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The goal: to build a winning franchise tradition

We still have several days to the draft, we all say one thing during the season and then during draft time we all want “impact” players and dream of being the Cinderella team. I wanted to explore how we can build a winning FRANCHISE more so than a winning team. I wanted to bring in some realism. To do that, we must first assess our current roster.

I went to the official site and grabbed the roster – immediately got rid of several players we’ll never hear of as those 75 need to be cut to 53 – then trimmed again after the draft. I must tell you, this in itself is a difficult task. I obviously don’t have the advantage of game film and training camp and so forth. You’ll notice a few cuts, but at 4-12, people have to go to infuse fresh blood and better production potential. The players age is in parenthesis.




Kicker – Phil Dawson (32)
Punter – Dave Zastidul (28)
Long Snapper – Ryan Pontbriand (27)
KR/PR - Josh Cribbs (23)

PUP – LeCharles Bentley (27), Gary Baxter (28)


Looking at our team, the weak points in order are as follows:

1. Offensive line – It has been the biggest cause of problems for us since 1999. It is the foundation of championship franchises. The reason I rank it above the defensive line is because if your D is on the bench, the opposing O will have trouble scoring. The right side of our line is very old and bruised and have been dealing with injuries. We need to replace Tucker and Andruzzi as they are oft injured, getting old and lost a step. Our depth needs a massive upgrade.

2. Defensive line - We still have trouble with stopping the run and letting our LB release to the QB and RB in the backfield. Roye and Washington are close to retirement and Smith will be 30 when the season begins. Depth wise, Fraser had a real solid year getting to the QB with 4.5 sacks. He played all 16 games and started 5 accruing 36 tackles. Other than that, our depth needs a massive upgrade

3. Running Back – Lewis is signed to a 1 year deal. Our depth is not strong at this position (anyone noticing a recurring theme?). Harrison has potential, but is still very raw. Bare in mind, he’s a mid-round pick and is still developing. Wright was decent, but I don’t think he’s good enough to be a 3rd RB.

4. Wide receiver – I do believe Edwards is the real deal. To me, too much is made of his attitude. I say that because the attitude I see is that he is tired of losing and plays his ass off every game. Jurevicious is the only proven guy on the roster. Travis Wilson showed great hands in pre-season and his couple catches in the regular season. The real attribute that sticks out is he catches with his hands, not his body. Josh Cribbs is still really raw. I think his best potential lies in being the #5 WR. He is, however, our strongest special teams player. Tim Carter is a stop gap here to stretch the field and replace Northcutt until Cribbs, or a future pick is ready for the role.

5. Tight ends – Winslow is a stud. Heiden has played solid and can block. He loses concentration on some easy catches, but he is valuable. Dinkins is a solid blocking 3rd TE. He’s valuable to special teams. Dinkins and Heiden are each 30 years old, it’s time to think about the future.

6. Cornerback – I believe this is the most over-valued position in the NFL. All the rules go against them. They are only as good as their DL and S. Last years problems were due to lack of QB pressure and the simple fact that our top 3 CB played a combined 12 games. Bodden has shut down Chad Johnson on more than one occasion. He can play. Holly was always around the ball last year. People talk about tipped balls, but id the tipped ball goes to you – chances are you were in the right position to have a shot at a play. It also shows great ball awareness. As a first year starter, this kid has potential. Wright comes from a solid D in Washington. He is a nickleback, nothing more. Perry got a lot of good experience being tossed into the fire. He played “well” given the situation. Typically I’d see him as a 5th CB. Perkins, he’s done. Time to cut the ties. UDRFA Perry beat him to the field, that’s all you need to know. It’d be nice to have Baxter back in the fold. We gained a lot of youth experience last year. I think we’ll benefit greatly this year. Consider Demario Minter as your draft pick since he was on PUP all last year.

