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McShay does two rounds o' mock


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The college all-star games have come and gone, and NFL prospects and teams are looking toward the upcoming combine. Individual workouts and combine showings will certainly affect the stock of many top prospects over the next few weeks, but enough questions have been answered for Scouts Inc. to present its first two-round mock draft of 2009. Here's how we see things shaking down at this point:

 

 

 

1. Detroit Lions (Record: 0-16): Matthew Stafford*, QB, Georgia

 

Yes, his inconsistency can be frustrating. His footwork needs polishing, and he must learn to take some heat off his fastball when throwing underneath. But after studying the game tape of the entire 2009 quarterback class, it's clear to us that Stafford is the top dog. His combination of accuracy, arm strength, surprising mobility and experience in a pro-style offense (in the SEC) is second to none.

Here's the catch-22 for the Lions, though: While they need a franchise quarterback and there isn't enough depth in this year's class to feel good about the chances of finding one 19 picks later, Stafford does not grade out as highly as Matt Ryan did a year ago, and eight of the past 11 underclassmen quarterbacks drafted in the first round have either failed to meet expectations or have been outright busts. This is the type of franchise-defining decision that could make or break the career of new general manager Martin Mayhew.

 

 

 

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14): Jason Smith, OT, Baylor

 

The Rams desperately need to upgrade their offensive front, and Jason Smith, Andre Smith and Eugene Monroe will all be in the discussion. Don't be surprised if the senior from Baylor wins out on potential. He is a converted tight end and has the best feet of the group.

 

 

 

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-14): Aaron Curry, LB, Wake Forest

 

Tyler Thigpen might not be the long-term answer at quarterback for the Chiefs, but it's hard to imagine new GM Scott Pioli veering from the "Patriot way" he learned during his time in New England. Drafting a defensive lineman like DE Everette Brown or DT B.J. Raji is a possibility, and beefing up the offensive line isn't out of the question, either. But the Chiefs spent a pair of first-round picks on those spots last year, and Pioli hit a home run with the first-round pick of linebacker Jerod Mayo in New England last season. Plus, Curry has the versatility Pioli looks for, and he fits an area of need.

 

 

 

4. Seattle Seahawks (4-12): B.J. Raji, DT, Boston College

 

Michael Crabtree appears to be the obvious selection for a Seahawks team in desperate need of a playmaker at wide receiver, but Raji's stock is soaring after his dominant showing at the Senior Bowl, and a top priority for the Seahawks this offseason is to find a difference-maker at defensive tackle.

 

 

 

5. Cleveland Browns (4-12): Everette Brown*, DE, Florida State

 

Brown's pass-rushing skills would be a welcome addition to a Cleveland defense that notched only 17 sacks in 2008.

 

 

 

6. Cincinnati Bengals (4-11-1): Andre Smith*, OT, Alabama

 

The Bengals need to solidify their offensive line. RT Stacy Andrews took a step backward before his knee injury, and Smith is a good fit to step in immediately as a starter on the right side.

 

 

7. Oakland Raiders (5-11): Michael Crabtree**, WR, Texas Tech

 

Crabtree has Larry Fitzgerald-type potential. Though his 40-yard dash time might not excite owner Al Davis, even Davis is capable of recognizing the opportunity to select the best athlete in the draft at No. 7.

 

 

 

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11): Eugene Monroe, OT, Virginia

 

WR/RS Jeremy Maclin's speed and game-breaking skills would be enticing here. However, the Jags need to find an upgrade over Khalif Barnes at left tackle, and Monroe has the feet and pass-blocking skills to eventually provide that.

 

 

 

9. Green Bay Packers (6-10): Malcolm Jenkins, DB, Ohio State

 

The Packers' secondary is aging. Jenkins isn't an ideal fit from a man-to-man cover corner perspective, but his versatility and playmaking skills make him the most complete defensive back in the 2009 class.

