My Draft Needs Analysis - Offense

I enjoy this time of year, but not because I like to go watch game tape of prospects, but because I like to look at what the team needs. First, is the offense:

Quarterbacks: We are all set at starter here and probably at backup as well. That leaves the 3rd QB spot as the only one really up for grabs. With the 2 guys we already have in place, I don't see a NEED for another QB in the draft, but would not be opposed to bringing in another UDFA to compete for the #3 spot. We will eventually need Ben's replacement here, but at the moment it isn't a draft priority.

Running Backs: Bell is our running back with Williams providing depth. Archer is going to get some touches as well. When you add in W. Johnson, there isn't a lot of room to add a draft pick. Yes, we could take someone in the top 4 rounds, but I truly think we have bigger needs even then drafting a guy at all. Bring in 2 or 3 guys as UDFAs to complete with Harris giving him competition for a roster spot.

Tight Ends: Miller and Spaeth are all set. That leaves the final spot open to competition. Blanchflower is the leading candidate right now to fill that spot, but I could see us drafting a guy for our future TE. I think it is likely we see a TE drafted this year. If it is early, it is to succeed Heath, later would imply he is here for 3rd TE competition.

C: Can't see us drafting a C, at least one who is picked to one day start unless he can also play G.

G: We have DeCastro and that is about it. With Foster being UFA after this year, I think it is likely we draft and sign a UDFA for this position.

T: I think our top 3 guys are set here. Unless we find a guy we just can't pass on, I think we don't take any Tackles despite the overall weakness of the 3 guys we have there. Much like the year Colon moved to G, I think Beachum or Gilbert may one day get moved inside.

WR: I think the top 3/4 guys are set here, maybe as many as 5. Archer should probably be included in this group because unless you get him some space he is very little use as a threat on the field. I don't see us taking any WRs in the draft, but some UDFA will probably be added.

I will try to get to the much more complicated D tomorrow. Thoughts?

 

i don't know what we have in villanueva , but if a top ot fall i would think about it

 

Pretty much spot on Tarheel. I think there might be a possibility that we draft a WR in the later rounds, but the rest of your assessment looks good to me.

 

Quarterbacks are set at 1 and 2. Taj Boyd was just brought in too for comp. at the #3. But I agree, I wouldn't mind seeing an UDFA as well.

RBs - would they bring in a guy to compete with Josh Harris for #2/3? If someone they love is there in the 3rd or 4th, I could see them taking a pick there.

I agree with Freak, if a top OT is there, they would be doing a disservice if they passed on him imo.

 

OT was a really hard part of my evaluation. Like I said, I could see Gilbert or Beachum moving inside if we landed a stud OT. In fact, that would be my preference, but I don't know if it happens.

 

i'm waiting for the defense .

 

The goal of the draft is to improve the team and not necessarily a position. That's why BPA is the goal for the most part. I will be upset if we draft a TE this year even knowing it's time to find Heaths replacement. I just don't see starter material @TE left in this draft. RB is a need, the playoffs proved this, and Williams, while a nice addition, is not a long term solution. This is a deep RB class and a star can be found in rd 2, solid players in 3-5 and unlike other positions they can contribute immediately.

Cajun

 

I see your point Cajun, but I think you could argue the "injury proves we have a need" game with multiple positions. Would we be okay at QB? What about TE, do you trust Spaeth and Blanchflower to hold down that position?

I am not arguing we don't need depth there, cause I think we do, but for me we have starter holes on D which need to be met first. RB is a depth need. OLB is a starter need. CB is a starter need. S might be a starter need (FO will have to determine this, I think we could be okay with Mitchell and Thomas, not great, but okay)

 

We lost Bell and we lost our running game, became one dimensional and lost. You loose Miller and still have a passing & running game. Also remember Bell is likely to be suspended, possibly 4 games.

I agree Defense needs some talent added in different positions. I doubt we draft 3 starters this year. Possibly one and a couple backups and ST. Hopefully in a couple years they become starters.

Cajun