I really think GB can go out and sign 2 outside FA upgrades. My preference would be
1. CB
2. WR
Honorable mention would be a Pass Rusher (DE, LB With Pass Rush prowess, DT with an arsenal
Obviously we were banged up at WR at the wrong time. Yet that happens to almost every team by playoffs and in several position groups. We can no longer be content when it’s regular that a lead WR or 2 miss significant time. I hear every season the same old argument that we’re deep. However that really proved false and in a big way. Adding another known quantity veteran WR in FA is wise. I don’t want a $30Mil guy, but someone who lives up to that 3-4yr X ~$17.5Mil +- annual area deal would suffice. Same goes for CB but keeping it in that $12-14Mil +- annual. Meaning someone who has a proven track record of being a plus starter.
Now that said im completely out of touch with who’s available for what market $. Inverting those expenditures wouldn’t bother me if thats how it shakes out.
Our D was impressive. We can get a couple more Defenders in the draft and if 2 pop? We could be staring at a Top 5 unit imo. We were a botched opening KR from being in the lead into the 4th quarter of the Wildcard and that was credit to our DC.
As far as ST? You never ever ever never start a high caliber contest by giving your opponent momentum in their house opening Kickoff, especially when that’s exactly why they Kicked it ti us in the first place. I might go into FA getting a new Coach (sarcasm) if they can’t figure out basic football. Some people are so smart.. they outsmart themselves.
Great summary. With Watson out until November, and Doubs having some serious trouble with concussions, WR moves up the list, slightly ahead of Edge. Ty pointed out that Watson had to be accounted for when he lined up. So despite his inconsistent play and injury history, he'll certainly be missed. And the ACL was sad and ironic because he had put the chronic hamstring problems in the past. That's football.
As far as FAs, the whole list is pretty skinny. I like the CB from MN (Byron Joseph?) and WR Godwin. Higgins is too expensive and not the veteran presence GB needs.
Gluten can draft a speedster at WR later in day two or day three, unless someone falls. That makes Edge a likely target for round one. It all depends of course on FA and any trades. But it's clear that CB, WR, and Edge need to be addressed. The D was very good last year but they didn't get consistent pressure on the QB.
Some interesting weeks ahead. As for the draft, looks like Gluten will once again have to pull off some round 4-7 magic. He can do it.