 

 

 

10. San Francisco 49ers (7-9): Jeremy Maclin**, WR/RS, Missouri

 

QB Mark Sanchez will be in the discussion, but can the 49ers afford to spend another high first-round pick on a quarterback who has only 16 collegiate starts under his belt? That's just not good business. Assuming they go in a different direction, Maclin would be high on the list because he's one of only a few individuals in this year's draft capable of providing the home-run-hitting ability the Niners lack on the perimeter.

 

 

 

11. Buffalo Bills (7-9): Aaron Maybin**, DE/OLB, Penn State

 

TE Brandon Pettigrew is an obvious possibility, but the Bills are looking to improve the edges of their defensive front, and Maybin's upside as a pass-rusher is huge. In the Bills' 4-3 defense Maybin would fit best at SAM linebacker, but could also serve as a situational edge rusher, help that DEs Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel need.

 

 

 

12. Denver Broncos (8-8): Rey Maualuga, ILB, USC

 

The Broncos need to beef up their run defense after finishing 30th in the NFL in 2007 and 27th in 2008. Maualuga plays out of control at times, but there isn't a linebacker in the 2009 class with a better size-speed combo, and he loves setting the tone physically.

 

 

 

13. Washington Redskins (8-8): Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Texas

 

The Redskins could use this pick on an offensive lineman if the right one falls this far, but in this scenario Orakpo makes the most sense because he can provide some youth at either defensive end or outside linebacker. Most importantly, he has the burst and athleticism to make an immediate impact rushing the passer, which is critical in the NFC East.

 

 

 

14. New Orleans Saints (8-8): Vontae Davis*, CB, Illinois

 

The Saints should continue to focus on defense this year. Davis is a bit of a risk, considering he comes with a reputation for inconsistency and questionable work habits. However, there isn't a cornerback in this year's class with better pure man-to-man cover skills. That's a gamble New Orleans might be willing to make at No. 14, especially after watching its defense surrender 53 plays of 20-plus yards last season.

 

 

 

15. Houston Texans (8-8): Brian Cushing, OLB, USC

 

Cushing is a gifted athlete with a reckless approach. He flies around looking to make the big hit, and he also provides a lot of versatility in the passing game. He could eventually develop into an upgrade over Zac Diles at SAM linebacker, and initially he could help boost a pass rush that ranked 27th in the league last season with 25 sacks.

 

 

 

16. San Diego Chargers (8-8): Chris Wells*, RB, Ohio State

 

Let's preface this by saying we would take Knowshon Moreno (Georgia) over Wells if presented with the choice. However, we understand that's a minority opinion. Plus, in San Diego's situation, Wells appears to be a better complement to pint-sized scatback Darren Sproles. Remember, though, that the team has some tough decisions to make regarding the futures of Sproles and LaDainian Tomlinson, so this could be a non-issue come April.

 

 

 

 

17. New York Jets (9-7): Mark Sanchez*, QB, USC

 

There's a lot of drama yet to play out in the Jets' organization between now and the draft. But with or without QB Brett Favre, it's obvious the Jets are not particularly high on backup Kellen Clemens as the future of the franchise. So if Sanchez falls all the way to No. 17, they would have to think long and hard before passing on the talented but inexperienced signal-caller.

 

 

 

18. Chicago Bears (9-7): Percy Harvin*, WR, Florida

 

It will be interesting to see if the Bears pull the trigger on Sanchez if he slips one more spot. In this scenario, though, they face a tough decision. They obviously need playmakers on offense, and nobody can break a game open more quickly than Harvin. Despite injuries and increased time spent at running back in 2008, Harvin is clearly a much more experienced pass-catcher than current starter Devin Hester was coming out of college. But Harvin's skills are similar to those of Hester otherwise, and with no other receiver worthy of the 18th overall pick, this would be a tough call.

 

 

 

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7): Tyson Jackson, DE, LSU

 

The Bucs need to square away their quarterback situation, but reaching for Kansas State's Josh Freeman here doesn't seem like the right answer. Bucs LDE Kevin Carter is running out of time, so Jackson could provide some much-needed depth as a rookie. Jackson is not an elite edge rusher but he can provide good size and strength versus the run, and could move inside to rush the quarterback on obvious passing downs.