7. Quarterback – I believe Frye has the tools, but we really don’t know what we have. Bottom line, with the cast he’s had to work with and the horrendous OC he had for the first 7 games, no one could have succeeded. This is down on the list for the simple fact – if he isn’t the guy, we need to make sure the next guy has an environment conducive to success. Derek Anderson showed back-up ability. He has a cannon for an arm and a quick release. His big problem is once the ball goes over 10 yards his accuracy is gone. Dorsey is an intelligent QB, Browns fans dislike him, but he’s a 3rd string QB. If anyone’s 3rd string QB plays then the team won’t win. So having an intelligent 3rd string QB is an asset. Aside from that, we have too many holes to worry about the 3rd string QB.

8. Safeties – We have youth and talent here. Sean Jones light kicked on last year. I believe Brodney Pool’s light will kick on this year. Mind you, Pool is only 22 years old. We stole him in round 2. In 2 more years we will have one of the top 5 safety tandems in the NFL. Mike Adams is young and experienced and will provide solid depth. Justin Hamilton was a rel nice surprise and played really well for a 7th round pick. He seemed to have good “QB vision.” And was never glaringly out of position.

9. Linebackers – Easily our strongest unit. We did a great job of addressing them last year and I think they have a great future. Wimbley had 11 sacks and was a stud. Dqwell Jackson showed great instincts, especially the last 5 games he played prior to injury. Leon Williams, wow. I liked him the first time I saw him hit the field. Amazing athlete, killer instincts and our best inside pass rusher by far. This is what Chaun Thompson was supposed to be. Peek brings great 3-4 experience and some nice pass rushing skills. People cut on McGinest, but every article I have read about the LBs essentially said he was the most valuable one on the team. He gave the 3 rookies a wealth of knowledge and they took to his leadership. Remember, leadership can be more important than production. His production was the success of the rookies. Chaun Thompson has experience outside and inside. He’s valuable for that alone. I think he’s a great back-up to have. We’ll need to develop more depth, but I think it can wait a year.

10. Kicker – Dawson is 32, but kickers last

11. Punter – Z rocks.

12. Long Snapper – Butch got this one right, sounds silly I know. But I don’t recall him having one bad snap on special teams.

Now that we’ve seen the projected depth chart and gone through our weaknesses; it’s time to draft with the mentality of building a winning FRANCHISE. Win for years to come not for one.

In the NFL draft, the goal of rounds 1 through 3 is to get 3 starters, no, this isn’t Madden so these guys aren’t all day 1 starters – unless you pick as good as I do ) Day 2 picks have a 50/50 shot of making it. The goal is to get at least 2 depth players on day 2. Four and 5 picks make up the bulk of your depth if you scout properly.

I’m trying to keep some realism to the draft as players will go that I want. There will be zero trades in my mock as that involves too much speculation (though the whole draft is speculation). My true thoughts are that Russell and Quinn go 1 and 2. I don’t see Detroit taking Thomas when having Jeff Backus. I think Quinn is the ideal QB to run Mike Martz offense. Intelligent, quick decisions and can make all the throws with great timing.


2007 Cleveland Browns Draft:

Round #1: OT Joe Thomas, Wisconsin – Joe Thomas is the ultimate LT prospect in the NFL draft and the best in years. Four of the last six 1st round OT that won the Outland Trophy have gone on to a combined 22 pro-bowls. That’s as sure as you are going to get at a position.

Strengths:
An excellent athlete for the position...Has outstanding feet...Great size with long arms...Very mobile and agile...Displays great balance and gets set quickly...Able to pull, slide and block in space...Still has the frame to bulk up and add some more weight...Technically sound, instinctive and very smart with top intangibles...Rare prospect who can legitimately play the crucial left tackle position at the pro level.

Weaknesses:
Is only one year removed from a major knee injury...Is not always as aggressive as you'd prefer and could show more of a killer instinct...Needs to get stronger, especially in the lower-body, and develop physically...Struggles a bit with power and the bull rush...Tends to play with a narrow base at times...Is still learning the position to a degree after playing tight end and defensive end early in his career.

