NFL: NFL Offseason Thread

[Mr Janny]

Definitely not, especially if he moves to guard or right tackle as some scouts project he will. I like him as a prospect but 11 seems a tad high.

I was kind of surprised to see him win the Outland Trophy, this year. I realize I'm biased, because he's a hawk, but I thought there were times that he didn't look very good at all, this year. Certainly not worthy of a top 10 pick, but there he is at the top of all of these mock drafts. I guess that's why I'm not an NFL talent scout.

 

[Wesley]

Pats getting ready for another championship run.

 

[CYdTracked]

Chiefs have some issues to address. First off you have to lock up Justin Houston. Outside of JJ Watt he's probably the next best pass rusher and more dominant defensive players in the league. Probably going to see a few vets let go to clear up cap room to keep him. Bowe is probably done in KC, he wants elite WR $ and he is not an elite WR. Tamba Hali declined last year and is going to cost too much to keep, probably will cut WR Donnie Avery too. That being said need to go out and address WR in the draft and free agency. Getting another CB and probably at least 1 impact guy on the offensive line is a need too. Hopefully Derrick Johnson comes back OK from his injury but he's getting older so can't expect the same player he was before the injury but losing him in game 1 really hurt the run defense.

They are pretty set at some key positions, RB is pretty solid with Charles and Davis and FB Sherman, solid QB in Smith, a TE in Kelce who has the potential to be an elite TE. On the defensive side Poe has really been a beast at DT. Really the biggest needs are in the secondary, WR, and depth on the OL but Chiefs may have to make some tough cuts with some of their aging veterans that take up cap space in order to have enough salary to go after some prime targets.

 

[dualthreat]

Pats getting ready for another championship run.

Earlier this season (I think it was a week after being blown out by KC) Steve Young said the Patriots have no desire as a franchise to win super bowls anymore. They trade away everyone around tom brady and expect to remain competitive. His message was that the Patriots dynasty was over and it was unfair to Tom. Guess he was wrong about that.

 

[CoKane]

Depends on the round. The Vikes will most likely take a WR in the first round. Scherff certainly is not 11th pick material.

Could they try to grab one in free agency instead? Looking at this list there are plenty of good players to surround Bridgewater with. I don't know what the Vikings cap situation is, but I'd be surprised if they didn't take a look at one of the receivers in the article.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2015-nfl-free-agents-141400044--nfl.html

 

[jbindm]

I was kind of surprised to see him win the Outland Trophy, this year. I realize I'm biased, because he's a hawk, but I thought there were times that he didn't look very good at all, this year. Certainly not worthy of a top 10 pick, but there he is at the top of all of these mock drafts. I guess that's why I'm not an NFL talent scout.

Yeah, me too. But he hurt his knee early in the season and it was never really clear how badly, so for all he know he was playing at considerably less than 100% most of the way. I guess if scouts feel like he's a plug and play guy who could be a fixture on the o line for the better part of a decade then he merits a top ten pick for a team with a need at the position. But we're not talking about the second coming of Orlando Pace here either. I like him as a run blocking guard but I have doubts as to whether he can handle the speed rushers at the next level.

 

[Mr Janny]

Could they try to grab one in free agency instead? Looking at this list there are plenty of good players to surround Bridgewater with. I don't know what the Vikings cap situation is, but I'd be surprised if they didn't take a look at one of the receivers in the article.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2015-nfl-free-agents-141400044--nfl.html

how many of those guys will actually hit the market, though? I'd wager that the majority of the good ones like Thomas, Bryant, and Maclin will just re-sign with their current teams. Cobb might hit the market, based on Green Bay's history of letting receivers go, but who knows if he's actually a #1 WR? Of the players who will likely end up being available, there are very few sure things.

 

[CTTB78]

Could they try to grab one in free agency instead? Looking at this list there are plenty of good players to surround Bridgewater with. I don't know what the Vikings cap situation is, but I'd be surprised if they didn't take a look at one of the receivers in the article.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/2015-nfl-free-agents-141400044--nfl.html

I expect them to take the WR out of Louisville to team up with Teddy again.