 

 

 

20. Detroit Lions (from 9-7 DAL) (0-16): D.J. Moore*, CB, Vanderbilt

 

Moore lacks ideal size but he's a flat-out playmaker with great athleticism and instincts. He's also a high-character player with intelligence and a strong work ethic, which would be helpful to new coach Jim Schwartz during what could be a long rebuilding process.

 

 

 

21. Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1): Brandon Pettigrew, TE, Oklahoma State

 

Offensive tackle is the biggest priority for the Eagles, but there's much more depth at that position than there is at tight end this year. Pettigrew is a complete prospect with excellent blocking skills, good athleticism and soft hands. He's the only tight end in the 2009 class worthy of a first-round pick, so it would be tough for Philly to pass on him if he falls this far.

 

 

 

22. Minnesota Vikings (10-6): Michael Oher, OT, Mississippi

 

The Vikings are in the market for an upgrade at right tackle, and Oher is a good candidate this late in the first round. He needs some polishing but clearly possesses the size and feet to develop into a solid starter in the NFL.

 

 

 

23. New England Patriots (11-5): Clay Matthews, OLB, USC

 

Matthews' draft stock continues to soar. He's an instinctive playmaker who always seems to be in on the action. Most importantly for the Patriots, he is versatile enough to play multiple roles on defense, and is also a special-teams demon.

 

 

 

24. Atlanta Falcons (11-5): Larry English, DE/OLB, Northern Illinois

 

The team is preparing for some turnover at linebacker, and it also needs to ramp up its pass rush. English, an undersized college end who projects as a SAM or rush linebacker in the NFL, could help on both fronts. The Falcons will need to look for better values in later rounds at their other positions of need, such as nose tackle and safety.

 

 

 

25. Miami Dolphins (11-5): James Laurinaitis, ILB, Ohio State

 

Inside linebacker is one of a few spots -- including wide receiver and offensive line -- that Miami is likely to target early in the draft. Laurinaitis has some physical limitations that will keep him out of the top half of the first round, but he fits well with the Dolphins because he's a high-motor player with good instincts, quickness and toughness.

 

 

 

26. Baltimore Ravens (11-5): Alphonso Smith, CB, Wake Forest

 

The Ravens' lack of depth at cornerback became evident in their playoff loss to Pittsburgh. Smith lacks ideal top-end speed and size, but he's an instinctive cover corner with elite playmaking skills. He is ready to contribute as a sub package defender right now.

 

 

 

27. Indianapolis Colts (12-4): Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

 

Jerry's disruptive tendencies are a perfect match for the Colts' version of the Tampa-2 defense.

 

 

 

28. Philadelphia Eagles (from 12-4 CAR) (9-6-1): Knowshon Moreno**, RB, Georgia

 

The Eagles would prefer an offensive tackle of value here, but adding the best all-around running back prospect in the 2009 class wouldn't be such a bad option, especially this late in the first round. Moreno could help take some of the burden off Brian Westbrook's shoulders early in his career before eventually maturing into the starting role.

 

 

 

29. New York Giants (13-3): Hakeem Nicks*, WR, North Carolina

 

Nicks is one of the few receivers in this year's class that appears ready to contribute immediately in the NFL. QB Eli Manning would certainly welcome such a physical receiver, as the Giants presumably look to move forward without the troubled Plaxico Burress.

 

 

 

30. Tennessee Titans (13-3): Darrius Heyward-Bey*, WR, Maryland

 

Heyward-Bey is a bit overrated in our eyes, but his ability to stretch the field vertically will be enticing to a team like Tennessee, which is in need of exactly that kind of weapon.

 

 

 

31. Arizona Cardinals (9-7): LeSean McCoy**, RB, Pittsburgh

 

Adding McCoy is obviously a luxury pick here. He is versatile playmaker who would serve as a nice complement to the Cardinals' bruising backfield tandem of Edgerrin James and Tim Hightower.

 

 

32. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4): Alex Mack, C, California

 

The Steelers would like to boost their offensive front, and Mack is this year's top interior prospect.