Notes:
Was also an excellent shot-putter for the Badger track and field team...Almost came out last year as a junior after he was told that he'd be a Top 10-15 overall pick by the NFL's underclassmen advisory panel but then he tore the ACL in his right knee while playing defensive end in the Badgers bowl game...Is not as good of a pass blocker as D'Brickashaw Ferguson was last year (very few are) but he might be a better all-around player...Will be one of the elite prospects available.

Round #2: DT Justin Harrell, Tennessee – Harrell was hampered by a torn bicep last year. That’s the only reason he’s not a first round pick. The kid can play and is a great size for a 3-4 DE. I wanted to take a G in this spot. However, I believe Grubbs and Blalock will be gone by our pick. I see Blalock going late first round and Grubbs going to either Oakland or Detroit.

Strengths:
Has good size with long arms and the frame to bulk up further...Athletic with solid speed and good quickness...Is mobile with pretty good range...Plays the run well and is a good tackler...Will penetrate and make plays in the backfield...Tough and will play through pain...May have some versatility...Hard worker...Top intangibles.

Weaknesses:
Has some health concerns and durability is a major question mark...He struggles to shed blockers...Has an inconsistent motor...Can use his hands better...Is not overly stout at the point...Is not real powerful and his good weight room strength does not always translate to the field...He never really had a breakout campaign.

Notes:
Missed the majority of his senior season with a ruptured biceps tendon but put off surgery for a week so he could help his team in a big game against Florida...Does everything well but doesn't really stand out in any one area...Might also project to defensive end in a 3-4 scheme...The Volunteers have a strong pro tradition when it comes to defensive tackles and Harrell will attempt to follow in the footsteps of John Henderson, Shaun Ellis, Darwin Walker, Rashad Moore and Jesse Mahelona.

Round #3: OG Manuel Ramierez, Texas Tech – Praised for his run blocking. I love running. We are a perfect match.

Strengths:
Massive with a huge frame...Incredibly strong and powerful...Stout at the point of attack and holds his ground...Once he locks on the battle is over...Is quick for his size...Tough and extremely physical...He can be a dominant run blocker...Durable with a lot of experience...Hard worker and team leader with excellent intangibles.

Weaknesses:
Is not overly athletic...Not very mobile or agile in space...Is only an average pass blocker despite a lot of reps...Short arms...Stamina is an issue late in games...Will have to adjust to a pro offense after playing in such a unique system in college.

Notes:
Strongest member of the team with a bench press of 550 lbs...Quite the physical specimen...He is not flashy but you know what you are getting...Will be limited to playing inside at the next level and his best fit will be with a run orientated team.

Round #4: WR Aundrae Allison, East Carolina. He has good speed and could turn into a real nice #3 WR.

Strengths:
A smooth athlete...Ball skills, balance and body control are superb...Has excellent hands and makes both the routine and tough catches...Speed is good, albeit not great, but he plays faster than he times and has a burst...Very elusive and runs well after the catch...A deep threat who can stretch the field vertically...Will work across the middle and in traffic...Very productive...Has potential as a return man.

Weaknesses:
Not a great route runner and needs to pay more attention to detail...Not much of a blocker and isn't very physical or aggressive...Takes plays off and work ethic is a question...He only has two years of DI experience...Has some durability concerns.

Notes:
Prefers to go by "Drae"...Considered coming out after his junior season...A JUCO All-American at Georgia Military Academy who officially enrolled at East Carolina in Jan. of '05...Might not project to be a true #1 receiver at the pro level but can be an excellent #2 option...Doesn't get a lot of attention but he has quietly emerged as a top pro prospect and how high he goes may surprise most casual observers.

