(02-14-2022, 05:14 PM)psychdoctor Wrote: Sorry it was a typo.  I am now questioning Frank's schemes a bit.  IDK.  I also wonder why Carman wasn't playing.  

(02-14-2022, 05:28 PM)BurrowTheGoat Wrote: Boyd will be much better if we improve the OL.  He is a route runner.  If he gets more time to operate he will be open a lot more.

(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.

(02-14-2022, 03:23 AM)casear2727 Wrote: Yes there are 3-4 Centers available, Bozeman would not break the bank and only 27.  I am being very realistic, do you really not know the FA's and then saying it's not realistic? 

The FA lists and cap hits are easily available.

(02-16-2022, 10:10 AM)fredtoast Wrote: It is very hard to know how much Bozeman will make in free agency.  Where do you get that information?

I don't think Hopkins is a great player, but what can we get for the same price?  It obviously will not be one of the top Centers in free agency.

(02-16-2022, 01:10 PM)Bengalfan4life27c Wrote: If we need to spend cheap on a position it should be CB2 We can survive a year or 2 with Apple. Awuzie and Hilton are so good. CB2 doesnt need to be probowl quality.

(02-14-2022, 02:37 AM)casear2727 Wrote: I know there will not be unanimous agreement with this post but please feel free to make any arguments against this, I am open to hearing suggestions.

In my opinion, as long as Joe is still great, we need to become an organization whose only priority is to get to the Super Bowl every year. We must improve the X's and O's but are not going anywhere overspending on the wrong Jimmy and Joes.

Tell me why we dont cut/trade any of these players"

Player, Salary Rank, Cap Hit, Savings if we cut

Waynes, #1, $15.8M, $10.8M (no explanation needed)

Boyd, #3, $8.2M, $7.3M (2022), $8.9 (2023). Averages 4 receptions per game - 3rd to 5th option, an average and fast slot will be fine if we have a great oline

Hopkins, # 7, $7.1M ,$5.9M. Ranked 35th out of 39 Centers on the season. When was the last time we had a solid C to captain the line? Great QBs usually have very good Centers.


These 3 players add an additional $24M in cap space this off season in addition to the current $57M.

We have already moved on from Waynes.
Slot and TE are not worth high dollars in our offense with Joe, Joe, Tee, Chase and oline requiring top dollar.
A quality C could have a huge impact on play calls leadership.

(02-16-2022, 01:36 PM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Your focus seems to be on increasing the salary cap number. They’ve got plenty of money.  You need Boyd and Hopkins ( reserve) as they are on friendly contracts. The focus should be:
Overhauling the OL
Resigning the following w/o dipping into the free agent pool. Give Bates the money from Waynes and find more from expiring contracts of players you don’t need. They don’t need all of Ogunjobi,Hill, and Tupol. Uzomah had a great year. Reward his play and leadership. Apple let go. Resign Reiff to the same amount.

Free Agency you should sign one of the best centers available. Then I’d swap picks at #31 and move up 10-15 spots and give up a second rounder next year and a third rounder this year. Take a tackle there. You need numbers. Sign several guards on one year prove it deals and create real competition in the OL. Carman needs a wake-up call. He’s better than he’s played.

Draft a corner at #62.

(02-16-2022, 01:36 PM)Soonerpeace Wrote: Your focus seems to be on increasing the salary cap number. They’ve got plenty of money.  You need Boyd and Hopkins ( reserve) as they are on friendly contracts. The focus should be:
Overhauling the OL
Resigning the following w/o dipping into the free agent pool. Give Bates the money from Waynes and find more from expiring contracts of players you don’t need. They don’t need all of Ogunjobi,Hill, and Tupol. Uzomah had a great year. Reward his play and leadership. Apple let go. Resign Reiff to the same amount.

Free Agency you should sign one of the best centers available. Then I’d swap picks at #31 and move up 10-15 spots and give up a second rounder next year and a third rounder this year. Take a tackle there. You need numbers. Sign several guards on one year prove it deals and create real competition in the OL. Carman needs a wake-up call. He’s better than he’s played.

Draft a corner at #62.

(02-16-2022, 02:42 PM)Goalpost Wrote: Pertaining to Bates, the safety class for this year's draft looks like a good one to me.  Last year's class was considered a solid one and I dug up this quote as a comparative.

'The 2022 SAF draft should be very comparable if not better in terms of overall talent and players drafted at the position.'

So I lean to replacing Bates, and using the money at the obvious elsewhere.

(02-16-2022, 11:05 AM)casear2727 Wrote: I've been reading on Bozeman for the last half of the season when a Raven fan friend of mine told me he was leaving.  He is looking for the $10M range, cap hit would only be around 7M first year.

You can google and read all the same info I did.

(02-16-2022, 01:42 PM)THE PISTONS Wrote: I like most of that plan. Not sure about the Reiff part. I'd try to go younger.