 

33. Detroit Clint Sintim OLB Virginia

34. Kansas City Josh Freeman* QB Kansas State

35. St. Louis Rashad Johnson S Alabama

36. Cleveland Sean Smith* CB Utah

37. Seattle Kenny Britt* WR Rutgers

38. Cincinnati Paul Kruger* DE Utah

39. Jacksonville Ron Brace DT Boston College

40. Oakland Eben Britton* OT Arizona

41. Green Bay Robert Ayers DE Tennessee

42. Buffalo Cornelius Ingram TE Florida

43. San Francisco Louis Delmas S Western Michigan

44. Miami (from WAS) Patrick Chung S Oregon

45. New York Giants (from NOR) Fili Moala DT USC

46. Houston William Moore S Miami

47. New England (from SDG) Darius Butler CB Connecticut

48. Denver Michael Johnson DE Georgia Tech

49. Chicago Max Unger C/G Oregon

50. Tampa Bay Evander Hood DE Missouri

51. Dallas Phil Loadholt* OT Oklahoma

52. New York Jets Asher Allen* CB Georgia

53. Philadelphia Carey Harris CB USC

54. Minnesota Jarius Byrd* CB Oregon

55. Atlanta Shawn Nelson TE Southern Miss

56. Miami Jamon Meredith OT South Carolina

57. Baltimore Connor Barwin OLB Cincinnati

58. New England William Beatty OT Connecticut

59. Carolina Ricky Jean-Francois* DT LSU

60. New York Giants Shonn Greene* RB Iowa

61. Indianapolis Brandon Tate WR North Carolina

62. Tennessee Duke Robinson G Oklahoma

63. Arizona David Veikune OLB Hawaii

64. Pittsburgh Victor Harris CB Virginia Tech

 

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If that's the way the top 4 go, and Crabtree is still there, then I think they need to look at trading that pick. There are other receivers in this draft, none as great as Crabtree, but several that can fill our needs. And we need plenty more than one spot can give us. We can get an extra pick or two with Crabtree still there at 5. Let's try to fill multiple needs when the opportunity is there.

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it kills me seeing the ravens pick alphonso smith, who i think will be a great player. he has tremendous instincts at CB and is a true ballhawk. in the ravens' defense, he'll get lots of opportunities to get his hands on the ball, which he'll do more often than not.

 

the niners aren't going to go WR in the first. singletary is going to install a run-first offense and they already have two decent young receivers in jason hill and josh morgan to go along with isaac bruce as their mentor and vernon davis at TE, so receiver is pretty much one of the only positions they won't look at in the first. having watched them for all of 2008, QB, OL, a HB to pair with frank gore, DL if raji's somehow there, OLB and S are all positions of greater need than WR.

 

percy harvin is an awful pick for the bears. as in the BE trade thread, it's putting the cart before the horse. they need a viable QB before they start putting together a receiving corps, and picking a WR who's similar to hester (small, speedy, needs to learn on the job) is a terrible idea. if they were to go receiver, hakeem nicks is a far better choice for their needs, but DL and HB are far bigger needs for them. their pass rush wasn't as good as it's been in the past this year, and the cover 2 needs a great pass rush to be successful, and with a less than threatening QB, they need to have a solid running game to succeed. wells could go to chicago. his size is great for a cold weather team and would fit the bears' bruising image/mentality.

 

as for the pick listed, i'm warming up to everette brown, but converting a DE to OLB is worrisome and has been unsuccessful in the past. he also has a tendency to show up for a game and then do nothing in the next, and we need a consistent player who can provide a pass rush game after game.

 

however, like LCDawg said, if crabtree's available at five, it's time to auction off that pick and spend fourteen minutes and forty seconds getting the best offer we possibly can from whichever team is smitten by him. get the picks, move down, improve the team with a multitude of solid players. if we trade down low enough, larry english could be a sensible pick at OLB. i'd be ecstatic.

 

taking a CB in the second largely depends on what the new staff thinks of wright, mcdonald and holly, but this staff is so tight-lipped that we'll have no idea what they think of the CBs on the roster until the draft. if they don't draft a replacement, it's an endorsement. otherwise, the staff obviously thinks we need an upgrade. not resigning holly would also be a big sign that we're going to go CB in the first two rounds.

