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I know there are a few threads on this already, but they seem to have devolved into debates about Alex Smith, so I'm starting a new one and doing my best to ignore the QB situation. I just have one comment on it.
I accept it is a virtual guarantee that Smith is back next year. There is really no need to debate it. I also firmly believe that the staff believes in CK, so I think it's a long shot that we bring in any competition for the QB1 spot (I would like to see Henne brought in personally). The only way Alex is not starting next year is if we sign Drew Brees or Peyton Manning. I think all of us would accept either of those moves (Manning conditioned on him passing physicals). That's all I'll say about Smith and the QB.
With our own FAs (I don't have a list in front of me, so forgive me if I miss one or two).
All the starters on defense I would like to see back. I like that Rogers wants to get something done before FA starts because that allows us to tag Goldson (and I would tag Goldson, probably wouldn't tag Rogers). I'd push hard for Brooks to come back because if we lose him we need to replace him (I don't have a list of candidates, does anyone?). We can't go into next year with Smith and Haralson as the only two OLB on the roster. Even if we sign Brooks, we still need another body.
Offensively, I would let Rachal walk, I would look to bring back the entire OL (though an upgrade at RG is important and let Snyder be a universal backup who can play all 5 spots). I want Walker back, and would look for another athletic TE in the draft (round 4 or later though). I don't think we need a "blocking TE" as we use DL and OL for that role anyhow.
WR must be addressed multiple times. If we can get one of the big FA that are available (Colston, Bowe) then do that, but I would still take a WR high in the draft (first two rounds). If we have to move up a bit to get our guy, do it (not like the Falcons, but a few spots). If we're unable to get a big time FA, I would draft two WRs in the first 3 rounds and would be very excited about getting WRs with the first two picks.
We went into the NFC Championship game with Brett Swain as our #3 WR.
I'm going to start another thread about Ginn, because I know it will be a focus, but I wouldn't bring him back. Yes, we'd be playing for the Super Bowl if he had played last week, but not because of explosive plays that didn't happen in the return game, but because of an inability to protect the ball. I'd look for a WR that has experience returning punts (in college or the pros) who can bring more to the table on offense than Ginn does.
I would also cut Dixon at RB and see what we can find in the mid to late rounds in a RB that could be an every down guy. Gore is getting towards the end, and I'm not convinced Hunter can be a 20 touch per game guy. If it turns out Hunter can do that, we only spent a 5th round pick (or so) on a backup RB. If he can't, we may hit the jackpot.
Other positions I'd address in the draft are OG (unless we can sign Nicks at a reasonable price), CB (depth is a must) and OLB (again, we need depth). I also would look into a DL in the later rounds.
I accept it is a virtual guarantee that Smith is back next year. There is really no need to debate it. I also firmly believe that the staff believes in CK, so I think it's a long shot that we bring in any competition for the QB1 spot (I would like to see Henne brought in personally). The only way Alex is not starting next year is if we sign Drew Brees or Peyton Manning. I think all of us would accept either of those moves (Manning conditioned on him passing physicals). That's all I'll say about Smith and the QB.
With our own FAs (I don't have a list in front of me, so forgive me if I miss one or two).
All the starters on defense I would like to see back. I like that Rogers wants to get something done before FA starts because that allows us to tag Goldson (and I would tag Goldson, probably wouldn't tag Rogers). I'd push hard for Brooks to come back because if we lose him we need to replace him (I don't have a list of candidates, does anyone?). We can't go into next year with Smith and Haralson as the only two OLB on the roster. Even if we sign Brooks, we still need another body.
Offensively, I would let Rachal walk, I would look to bring back the entire OL (though an upgrade at RG is important and let Snyder be a universal backup who can play all 5 spots). I want Walker back, and would look for another athletic TE in the draft (round 4 or later though). I don't think we need a "blocking TE" as we use DL and OL for that role anyhow.
WR must be addressed multiple times. If we can get one of the big FA that are available (Colston, Bowe) then do that, but I would still take a WR high in the draft (first two rounds). If we have to move up a bit to get our guy, do it (not like the Falcons, but a few spots). If we're unable to get a big time FA, I would draft two WRs in the first 3 rounds and would be very excited about getting WRs with the first two picks.
We went into the NFC Championship game with Brett Swain as our #3 WR.
I'm going to start another thread about Ginn, because I know it will be a focus, but I wouldn't bring him back. Yes, we'd be playing for the Super Bowl if he had played last week, but not because of explosive plays that didn't happen in the return game, but because of an inability to protect the ball. I'd look for a WR that has experience returning punts (in college or the pros) who can bring more to the table on offense than Ginn does.
I would also cut Dixon at RB and see what we can find in the mid to late rounds in a RB that could be an every down guy. Gore is getting towards the end, and I'm not convinced Hunter can be a 20 touch per game guy. If it turns out Hunter can do that, we only spent a 5th round pick (or so) on a backup RB. If he can't, we may hit the jackpot.
Other positions I'd address in the draft are OG (unless we can sign Nicks at a reasonable price), CB (depth is a must) and OLB (again, we need depth). I also would look into a DL in the later rounds.
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