NFL Your Team's Off-Season

[Brasher]

Firstly, congratulations to the World Champion Packers!

Now that the season is over and all 32 teams are tied in their respective divisional races I thought I'd turn attention to your team's off-season needs (GG, if you want to merge this elsewhere so be it, but I think a seperate thread rather than the individual team threads would be a better place to get a single view/debate of team needs).

Anyway, in regards the 49ers:

Team Needs: QB, Rushing OLB, CB.

- QB: The Alex Smith experience may well be finally over. Only David Carr is signed for next year. Even though Smith may look to greener pastures Harbaugh has not discounted bringing him back - which maybe a case of hedging his bets with the CBA still unresolved. The 49ers could trade for a veteran or look for one in a very weak draft class. Picking at 7 is too high to take any QB in this draft not considered a lock.
- OLB: The 49ers get after the QB mainly via scheme design which maybe the reason the team has no stand out 10+ sack guy. An OLB corp of lawson (FA), Harralson, Laboy and Brooks isn't getting it done consistently with each carrying limitations that can be exposed by opposition offenses. The 49ers need an every down OLB that can do it all.
- CB: Clements is due to earn a billion dollars this year so will need to restructure to stay on the team. He is probably better suited in the slot or as a safety these days and should be bought back at the right price. Regardless, the 49ers will target a high profile CB in FA or a high pick on one in the draft.
​

I think the 49ers will spend their first three picks in the draft on these three positions probably in the order CB-OLB-QB. The good news is that the draft is strong in the first two positions so the 49ers could just go best player available.

A lot will depend on the status of FA..there are a number of potential FAs that would be ready made solutions to some of these needs. I also don't think the front office is going to have much of an issue spending money, they have revamped the front office, hired an all new coaching staff and shown in the past (despite opinion to the contrary) will spend big money on FAs, they also need to become a winning franchise again with a new stadium in the works.

 

[Dirty Bird]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

WR - need more weapons
TE - Gonzalez is aging, will need to replace him this year, or next
OL - We don't have much depth, and have been lucky on this front with injuries, plus I beleive one of our starting OL is expected to leave in FA
DE - Get the replacement for Abraham asap
CB - need depth here, want a good nickle back
Safety - Probably our biggest hole

 

[DB10]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Baltimore Ravens

* re-sign or franchise Haloti Ngata, he MUST NOT be allowed to walk
* solve the Jared Gaither situation. if his back is able to endure the stress of a full NFL season then re-sign him, otherwise try and trade him to get an extra pick and find an OT in the draft or in free agency
* re-sign some or most of the secondary. they're not elite, but they do work well as a unit and improved once Ed Reed returned to the starting team. I'd imagine the front office will sign Landry, Carr and Wilson. Washington will probably be allowed to walk. plus they will have to draft at least one CB I think
* draft wise: find another pass rusher (DE and OLB) and overall get younger on defence, improve the secondary, attempt to find a potential Ray Lewis successor in the mid-rounds (see below), another receiver, and a tackle if Gaither leaves
* draft or sign an every down, young ILB to eventually succeed Ray Lewis in the heart of the defence. none of the current other ILBs can play the run and play in coverage. nor do any of them have a chance of replacing #52. this won't be a first round pick though, but I think Ozzie Newsome has his eye on a few players in round 2-4 for a Ray Lewis successor
* re-sign Yanda and Chester
* find a replacement fullback with McClain a certain to leave

Baltimore was on the lower end of the salary cap this year with a couple of big contracts off the books. but that was before the mega contract Ngata is expected to be given once the CBA is signed, the rumour is that it's expected to mirror Ndamukong Suh's contract and become the largest defensive line contract ever.

 

[catters078]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Chargers

OLB- Larry English isnt the talent they hoped he would be, (big sad face that USC boy Clay mathews just won the superbowl and the chargers passed on him). Chargers also have several linebackers who have become free agents, they will re sign a few, but may need to upgrade this position with their first pick.

CB- Cason had a good first year as a starter and I think is solid and locked in going forward, however we need a better option on the other side and some depth...badly, perhaps a second round pick..or trade up in first for Prince...unlikely

Defensive line- IN particualr Nose Tackle needs and upgrade.