 

however, the general consensus on the board is that we have bigger needs than CB, and i agree.

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Reading McShay's comments, makes me think DA could end up in Detroit or NYJets. Stafford is not a QB at #1 overall. The "value" pick may be OT.

 

Detroit could take the DB at #20, or they could further their Offensive Line with Oher (which is what I would do). Then get DA with the 33 pick. Seems they helped themselves out immediately. They now have an offense that should put points on the board and seats in the stands.

 

Do the Jets really want to wait for Sanchez to develop??? He's at least a 1 year project, possibly 2 years. He has the talent and is worth a 17 pick, but do they want to waste that pick on player that won't contribute for a year or two. DA would start day 1 (assuming he can make the team). At pick #52, the Browns have their choice of many decent CB or RB (Shone Greene)

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It has to come down to what we do in FA and also if we can make trades to get additional picks. That will determine if we have to look closer at need or draft the best player available.

 

I just don't think we can walk away from the first two rounds without a proven ILB. As much as I like Brown, we need a ILB. If Sanchez and Crabtree are both their we have a great opportunity to trade down and still take Maualuga or Maybin and I can't see us passing on a safety in round two if the best in the draft are still available.

 

Can we get Bart Scott and not have to draft for need at ILB? Do the new coaches think they can remake Wimbley? Are we going to keep Jones and not have to draft fro need at Safety? Are we going to release Lewis creating a need at RB? Is DA going to be traded for picks? and which of our own FAs are we going to resign? Is Tucker healthy or will he be 100% for camp? There are so many questions that need answered before we can seriously look at the draft.

 

But, I still think Curry will be there. If not, I'd rather trade down a few spots and take Rey (if we don't sign a FA ILB).

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If Crabtree is still there at 5, I would love to see Philly come calling. Fifth for 21st and 29th sounds good to me...not sure how that would grade out on that draft pick trading scale that they have, but we could prolly even get more than that. Top it off w/our pick at 36 and your talking about impact players at three positions immediately. And if for some crazy reason we are actually able to pull off some miracle trade w/our major trade asset, DA, this new regime could really put their stamp on things.

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I hate these picks for us. Brown scares the crap out of me (not just because he's another top 5 Brown) because I just don't think he's a top 5 talent.

 

I have to think Crabtree is a better fit, money-wise, especially with BE coming up on FA in 2010.

 

And ANOTHER mock with us taking ANOTHER edit: 2nd round corner? Um, we have one of those, his name is Eric Wright.

 

Man, I hate seeing Curry go top 3. Curse you again, Alo! You've infected me with your vile Curry fever!

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If that's the way the top 4 go, and Crabtree is still there, then I think they need to look at trading that pick. There are other receivers in this draft, none as great as Crabtree, but several that can fill our needs. And we need plenty more than one spot can give us. We can get an extra pick or two with Crabtree still there at 5. Let's try to fill multiple needs when the opportunity is there.

 

 

'Nuff said...I agree!!

Mike

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Oh, yeah. I think the best scenario is that Crabtree falls to us and some team comes calling. And if none of the deals are good enough, we end up with ...Michael Crabtree.

 

That's what I'll be cheering for the instant the Lions are on the clock, because I wouldn't put taking Crabtree past any of the teams above us.

 

He's the most sellable player. And I want to sell.

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As YTBB said....FA will have a big impact on what we do with the draft....if we have to use it more for needs or more for just getting better players.

 

I still think Curry is a better fit outside....which is fine...we need a OLB more than a ILB....IMO

 

I agree on Smith, Al....he is a big guy...I think safety is where is is headed.

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I'll throw my hat into Camp Curry-if-He's-There for the time being, until I have a chance to look more at the guys coming out. Failing that, Crabtree is a talent that can definitely help the team either as a player or as trade bait. Failing that, I like the idea of drafting a RT, but I'm more than a little concerned about having two really young players at the corners of the line. Thomas had a great rookie year, but then backslid considerably in year two. I'd hate to see Thomas and (insert RT here) become the offense's version of Wright and McDonald who, while neither was the worst at their position in the league by any stretch, seemed at times like guys thrust into their jobs too soon.