Round #5: DT Paul Soliai,Utah. At 6’4” and 344 LBS he has great size and potential for a NT in a 3-4. With Washington’s looming retirement this kid could split time nicely with Shaun Smith in 2008 and 2009. As a bonus, he’s Somoan, which automatically makes him a complete bad-ass.

Strengths:
Has fantastic size with a huge frame and terrific bulk...Extremely strong and stout at the point...He is pretty athletic...Moves well and has good range...Can take on multiple blockers...Can really stuff the run...Still developing...Has a ton of upside.

Weaknesses:
Extremely raw and has only played the position for a couple of years...Not much of a pass rusher...Conditioning and stamina are concerns...Runs hot and cold...Is not quick or explosive and lacks a burst...Intelligence / Character may be issues.

Notes:
Native of American Samoa...Mother played softball for San Francisco State...JUCO transfer from Coffeyville Community College in Kansas where he was a 1st Team All-American offensive guard...Began his career with the Utes as an o-lineman as well...A potential 3-4 nose tackle...He is still far from a finished product but there is big potential here and he has all the physical tools you look for...Boom or Bust.

Round #6: TE Anthony Pudewell, Nevada. As previously stated, we’ll need a guy to develop to replace Dinkins. This kid is noted for blocking. Think goal line power sets. Round 6 guys rarely make it, this kid could be a nice 3rd TE.

Strengths:
Excellent blocker...Very tough...Has reliable hands...Smart...Hard worker with a great motor...Aggressive and never gives up on a play...Runs hard...Uses good leverage...Decent target in the short passing game...A team leader and captain.

Weaknesses:
Timed speed is well below average...He was never very productive...Not a great athlete and isn't very quick or explosive...Does not run very good routes...Not a deep threat...Marginal bal skills...Has some durability concerns...Limited upside.

Notes:
Redshirted his first year due to injury...Has a history of shoulder problems...The type who doesn't have the goods physically but gets by thanks to his top-notch intangibles...He'll never be a star but could be a nice backup / blocking specialist.

Round #7: DT Conrad Bolston, Maryland. He is too slow and has no pass rush. Nice thing about the 3-4 with our LB is this kid can absorb blocks and OL can have a tough time getting by him. The 3-4 is built off guys absorbing blocks. These picks are typically irrelevant, but every once in a while you get that diamond. (See Colston, and I also see Justin Hamilton fitting that bill). Will this guy be a diamond? Odds are against him as are against all 7th rounders.

Strengths:
He has good size and bulk with long arms and the frame to get bigger still...Very strong...Plays with excellent leverage...Stout at the point...Does a nice job versus the run...A decent bull rusher who will get a push...Can occupy multiple blockers.

Weaknesses:
Does not have a very good motor...Just isn't much of a pass rusher...Instincts and awareness are sub par...Is not a great athlete...Lacks quickness and a burst...He doesn't have nimble feet..Struggles to shed blocks...Limited pass rush repertoire.

Notes:
Was also an outstanding wrestler in high school who went 48-4 with 44 pins as a junior...Does not possess any standout attributes...Probably won't ever be more than a backup at the pro level...Still raw and he's basically a mauler and grappler.

*Scouting reports taken from - http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/rankings/qb.html


Now that I’ve given my draft explanation on who I picked, it’s time to reset the depth chart. You would not believe how difficult it was the first time around. Now I have to re-arrange it one more time before we can play in 2007.




Special Teams:
Kicker – Phil Dawson
Punter – Dave Zastidul
Long snapper – Ryan Pntbriand
KR/PR – Josh Cribbs

PUP list: Bentley and Baxter. If they are ready by week 7, we can place one of our CBs on IR to protect him (if he’s worthy) and drop Andruzzi if he’s still really weak and move Mckinney to G depth. However, due to their injuries severity, I’m placing them on IR.