 

[Primetime Pricey]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

i dont think we really need to do anything this offseason to be honest. One of the younger teams in the league and we will get back a lot of players from injury.

 

[DB10]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

i dont think we really need to do anything this offseason to be honest. One of the younger teams in the league and we will get back a lot of players from injury.

easy: Cullen Jenkins is a free agent and he gets half your sacks with Clay Matthews, could easily get another pass rushing OLB or D-lineman at #32. there is going to be some good players available there. and don't forget Woodson is over 35.

 

[Primetime Pricey]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

easy: Cullen Jenkins is a free agent and he gets half your sacks with Clay Matthews, could easily get another pass rushing OLB or D-lineman at #32. there is going to be some good players available there. and don't forget Woodson is over 35.

Of course resigning Jenkins but i meant bringing in from outside the team.

 

[Woodson]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Pittsburgh Steelers

* Secondary needs attention. Draft- trade for better man on man coverage players. William Gay, Burnett & McFadden are not going to help you improve in the one on one situations. Anyone can play Zone D including these three weak links.

* Offensive O-Line needs attention. Draft- trade for more sturdy O-linemen.
Thought OL line coach Sean Kugler did an exceptional job with managing the second grade O-line all season with guys getting banged up.

* Special teams- Kicker.. Suisham did better than anyone expected but he simply doesn't have the strong leg to nail those tricky 50+ yard attempts.

* Age may indicate the Steelers vets are slowing down but that's not true at all.

Beware the Wounded (emotionally) Champs in 2011.

 

[Brasher]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

I hope the CBA gets done sooner rather than later.

There is some marque talent about to hit the free agent streets.

 

[GreyWind]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Of course resigning Jenkins but i meant bringing in from outside the team.

Yep, Jenkins will be our number one priority. Hopefully we also manage to keep James Jones as well.

Only other things I think we need:
1. Another pass rusher wether that be as another OLB opposite Matthews or another DE.

2. While not absolutely necessary I would love to get another good safety or CB as insurance if Woodson, Williams or Shields become injured. As I don't want Bush taking many snaps keep him on ST where he excels.

3. Another OL simply because I believe you can never have enough protection for your QB especially for us and our pass reliant game plan. If Rodgers goes down that is disastrous for our season.

4. Wouldn't mind seeing them go out and recruit a specialist kick/punt returner either. While Williams and Shields have done alright in this I would just prefer if they concentrated on their defensive games to improve futher.

 

[DaSawx]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Obviously the O-Line needs work through draft and FA possibly.

????? - Williams - Kreutz - ????? - Webb

Defensive line could use a new version of Tommie Harris or someone better opposite Peppers, Idonije is OK but we could do better.

Re-sign Hanie or sign decent veteran back-up please.

Look at options opposite Tillman, for now and future.

Danniel Manning will most likely go, Major Wright will start.

Chester Taylor will be cut.

Obviously a true #1 WR for Cutler would be nice, but I just don't see it happening.

 

[lards]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

For the mighty Seahawks:

WR - Not a bad bunch consisting of Mike Williams, Golden Tate, Deon Butler and Ben Obamanu. Still need another receiver but I wouldn't waste a high pick on one, use a 4th on a Mike Williams(TB) type.

QB - Hass is almost finished and Whitehurst is average. Need to draft our QB for the future. Wouldn't be shocked if we went after Flynn. Most fans are hoping for the hometown lad Jake Locker who had a shocker of a year and apparently we are pretty interested in Mallett who I would stay away from. Don't really rate any of the first rounders tbh. Should re-sign Hass and keep him for another year or two while we develop the next quarterback.

O-Line - Major weakness for us this year with injuries and poor form. Hass had no protection and our running game was ranked last I think. Okung will be a star but had an injured plagued rookie year and we could use our 25th pick for Pouncey or Wisniewski to boost of G/C stocks. Need to find another RT and a Guard in Free agency as well.

Secondary - Earl Thomas is gem but thats about it. Josh Wilson being traded for a 4th rounder was a mistake. Lawyer Milloy has played his 15th season,and Babineaux and Trufant are okay. We have some good young players but need more class, wouldn't mind using our 1st on Brandon Harris.