 

Dennis

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You don't have to worry about that...Thomas is as good as they get....get a guy like Andre Smith on the other edge and we could dominate on O.

 

That would allow BQ to be all that he can be.

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I disagree that Schafer is all that good....he is OK..Smith is a huge upgrade...assuming he pans out....but we will just assume anybody we talk about pans out...we aren't throwing around names of guys who aren't at the top of all the lists.

 

I do agree on our DBs...I don't have a real issue there...at least the corners.

 

It just boils down to how we as fans view the draft.....some want it to address needs....some want the best players we can get.

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I believe the #1 priority for this team is to get better at LB. And, I mean a hell of a lot better. But, Center is definately a position of need. Hadnot is a better center then guard and would be okay between Steinbach and Tucker, but he isn't the long term answer. We do need an upgrade from Fraley. Fraley is a great team player and great in the locker room, but his best days are gone.

 

As far a DBs I don't think we are in very good shape. Holly is a FA. You know that signing a FA is a two way street, so it isn't a lock we keep him. Jones is a FA and I don't know if I want to keep him for what he wants paid. Worse comes to worse you can tag him for one year. Adams is a FA. Not really a starter but a good backup and also a very good special teams player. Cousins sucks and should have been let go about mid season. We never got to find out about Daniels. Seems he got caught up in the Savage vs RAC power struggle. I'd like to see him with a full preseason under him. He was a decent DB in Miami and can play corner or safety.

 

We do need to sign Holly and get a 4th corner. We do need to address the safety position. You look at the successful 3-4 teams, they all have a very active, athletic, hard hitting SS.

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I believe the #1 priority for this team is to get better at LB. And, I mean a hell of a lot better. But, Center is definately a position of need. Hadnot is a better center then guard and would be okay between Steinbach and Tucker, but he isn't the long term answer. We do need an upgrade from Fraley. Fraley is a great team player and great in the locker room, but his best days are gone.

 

As far a DBs I don't think we are in very good shape. Holly is a FA. You know that signing a FA is a two way street, so it isn't a lock we keep him. Jones is a FA and I don't know if I want to keep him for what he wants paid. Worse comes to worse you can tag him for one year. Adams is a FA. Not really a starter but a good backup and also a very good special teams player. Cousins sucks and should have been let go about mid season. We never got to find out about Daniels. Seems he got caught up in the Savage vs RAC power struggle. I'd like to see him with a full preseason under him. He was a decent DB in Miami and can play corner or safety.

 

We do need to sign Holly and get a 4th corner. We do need to address the safety position. You look at the successful 3-4 teams, they all have a very active, athletic, hard hitting SS.

LB should be our first priority, and mangini and kokinis know that. kokinis was in baltimore, so he knows what good LBs do for a team, and mangini's run a 3-4 for years, so he, too, knows the importance of having good linebackers. to me, the only question is whether they'll go ILB or OLB, which will be an interesting dilemma.

 

hadnot could be a stopgap if we don't address center this year. he's a better run blocker than pass blocker, which will mean he'll likely be able to take on NTs in the run game but will need help when we pass, not good for dealing with edge rushers and especially deadly against the zone blitz. however, was fraley anything but a liability in either phase of the game last year?

 

we didn't cut holly after his injury, which i think we could have, so keeping him on the roster was a show of good faith on our part. with savage gone, it's more up to the new FO whether or not they even pursue holly or make a play for another corner.

 

we need to resign daniels and adams. daniels is versatile and never got a chance to show what he could do, so he'll liekly come cheap, and adams is a decent backup who performed to the best of his ability when forced into a starting role. he's certainly better than sorensen.

 

everyone here agrees about cousin. dude needs to retire because he can't cover me, and i'm a 5'7" jew.

 

last, we should tag jones for this year, let him play the year out and see how he does. if he sucks, we let him walk next year. if he's good, we tag him again and trade him. there are three incredible safety prospects in next year's draft, and from what alo's said, taylor mays is the worst of the three.

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