Players cut: Kelly Butler, Lennie Friedman, Nick Eason and Ethan Kelley
Practice squad: Babatunde Oshinowho, Anthony Pudewell, Conrad Bolston, Kendrick Mosley, Lang Campbell, Chris Barclay, Anthony Perkins and Fred Matua

My choices to build a winning franchise lead me to upgrade the trenches. The players I cut were low grade depth. Some of you are thinking, “Butler has the potential to be good.” Now ask yourself, who would you rather have as a back-up, veteran Ryan Tucker or inexperienced Kelly Butler? Looking long-term I tried to infuse youth where it was needed preparing for future retirement so that these guys get at least one year of tutoring under solid vets.

Here again were the weakest parts of our team and how I attempted to build the future and turn a weakness into a strength.

1. Offensive line – Choosing Thomas gave me great possibilities for the future of this line. I added a 10 year LT, the hardest thing to find in the NFL. Shuffling Shaffer to the right side drops Tucker to depth where he belongs. Steinbach can continue to tutor Sowells and Andruzzi can tutor Ramierez. The line is also set up to protect the rookies. Steinbach is a solid vet that can help Thomas and Ramirez is sandwiched between Fraley and Shaffer; 2 solid veterans. Our back-ups have improved greatly as they have starting experience. We took away some major weak spots in Butler, Friedman and Coleman effectively making a nice front 5 foundation for the offense. Nat Dorsey is still a glaring weak spot, but you can’t do it all in one off-season. If Thomas were to get hurt, Shaffer can go back to LT and Tucker put in at RT. Age wise, the oldest starter is 27. Finally, we can get continuity and build chemistry where it’s desperately needed. Two rookies on a line is a little scary, but we are looking at the future – not looking to win next year. Don’t take the last line the wrong way. We want to win next year, but in the real world it is a building process. Remember, the goal is building a tradition of a winning franchise.

2. Defensive line – Once again, got rid of 2 weak spots and looked towards the future. I believe Fraser has great tools and is marvelous for depth. He truly can end up a solid starter – but my plans are still depth for him. Roye and Washington are 1 to 2 years from retirement. Washington can tutor Soliai and S. Smith in the NT position and Roye and R. Smith can tutor Justin Harrell and continue to help Fraser. I’ve peeled off a couple band-aids and added strength to our rotation on the d-line. It leaves us with a brighter future. Is it fixed? By no means, it’s going to take another year to really make it a strength. But I’ve started to push it in the right direction.

3. Running Back – Untouched. The draft didn’t unfold so that I could take care of this weakness. A 4th or 5th round project is better served elsewhere. We need top tier talent at the RB position. It’s too rare to find in rounds 4 and 5, aside from that we drafted Harrison in round 5 last year. Players take time to develop. Drafting a RB again in the middle round would make us Butch Davis. To tell you how hard that is for me, Walter Payton and Tony Dorsett are my two all-time favorite football players. I worship the ground Payton walked on. One day I’ll meet him in heaven. I am a running back fanatic. However, we need to build that foundation.

4. Wide receiver – Yeah, I know – I added more youth to the youth. The knock on Tim Carter are his hands, I think he’s a one year Northcutt replacement. When your team is in as bad of shape as ours was in 2005, you need some 1 year guys to fill holes. I think Cribbs is better suited for special teams. Allison could be the #3 we wanted. Especially since JJ will be 33.

5. Tight ends – Picked a project known for blocking. Could spell the end of Dinkins in 2008. Could be a bust.

6. Cornerback – I have a feeling I angered many people by “ignoring” the CB position. We upgraded the d-line, have solid S and a lot of youth at CB so I felt it was unnecessary to touch the position this year. Last year we had some bad corner play, but we had worse DL play and our top 3 CB COMBINED to play 12 games due to injury. We have also picked a CB in the draft the past 2 years, to reiterate – picking the same position 3 years in a row is how you Butch a draft.