 

[CyJack13]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...meet-with-elway-ellis-before-making-decision/

It looks like Manning is probably coming back to Denver for at least one more run at the Super Bowl. If he can stay helathy and co-exist with Kubiak then I like how Denver is shaping up next season. Bringing in Wade Philips as defensive coordinator was a good get for them. He flopped as a head coach but as a defensive coordinator he's always excelled. Von Miller and Demarcus Ware will flourish in the 3-4.

If he is coming back, I would think they seriously have to consider giving him a few weeks out throughout the regular season. Let him play 12 games, keep him as healthy as possible for the postseasonl

 

[CloneinWDSM]

Chiefs have some issues to address. First off you have to lock up Justin Houston. Outside of JJ Watt he's probably the next best pass rusher and more dominant defensive players in the league. Probably going to see a few vets let go to clear up cap room to keep him. Bowe is probably done in KC, he wants elite WR $ and he is not an elite WR. Tamba Hali declined last year and is going to cost too much to keep, probably will cut WR Donnie Avery too. That being said need to go out and address WR in the draft and free agency. Getting another CB and probably at least 1 impact guy on the offensive line is a need too. Hopefully Derrick Johnson comes back OK from his injury but he's getting older so can't expect the same player he was before the injury but losing him in game 1 really hurt the run defense.

They are pretty set at some key positions, RB is pretty solid with Charles and Davis and FB Sherman, solid QB in Smith, a TE in Kelce who has the potential to be an elite TE. On the defensive side Poe has really been a beast at DT. Really the biggest needs are in the secondary, WR, and depth on the OL but Chiefs may have to make some tough cuts with some of their aging veterans that take up cap space in order to have enough salary to go after some prime targets.

A Randall Cobb would be nice

 

[CoKane]

A Randall Cobb would be nice

I'll kill you bro.

 

[SWCy13]

I think the rationale behind the Vikes taking Scherff would be to play him in the LG spot occupied by the human turnstile that is Charlie Johnson, while also providing insurance for the (for the most part) human turnstile that plays LT, Kalil.

I could get behind this idea, just because the O-line was so bad this year, but still think they should go with a WR or LB if available. DeVante Parker is the obvious name that gets linked to the Vikes because of the Teddy connection at Louisville. I would also be OK with Kevin White at WR.

For linebackers, I'm really not sure if any of them are worthy of the #11 pick; I've seen mock drafts with top LBs like Shaq Thompson and Benardrick McKinney all over the map from top ten picks to early second rounders. I think McKinney would be a good fit as the run stuffing MLB (6'5", 245 lbs) that they really haven't had since EJ Henderson broke his femur.

 

[Mr Janny]

I think the rationale behind the Vikes taking Scherff would be to play him in the LG spot occupied by the human turnstile that is Charlie Johnson, while also providing insurance for the (for the most part) human turnstile that plays LT, Kalil.

I could get behind this idea, just because the O-line was so bad this year, but still think they should go with a WR or LB if available. DeVante Parker is the obvious name that gets linked to the Vikes because of the Teddy connection at Louisville. I would also be OK with Kevin White at WR.

For linebackers, I'm really not sure if any of them are worthy of the #11 pick; I've seen mock drafts with top LBs like Shaq Thompson and Benardrick McKinney all over the map from top ten picks to early second rounders. I think McKinney would be a good fit as the run stuffing MLB (6'5", 245 lbs) that they really haven't had since EJ Henderson broke his femur.

I like everything you just said, but also think they should be looking at a safety to play opposite Harrison Smith. That position was never settled all year long, and I don't think they were happy with any of the players that saw time there. I'd love to see another good, young safety back there. I hope Landon Collins is around at 11. I think he'd be perfect for them with his size and physical play style. It would give the Vikings some real talent in the defensive backfield.

 

[CYdTracked]

A Randall Cobb would be nice

I agree but I have my concerns about if he's a WR1 though especially for the price tag he'll demand. Have to realize the system he's played in GB he's been mostly a WR3 or WR2 and downfield threat and Alex Smith is not exactly the gun slinger that Aaron Rodgers is so I'm not sure his skill set would translate as well if he's forced to play more of a short game. I think someone like Jeremy Maclin would make a nice fit and adding a possession type of WR that can go across the middle and take a hit would make sense. Will be interesting to see who they get. If TE Travis Kelce keeps improving it really could open up the passing game more for the WR's because Kelce is somewhat in the same mold of Gronk and is a tough matchup.

