Ahmad Bradshaw Released

[Tubbs1518]

The aren't getting new Olineman. As long as Tits comes back we will have the same starters as last year. The only exceptions might be if Robinson starts at C and if Wharton comes back healthy and beats out Boling.

 

[cincygrad]

The aren't getting new Olineman. As long as Tits comes back we will have the same starters as last year. The only exceptions might be if Robinson starts at C and if Wharton comes back healthy and beats out Boling.

I don't see them changing guards now.... They invested good picks in Boling and Zeitler and both played well last year (especially compared to the guys they replaced). I think Wharton will be used as a vet off the bench. Unfortunately I also don't see them upgrading center -- They gave Cook a nice deal a year or two ago and seem to have faith in Robinson for the future. The only linemen we're drafting within the first 3 rounds are tackles and that isn't a sure thing.

 

[Tubbs1518]

I don't see them changing guards now.... They invested good picks in Boling and Zeitler and both played well last year (especially compared to the guys they replaced). I think Wharton will be used as a vet off the bench. Unfortunately I also don't see them upgrading center -- They gave Cook a nice deal a year or two ago and seem to have faith in Robinson for the future. The only linemen we're drafting within the first 3 rounds are tackles and that isn't a sure thing.

If they resign Smith, which I expect them to do, we aren't taking a tackle early either.

 

[Be Weary of Query]

I don't see them changing guards now.... They invested good picks in Boling and Zeitler and both played well last year (especially compared to the guys they replaced). I think Wharton will be used as a vet off the bench. Unfortunately I also don't see them upgrading center -- They gave Cook a nice deal a year or two ago and seem to have faith in Robinson for the future. The only linemen we're drafting within the first 3 rounds are tackles and that isn't a sure thing.

Here's the only thing with Wharton (and I say this knowing that we are a shit ton under the cap) is that he is due to make:

'13 - $2.675 million
'14 - $2.675 million
'15 - Free Agent

Unless he is given a legitimate chance to start, would Mikey keep a backup making that much? I'm of the opinion that you keep Wharton as a valued vet off the bench with experience at Guard and Tackle in the NFL. Then again, it's not my money.

The left guard position should be Boling's job to lose but we'll see.

 

[DanBengalfan]

we'll draft at least a few players that won't make any since to us whatsoever.

...

I wouldn't mind if we draft 2 running backs honestly.

 

[flamingrey]

You mention the line -- Which positions are you addressing here? I could definitely see right tackle if tits is gone. And I would obviously endorse getting a new center. What do you put as our top draft needs.

I see them as follows:

Safety
Wide receiver
Running back
Linebacker
Center
Offensive tackle
Cornerback

Smith is priority number 1. They cannot take a step back by letting him go. I'd like to see a new center. I advocated for Cook over Robinson last season because it was midseason and Cook was playing as well as Robinson. Going forward from right now I probably replace him with Robinson and let him grow. Though I wouldn't mind starting anew.

You're going to have growing pains with Boling - who I'm not sold on at all, and Zeitler - who will only improve. It won't happen, but I'd look to replace Boling along with Cook.

The o-line right now is tough to assess overall. Boling was the weakest link and along with an injured Whitworth, it's a tough time running left. Smith is solid (moreso pass blocking than run), but Zeitler was a rookie, so it wasn't going to be perfect. With a healthy Whitworth and an improved Zeitler, the run blocking should get better leading to a better run game next season.

Safety
Linebacker
Wide receiver
Running back
Cornerback
Center
Offensive tackle

That's my order. I'm fine if someone argues RB a little higher than that, but I still wouldn't draft one in the top rounds. That's the easiest position by far to find in FA. The exception is if you think you have one with AP, LT, McFadden type talent, but for that you'd have to use a high 1st pick.