7. Quarterback – I’ll get killed by many for not touching the QB. Instead of telling yourself “Soup’s enamored with Frye,” think. “Soup did a nice job of setting up the team for our 1st round QB next year. The o-line can no longer be used as the truth an excuse”

8. Safeties, Linebackers, Kicker, Punter and Long snapper – Didn’t need to touch it.

We are now set-up to play football in 2007. Low and behold, here is our schedule.

2007 Schedule

Sep 9 Pittsburgh 1:00pm
Sep 16 Cincinnati 1:00pm
Sep 23 @Oakland 4:05pm
Sep 30 Baltimore 1:00pm
Oct 7 @New England 1:00pm
Oct 14 Miami 1:00pm
Week 7 BYE
Oct 28 @St. Louis 1:00pm
Nov 4 Seattle 4:05pm
Nov 11 @Pittsburgh 1:00pm
Nov 18 @Baltimore 1:00pm
Nov 25 Houston 1:00pm
Dec 2 @Arizona 4:05pm
Dec 9 @N.Y. Jets 4:15pm
Dec 16 Buffalo 1:00pm
Dec 23 @Cincinnati 1:00pm
Dec 30 San Francisco 1:00pm

I believe in my team that I’ve started. To make a safe bet, I’m going to say we go 7-9. We have the 7th toughest schedule in the NFL based off last years standings. The team progressed and was in the games. Lost some heartbreakers and won some surprises. All in all, we saw dramatic improvement in year 3 of the 3-4 and Chud’s offense scored 19 PPG.



2008 Off-season

First, I believe we will be losing 3 players to retirement. This gives us immediate holes to full when targeting our off season.

NT – Ted Washington – he’ll be 40.
LB – Willie McGinest – he’ll be 36 and has been hampered by injuries as of late.
DE – Orpheus Roye – he’ll be 35 and I think his knees are getting the best of him as they’ve been a problem the past 2 years.


Cleveland Browns potential free agents:

QB Ken Dorsey (26)
QB: Derek Anderson (23)
RB – Jamal Lewis (28)
RB: – Jason Wright (25)
OT: Nat Dorsey (24)
TE – Steve Heiden (31)
CB – Daven Holly (25)
CB: – Jereme Perry (26)
LB: David McMillan (26)
LB: Chaun Thompson (27)

We just went from 53 players down to 41. We have to assess free agency and the value of our own players and how they came along in 2007. Now it’s time for (drum roll please) a look at the roster. Bear with me, this is tedious reading I know. But this is all part of building a franchise to win long term.




Special Teams:
Kicker – Phil Dawson
Punter – Dave Zastidul
Long snapper – Ryan Pntbriand
KR/PR – Josh Cribbs



2008 Potential NFL Free Agents:

Let me preface by saying I could not find this list anywhere on the internet. I had to use the best resource I could. Forgive me, but it’s Madden ’07. They are usually really good with years left on the contract. I did this fs a last resort and I only pulled out notable players. Not all will be available, but it’s interesting for the sake of the article.


QB: Rex Grossman
QB: Billy Volek
QB: Tony Romo
RB: Correll Buckhalter
RB: Julius Jones
RB: Michael Pittman
FB: Tony Richardson
LG: Alan Faneca
LG: Dan Buenning
LG: Tutan Reyes
RG Johnathon Welborn
RG: Chris Villarrial
RG: Elton Brown
C: Nick Hardwick
OT: Flozell Adams
OT: Bryant Mckinnie
OT: Travelle Wharton
OT: Stocker McDougal
WR: Kerry Colbert
WR: Terry Glenn
WR: Devry Henderson
WR: Jabar Gaffney
WR: Reche Caldwell
WR: Brandon Jones
WR: Bryant Johnson
WR: Patrick Crayton
TE: Chris Cooley
TE: Stephen Alexander
TE Ben Troupe
TE: Bo Scaife
DT: Randy Starks
DT: Jimmy Kennedy
DT: Ryan Sims
DT: Pat Williams
DE: Terrell Suggs
DE: Ty Warren
DE: Julius Peppers
DE: Justin Smith
DE: Simeon Rice
DE: Igor Olschansky
LB: Clark Haggans
LB: Shelton Quarles
LB: Carlos Dansby
LB: Mark Simoneau
CB: Nathan Vasher
CB: Keiwan Ratliff
CB: Marcus Trufant
CB: Dominique Foxworth
CB: Rodne Barber
CB: Eric Green
CB: Quentin Jammer
CB: Aaron Glenn
S Bhawha Jue
S: Keith Davis
S: Troy Plamalu
S: Eugene Wilson
S: Bob Sanders
S: Matt Bowen