As shown theres still a lot of holes but we are on the right track. Carroll & co made the most transactions this season and I think theres still many more to be made. Our running backs are fine and our Defensive front 7 is not bad when fullt fit, Kerrigan would be ideal but he should be gone by our pick although this draft is full of decent ends so I wouldn't be pissed if we used our first there.. Had we not beaten the Rams in week 17, we would've ended up with a top ten pick but I think its more important to instill a winning culture and that win against New Orleans is something the team and fans will never forget.

 

[aussiedude]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Packers need more Depth at O-line and might need to look at D-line we had the depth there but too many injuries there. also Johny Jolly comes back from suspension next season to return to the D-line.

and will like more good youth in our secondary.

and resign players like Jenkins, Crosy and who ever is important that are out of contract, we also need to keep Flynn, Nelson and Jones, we cant alow them to be traded

 

[larkis]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

For the Rams

I'll also try and make this as realistic as possible with some idealism.

In the FA we'll have our token Giant defender
Mathias Kiwanuka - Defensive End to compete with Hall to be opposite Long
A payday to a good Defensive Tackle to throw into the rotation
Brandon Mebane - Will have an instant impact in the defence
A QB to come in as backup that knows McDaniels system
Brady Quinn - Should be a reliable backup for Bradford
A talented player Spags will try and work into his team
Erine Sims - A great OLB who could hit FA
Lastly the token OL addition
Ryan Harris - Stab in the dark guess McDaniels may request him

Then we have the draft, where the remaining needs is a Safety, backup RB, #1 WR, OLB and depth players.

Round One: Julio Jones (WR Bama) - Don't love the player but he is the best fit for the team.
Round Two: Bruce Carter (OLB NC) - Has solid height at 6-3 to cover TEs and good instincts. Should be a good fit for the team.
Round Three: Best available RB - Don't know too much about the RBs in this draft, but a good one should drop to here.

 

[Dagless]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Kiwi going nowhere son! Take Osi

 

[redragger]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Brady Quinn - Should be a reliable backup for Bradford

Ryan Harris - Stab in the dark guess McDaniels may request him

Quinn will most likely serve as backup in Denver again when they git rid of Orton.

McDaniels didn't like Harris, he didn't fit into the power blocking scheme he wanted. He'll walk, but don't think McDaniels will be pushing for him, I'd say Washington's a more likely destination.

 

[redragger]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Denver -

Deep breath.....

DT - Williams is over the hill, and Bannan/Thomas are rotational guys only. We need impact player here.

DE - Even though we get Doom back, still wouldn't hurt to have another pass rusher. Ayers is the antithesis of Doom; great against the run, but can't rush the passer.

ILB - Probably moving back to 4-3 so DJ will shift back to Will where he belongs. Aside from him our LB corp is garbage.

CB - Me thinks they'll let Champ walk; leaving Goodman, Cox (who's most likely going to jail) and Squid. Need to find a starter somewhere.

S - Anyone who saw Dawk last year will tell you he's finished. Hill is OK but not a playmaker, and McBath can't stay on the field. 3-4th rounder used here?

Did I leave anything out on D?


I can see us picking up DeAngelo Williams in FA, and maybe someone to play RT. Other than that let's build through the draft...

 

[Dirty Bird]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

and maybe someone to play RT. Other than that let's build through the draft...

I was actually thinking about this last night with Denver. What are your thoughts of moving Ryan Clady over to Right Tackle?

He's a very good blocker, and seems a waste on the strong side.

LT is normally only where the better OT go because that's where the better DE goes (the QB's weak side)
With Tebow being a leftie, the RT would be his weak side, so defences might line up their better DE over there.

So Clady to Right Tackle?

 

[larkis]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Kiwi going nowhere son! Take Osi

I'll take either quite happily, gamble to see if Osi regains his form he had under Spags previously. I just expect Spags to keep taking former Giant defenders for the next few years and Kiwanuka is the best on the market. His confusing surname also fits in with the Rams scheme of recruiting players with complicated surnames.

Quinn will most likely serve as backup in Denver again when they git rid of Orton.

McDaniels didn't like Harris, he didn't fit into the power blocking scheme he wanted. He'll walk, but don't think McDaniels will be pushing for him, I'd say Washington's a more likely destination.

