Something needs to change in how they evaluate and develop at almost every OL spot.
Everyone is well aware that huge contracts are imminent for Burrow and Chase, and this will likely be the last offseason that they can play the free agent game with resources available to sign established talent.
I am extremely appreciative of their changed approach to roster-building with respect to signing higher end FAs. However, this approach still leaves me wondering how well this staff can develop players at several positions. The staff has had time to mature and understand what they want in players, so hopefully their ability to draft talent that can play here on rookie deals and contribute has developed, too.
Great post. Although we have only signed 2 upper echelon FA's as to star name and salary DJ Reader and Trey Hendrickson is a lesser one. We did a great job on getting the right guys for defense.
We simply do not draft oline very well at all. And we cannot take risks this off-season trying to get the right fit for affordable pay.