2008 NFL draft top prospects:

Obviously this list will change and needs will change as the year goes by. Go to: http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/top64.php?draftyear=2008 It gives top 5 at each position and top 64 overall.

I’ve had all the fun so far. Now comes the interactive part. Make the following assumptions:

QB: Charlie Frye threw for 2800 yards 15 TDs and 12ints. 63% completion. Made some dumb throws and still had tendencies to run outside the pocket. His overall decision making improved. He’ll never be a pro-bowl QB, but has the ability to lead and be a game manager.

OL: They got stronger as the year went on. Bentley is now healthy.
RB: Jamal Lewis had his power, but lost a step. 1100 yards and 6 TDs.
CB: Holly had another solid year, 5 more picks. Baxter comes back, but he’s only 80% of what he was.
TE: Pudewell has developed nicely and is an excellent blocker. Do you cut Dinkins and replace him with Pudewell? Dinkins is valuable to your special teams.

You have the 13th pick in the NFL draft fue to your 7-9 record. How do you rank the weaknessesin our roster? Who do you re-sign on the Browns? Who do you cut? Who do you target in free agency? Who do you target in the draft? What would you do to continue to build the winning franchise and turn the corner in 2008 for the playoffs?

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Now comes the interactive part. Make the following assumptions:

QB: Charlie Frye threw for 2800 yards 15 TDs and 12ints. 63% completion. Made some dumb throws and still had tendencies to run outside the pocket. His overall decision making improved. He’ll never be a pro-bowl QB, but has the ability to lead and be a game manager.

OL: They got stronger as the year went on. Bentley is now healthy.
RB: Jamal Lewis had his power, but lost a step. 1100 yards and 6 TDs.
CB: Holly had another solid year, 5 more picks. Baxter comes back, but he’s only 80% of what he was.
TE: Pudewell has developed nicely and is an excellent blocker. Do you cut Dinkins and replace him with Pudewell? Dinkins is valuable to your special teams.

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The land of make believe?? Pretend this happened? How about we see what happens in 2007, and THEN talk about the 2008 draft?

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Now comes the interactive part. Make the following assumptions:

QB: Charlie Frye threw for 2800 yards 15 TDs and 12ints. 63% completion. Made some dumb throws and still had tendencies to run outside the pocket. His overall decision making improved. He’ll never be a pro-bowl QB, but has the ability to lead and be a game manager.

OL: They got stronger as the year went on. Bentley is now healthy.
RB: Jamal Lewis had his power, but lost a step. 1100 yards and 6 TDs.
CB: Holly had another solid year, 5 more picks. Baxter comes back, but he’s only 80% of what he was.
TE: Pudewell has developed nicely and is an excellent blocker. Do you cut Dinkins and replace him with Pudewell? Dinkins is valuable to your special teams.

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The land of make believe?? Pretend this happened? How about we see what happens in 2007, and THEN talk about the 2008 draft?

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a few nights, approx 8 hours

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It is a good read Soup.



But it's very hard to project that far ahead. Makes it hard to actually predict health factors that far ahead.

I mean injuries,trades,FA's,etc... can change these dynamics obver the course of a year. Look at last year. Bentley,Baxter,Tucker...........I think you see my point.