Fact is Bronco's have three solid QBs. Tebow isn't going to be a backup forever which means Quinn will either stay, be backup and learn ANOTHER system in his short career or go and be under McDaniels.

Harris was really just a clutch at straws. If they don't play for the Rams and play OL, I'm almost clueless about them. However prominent coordinators often bring over a few players to fit their system, so it was just a guess. Rams just usually pick up an OLine player each year in FA for the last few years.

 

[drd23]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Larkis, what makes yoou think that the Rams could get Mebane? Wouldn't he be the most likely player to be Franchise tagged by them?

 

[Team DJ]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Off season.
Trade: Matt Flynn (should get some real value for him after his couple of opportunities), Ryan Pickett (Getting older and have young D Lineman coming through could get a 3rd rounder)
RETIRE: Clifton Tauscher (After a campionship and with a lot of injuries could be time to go.
RELEASE: Brandon Jackson, Donald Lee, Jonny Jolly, Brady Popinga, Atari Bigby, Nick Barnett
(These free up a lot of money whilst not losing to much in terms of players allowing us to resign, Jones Hawk etc)

DRAFT:
1st round: A Guard. Lang can take Cliftons tackle spot would be good to have someone there for Colledge as he isnt amazing. (Cannon from TCU)
2nd: OLB pass rusher take some pressure of Clay Matthews. (Casey Mathews his bro)
3rd: CB, Shields and Williams have been amazing but Woodson is getting older and it would be good to have insurance
4th: RB/Returner, With Jackson gone a 3rd down running back is needed, also someone that could help in special teams (Jacquizz Rodgers)
5th: OL, Some more insurance up front in case injuries take thier toll again.
6th: DL. With Picket and Jolly being sent packing depth is needed.
7th: QB: Graham Harrel could come into the 53 man squad, and another could be drafted as insurance.

 

[GreyWind]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Off season.
Trade: Matt Flynn (should get some real value for him after his couple of opportunities), Ryan Pickett (Getting older and have young D Lineman coming through could get a 3rd rounder)
RETIRE: Clifton Tauscher (After a campionship and with a lot of injuries could be time to go.
RELEASE: Brandon Jackson, Donald Lee, Jonny Jolly, Brady Popinga, Atari Bigby, Nick Barnett
(These free up a lot of money whilst not losing to much in terms of players allowing us to resign, Jones Hawk etc).

The ones bolded I believe will stay with the Packers.
We can't get rid of too many defensive linesmen as Jenkins is injury prone and is an UFA who may not even stay with us. Which would severly hinder our pass rush if he was too go. So we don't need another rookie coming in and try to take his spot.

Brandon Jackson won't be going anywhere he is a very good 3rd down running back and as we saw this year if our running back becomes injured we become a very one-dimensional team we can't allow that to happen again.

Also I believe we will draft a WR with Drive probably only have 2 seasons left in him max we need to find a replacement. Also if that WR can KR/PR then it is a bonus as we struggle in that area and I don't want Shields and Williams injured returning.

 

[Team DJ]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

The ones bolded I believe will stay with the Packers.
We can't get rid of too many defensive linesmen as Jenkins is injury prone and is an UFA who may not even stay with us. Which would severly hinder our pass rush if he was too go. So we don't need another rookie coming in and try to take his spot.

Brandon Jackson won't be going anywhere he is a very good 3rd down running back and as we saw this year if our running back becomes injured we become a very one-dimensional team we can't allow that to happen again.

Also I believe we will draft a WR with Drive probably only have 2 seasons left in him max we need to find a replacement. Also if that WR can KR/PR then it is a bonus as we struggle in that area and I don't want Shields and Williams injured returning.

Yeah thats fair, i would get rid of Jolly though his attitude isnt right. Can understand Pickett.
Jackson was a toss up for me, him or Swain. I thought Swain had more potential. Especially with Driver getting older.

 

[DB10]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

2nd: OLB pass rusher take some pressure of Clay Matthews. (Casey Mathews his bro)

Casey plays the Mike position and isn't a pass rusher.

 

[Team DJ]

Re: Your Team's Off Season

Casey plays the Mike position and isn't a pass rusher.

Not in college ball, but that was just the system he was in. He has a heap of speed and great pedigree. In the right situation (green bay) he could be used as a speed rusher on the outside, with Clay on the other using his strength