 

[CloneinWDSM]

I agree but I have my concerns about if he's a WR1 though especially for the price tag he'll demand. Have to realize the system he's played in GB he's been mostly a WR3 or WR2 and downfield threat and Alex Smith is not exactly the gun slinger that Aaron Rodgers is so I'm not sure his skill set would translate as well if he's forced to play more of a short game. I think someone like Jeremy Maclin would make a nice fit and adding a possession type of WR that can go across the middle and take a hit would make sense. Will be interesting to see who they get. If TE Travis Kelce keeps improving it really could open up the passing game more for the WR's because Kelce is somewhat in the same mold of Gronk and is a tough matchup.

Maclin reuniting with Reid would be exciting.

 

[Mr Janny]

I agree but I have my concerns about if he's a WR1 though especially for the price tag he'll demand. Have to realize the system he's played in GB he's been mostly a WR3 or WR2 and downfield threat and Alex Smith is not exactly the gun slinger that Aaron Rodgers is so I'm not sure his skill set would translate as well if he's forced to play more of a short game. I think someone like Jeremy Maclin would make a nice fit and adding a possession type of WR that can go across the middle and take a hit would make sense. Will be interesting to see who they get. If TE Travis Kelce keeps improving it really could open up the passing game more for the WR's because Kelce is somewhat in the same mold of Gronk and is a tough matchup.

Maclin reuniting with Reid would be exciting.

I wouldn't hold out too much hope for Maclin. I'd be shocked to see him anywhere but Philly, next year, whether it be under a new contract or the franchise tag.

 

[Steve]

The Vikings are truly in a position to be able to use the rational of "best player available". The front office has stated that they have identified 8 spots on the roster that they want to upgrade. They probably had twice that number a year ago, but made significant progress in Zimmer's first year with FA's, draft picks, and development of reserve players. They went from a 5 win team to a 7 win team while losing their premier RB, projected starter at QB, and enduring devastating OL injuries.

They are in good shape with the salary cap. Similar to last year, expect them to sign a couple of affordable blue collar starters rather than break the bank with a high profile FA. Zimmer has a good track record with player development and his off-season plan to have Patterson work with a mentor that he believes can bring out CP's natural talent could pay huge dividends.

The 8 targeted upgrade positions are probably along the lines of the following in no order of priority: LT, LG, RB, WR, MLB, CB, S, DE. I'm guessing that they address 2 of these spots with FA's, 2 with development, and 4 with draft picks. The Vikings have a core group of young talent that Zimmer has heading in the right direction. I expect them to make the playoffs next year with around 10 wins followed by a 12 win Super Bowl contender team the following year.

 

[Gonzo]

I hope the Giants draft Scherff.

 

[Wesley]

If he is coming back, I would think they seriously have to consider giving him a few weeks out throughout the regular season. Let him play 12 games, keep him as healthy as possible for the postseasonl

Sounds like Peyton is starting to work out so he wants to play. Question is are the Broncos trying to dump him.

 

[CoKane]

I agree but I have my concerns about if he's a WR1 though especially for the price tag he'll demand. Have to realize the system he's played in GB he's been mostly a WR3 or WR2 and downfield threat and Alex Smith is not exactly the gun slinger that Aaron Rodgers is so I'm not sure his skill set would translate as well if he's forced to play more of a short game. I think someone like Jeremy Maclin would make a nice fit and adding a possession type of WR that can go across the middle and take a hit would make sense. Will be interesting to see who they get. If TE Travis Kelce keeps improving it really could open up the passing game more for the WR's because Kelce is somewhat in the same mold of Gronk and is a tough matchup.

Cobb actually can make plays off of short passes. For the last couple of seasons we ran a screen play for him that he would turn into a decent gain and he was guy Rodgers hit up on quick slants pretty often too. Some of the balls he caught were passes only a guy like Rodgers could make though, so that's something to consider. I'm not sold on Cobb being a number 1 guy, but I also thought the same about Nelson when Jennings left and look how he turned out.