03-24-2022, 04:52 PM
OK, current state of the roster. Spotrac has 61 guys signed. Obviously, some of those guys (I count 12-13) were prinarily PS guys last year. We have overflow at some spots and shortages at others. And this is with the 61 we have, draft/remaining FAs or a wish list not included.
I. Starters
A. Offense
Burrow; Mixon; Chase, Higgins, Boyd; Hurst, J. Williams, Carman, Karras, Cappa, Collins.
B. Defense
Hendrickson, Reader, BJ Hill, Hubbard; L. Wilson, Pratt; Auzie, Apple, Hilton; Bell, Bates.
C. Special Teams
McPherson (PK), Chrisman (P), Harris
C. Evans/ B. Wilson (KR); Taylor (PR).
Takeaways:
1. We are basically talking about depth from here
On defense, 10/11 starters from a top 10 defense return. With Hill replacing Ogunjobi at DT. Hill rated higher than Larry O last year, and started multiple playoff games, and the SB. People will point to Apple, but he played well after a bumpy start. I think the FO would be comfortable with those 11 starting. We won't pay a FA big money (no space). If one comes on the cheap or we land one in the draft, great. But we don't NEED a starter.
On offense, 4 FAs as starters + Carman for Spain with the rest the same. The three OL FA's all represent upgrades. Collins (Reiff/Prince) and Cappa (Adeniji) the biggest. Karras has legit C/G versatility. Hurst for CJ is a cheaper replacement. Probably a better receiver downfield but not as good an in-line blocker, but at half the price. Carman being the really only unproven guy. He showed flashes last year. If we luck into a stud IOL in the draft, fine, but we don't have to reach for a starter nor pay a FA. Just like on D, we don't need to reach for a starter.
Special teams is a tad more complicated. McPherson is locked in. Harris is back but 38. Huber is a FA, and we have Chrisman signed. I'd expect a competition if Huber wants to return. Now, Evans did a pretty good job returning kickoffs. Wilson was excellent before getting hurt last year. Taylor was on the practice squad all last year. He is signed, but his fringe roster status makes me think we probably draft a guy who can return punts.
2. Biggest worries
1. LG. Carman. Unproven.
2. CB2. Apple. Was improved play last year legit or fluke? 1st round talent.
3. P. Chrisman unproven. Guy semifinalist in college. Huber competition?
4. PR. Taylor not assured a spot on the 53. No other options.
Still, I do not think these are BIG worries. We have guys under contract who have proven adequate (or better) at those jobs in the past, with the exception of Carman.
I. Starters
A. Offense
Burrow; Mixon; Chase, Higgins, Boyd; Hurst, J. Williams, Carman, Karras, Cappa, Collins.
B. Defense
Hendrickson, Reader, BJ Hill, Hubbard; L. Wilson, Pratt; Auzie, Apple, Hilton; Bell, Bates.
C. Special Teams
McPherson (PK), Chrisman (P), Harris
C. Evans/ B. Wilson (KR); Taylor (PR).
Takeaways:
1. We are basically talking about depth from here
On defense, 10/11 starters from a top 10 defense return. With Hill replacing Ogunjobi at DT. Hill rated higher than Larry O last year, and started multiple playoff games, and the SB. People will point to Apple, but he played well after a bumpy start. I think the FO would be comfortable with those 11 starting. We won't pay a FA big money (no space). If one comes on the cheap or we land one in the draft, great. But we don't NEED a starter.
On offense, 4 FAs as starters + Carman for Spain with the rest the same. The three OL FA's all represent upgrades. Collins (Reiff/Prince) and Cappa (Adeniji) the biggest. Karras has legit C/G versatility. Hurst for CJ is a cheaper replacement. Probably a better receiver downfield but not as good an in-line blocker, but at half the price. Carman being the really only unproven guy. He showed flashes last year. If we luck into a stud IOL in the draft, fine, but we don't have to reach for a starter nor pay a FA. Just like on D, we don't need to reach for a starter.
Special teams is a tad more complicated. McPherson is locked in. Harris is back but 38. Huber is a FA, and we have Chrisman signed. I'd expect a competition if Huber wants to return. Now, Evans did a pretty good job returning kickoffs. Wilson was excellent before getting hurt last year. Taylor was on the practice squad all last year. He is signed, but his fringe roster status makes me think we probably draft a guy who can return punts.
2. Biggest worries
1. LG. Carman. Unproven.
2. CB2. Apple. Was improved play last year legit or fluke? 1st round talent.
3. P. Chrisman unproven. Guy semifinalist in college. Huber competition?
4. PR. Taylor not assured a spot on the 53. No other options.
Still, I do not think these are BIG worries. We have guys under contract who have proven adequate (or better) at those jobs in the past, with the exception of Carman.