Just because we adress situations in the draft this year,it doesn't mean we won't find other pressing needs by the end of this season. I mean we can logicly deduce what positions will need to be filled next year by the positions we don't fill this year.

But a completly different set of circumstances will present themselves by this time next year and who knows where we'll stand then.

JMHO

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Wright was decent, but I don’t think he’s good enough to be a 3rd RB.

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5. Tight ends...7. Quarterback

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i have other disagreements with your weakness rankings, but this one takes the cake...i knew some folks had a crush on Frye, but WOW!...he's got a list of problems that go beyond the poor OL, and we've got probably one of the best TE units in the league...age 30 may be the time you start to THINK about the position, but not when your mind is burdened with thoughts of Frynderson repeating their 06 QB performance...look, if you don't want to take a QB this year, fine...but to say it's something to be addressed after the TE position, well, that's just

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Round #4: WR Aundrae Allison, East Carolina.

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I have a feeling I angered many people by “ignoring” the CB position. We upgraded the d-line, have solid S and a lot of youth at CB so I felt it was unnecessary to touch the position this year.

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Make the following assumptions:

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i'm surprised that those assumptions seemed to all work out according to your beliefs ...but i'll play...

08 FA...there're SO many variables, it's hard to guess, but...

kinda depends on where Charlie's 2800 yds and 15TDs broke down, but assuming the bulk went to Edwards, Winslow, with Jurevicious getting up there, i'd have a long look at a youngish vet like Keary Colbert...he might demand starter $, so i wouldn't try to outbid anyone, but if he's too pricy for Carolina and not offered big cash elsewhere...

if Michael Turner wasn't traded this offseason, i buy the guy in 08...he'll be costly, but he's the only top tier i go hard after...with Jamal on the downside, put Turner in a situation like he had in SD, excepting that HE becomes the starter, with about 75% of the carries...

i also look at a guy like Brandon McKinney from the Chargers, though he's not on your list...even if Ted were gone, getting McKinney, we'd have 2 decent NTs, allowing us to upgrade with a stud via the draft or stand pat if noone presented good value...

08 draft...

well, at 13 you aren't gonna be in contention for a franchse QB, so we've ignored QB for 2 years, not just 1, assuming we win that many games in 07(which i doubt, even with your 'dream scenario')...

round 1, CB DeJuan Tribble...as i said, good CBs help the LBs...
round 2, DT(NT) Marcus Harrison...or DT(DE) DeMario Pressley...based on your retirements, we need DL...

your site only goes to 64 prospects, but i'd look for some combo of RT, OLB, S in 3 and 4...

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I’d say our best guard we had last year was Lennie Friedman.

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I damn near choked on my lunch, knock that nonsense off

For those on this thread giving up on Tuck, the crow will be served after the season is over. I am taking orders now.

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I’d say our best guard we had last year was Lennie Friedman.


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I damn near choked on my lunch, knock that nonsense off

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I'd be happy to eat it.

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I'll be here to announce the serving time

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Sad I know...but really..who was better?

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Nobody was better









But Coleman and Druzzi were not as putrid.

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I'm going to say Quinn in round 1

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WOW ..never thought I'd see the day .. but when a man deserves credit a man deserves credit ... Soup .. this is the best thread ever .. any thread that can get Pit to admit that BQ is the man is one hell of a thread .. ..

i applaud your effort soup .. i dont agree with much of it but damm u did a nice job .. i wish i had the time to answer in the manner in witch it deserves ( a well thought out detailed assesment of my opinions on weaknesses ) ...

I seriously thought I;d never be able to or want to have an intelligent debate about football with U (well .. i would of course bring the bulk of intelligence ... . ) ... well u proved me wrong ... unfortunatly time wont allow me to respond ..

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I'm going to say Quinn in round 1

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I'm gonna make that my signature ... Pit admits that BQ is DA MAN ... *doing happy happy joy joy dance* .. *LOL* ..

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