The NFL season is sadly over. Baseball tonight is now airing as Pitchers and Catchers are set to report soon. What are us NFL fans to do? Well how about still talk about football. Heres an early look at the 2012 offseason.
1. Colts
To pay 28 million or not To pay 28 million? Bring back the face of your franchise with a lofty investment or cut all ties with the past? I’m never coughing up that kind of money to pay a player with such a high health risk. However what I believe the Colts should do is in fact cut Manning but only to resign him in an incentive laden deal. I wouldn’t stop there though. As shady and frowned upon as it would be I would then ship Manning with a contract that is moveable. You know Dan Schnieder, the same owner who gave up a top 40 draft pick for a washed up McNabb would get in on the Manning Sweepstakes at that point. In the draft I would likely try to make some sort of Luck for RGIII swap to obtain more picks which I would then use to reunite the Baylor Connection of Griffin-Wright. Their Speed playing together in the RCA dome and their already established chemistry should make for a lethal Combo and eased NFL transition. Wright and Garcon appear to fit the Wallace Brown roles well in Bruce Arians pass heavy offense.
2. Rams
The rams are in desperate need of pass protection. Matt Kallil seems to be the obvious choice. The Rams also really REALLY need a Playmaking WR. This years class is deep enough to land a difference maker at the top of round two. Going after V-Jax is also something that should be considered. Perhaps they do sign Jackson and then are able to use their 2nd pick on a Lamar Miller type to compliment S-Jax. Who lets face it… could really REALLY use a running mate.
3. Vikings
With AP and Gerhart downed with ACL injuries their run game looks to be…. In trouble. Kevin Smith has the looks of an ideal stopgap via FA. Iowa LT Riley Reiff could easily be the direction the turn to come draft day as team has a glaring hole at the tackle position. They also need to upgrade their secondary and number 2 WR as Harvin is without a true compliment. Brandon Lloyd would be the ideal addition at the WR position.
4. Browns
The Browns need playmakers. The Browns need Robert Griffin. His skill set is also a good fit for Pat Shurmurs offense which involves many rollouts. They would be wise to add a WR via free agentcy. Desean Jackson, Mario Manningham, Jerome Simpson and Harry Douglas should all receive strong consideration from them. With Peyton Hillis set to leave as a FA the Browns could also use a RB. Preferably a speed back with thirdown abilities to pair with Hardesty. Justin Forsett is one for them to consider given his quickness and thirdown abilities. If the Browns are unwilling to use a high draft pick on a QB, a wise investment might be to sign Vincent Young at what should be a bargain price. Then, perhaps slide down in the draft and attempt to acquire Justin Blackmon and Lamar Miller (while obtaining additional picks) to give their offense some instant fire power. Whatever they do they need to come away with a QB, WR and RB of some sort this offseason. They may elect to handle their offensive needs mostly in free agentcy and select Morris Claiborne to pair with Joe Haden to give them the best two young corners in the game. That route may make the most sense given the way the NFL is today (pass heavy) and in having two potential shutdown corners, the alleviated pressure on the rest of the defense would be vast
5. Bucs
The Bucs were atrocious against the run last season. Selecting DT Devon Still is a plausible solution as one of the drafts premier run stuffers. They also need to add a DB with Ronde Barber being 50 years old and Aquib Talib possibly playing along side Paul “motley” Crew on the mean machine next year. So Morris Claiborne is a very strong possibility. They will likely also look to add a back to play alongside Blount considering his complete disregard passing down skills.
6. Redskins
I’m sure they will be attempting to add Manning or Matt Flynn. I don’t believe they will be able to do either one leaving them with little alternatives. Signing Josh Johnson is possible but in doing so the team will be forced to select a QB early. A QB likely not named Luck or Griffin . They should do whatever they can to move up to number one to snag Luck and make the rest of their moves accordingly.
7. Jags
Well we know MJD can’t do it all by himself. The team has too much dead weight for even him to carry. They would be wise to pursue a reasonably priced QB such as Matt Moore via Trade or perhaps Brady Quinn via FA. They also desperately need a big time WR. Under new ownership that’s likely to be aggressive the Jags maybe a prime spot for landing one of the top FA WRs such as V-Jax. Which would allow Mike Thomas to return to his complimentary role that hes best suited for. Draft wise Quinton Coples is someone I’d look for them to select. Who doesn’t want someone with JPP type upside??
8. Panthers
With Steve Smith sitting at 32 years of age Cam Newton is in need of a young WR. I know their Defense needs a lot of work but I don’t think its possible to pass up Blackmon at this spot completing their offense for the foreseeable future. Adding Red Bryant in FA would be huge for the interior of their Defense which could have a trickledown effect on the rest of their D making everyone better.
9. Dolphins
I don’t think they can get Manning and I don’t think they should either. With Matt Flynn so comfortable in their new offense I think He’s the must add player for them this offseason. I think you then draft either Alshon Jeffery or Michael Floyd to give you a dynamic offense with Marshall on one side Jeffery/Floyd on the other, Davone Bess in the slot and the one two punch of Bush and Thomas.
10. Bills
Stevie Johnson is a FA… might want to start with resigning that guy. With him their offense has all the pieces it will need. Their attention can then turn to defense. When the Bills were knocking off the likes of the Pats it was because they were getting pressure on the QB and forcing turnovers. They need to find a pass rusher. Melvin Ingram just dominated the senior bowl and looks to be one of the top pass rushers this draft has to offer.
11. Chiefs
The Chiefs must figure out who they will have under center whether it’s Matt Cassell or they bring back Kyle Orton or someone else starter worthy. Then they must do their best to protect him as well as give Jamaal Charles as much room to run as possible. Selecting OT Jonathan Martin would do exactly that. He made 37 starts in a prostyle offense, giving Andrew Luck ample time to throw. With Charles coming off an ACL injury they could opt for selecting Trent Richardson to maximize the effectiveness and efficiency of Charles for years to come. That route also makes sense. It would also be nice to add a pass rusher to line up opposite Tamba Hali. He desperately needs a sack artist bash brother.
12. Seahawks
They should be one of the teams in the race for Matt Flynn but I don’t think it’s going to happen. So maybe Pete Carroll can team up with Vince Young. Bringing him in to “compete” with Tavaris Jackson would be a wise move. They are also forced to over pay to resign Lynch after his “Beast Mode” finish to last season. In the draft they will be looking at Devon Still and Melvin Ingram. Either would be a nice addition to their D-line. If Morris Claiborne is available though I think he’s a must draft. The worth of a shutdown corner is almost incalculable.
13. Cardinals
Well unfortunately they have a big investment in Kevin Kolb which could prevent them from making a play at Manning or Flynn. Skelton showed some promise last season. Enough when paired with the Kolb investment that I think they might just have to stand pat at the QB position. Use their first pick to address their offensive line issues by selecting a David Decastro.
14. Cowboys
Well the Cowboys underachieved…. Again. Maybe Jerry Jones gets a little desperate this offseason and gets very active and aggressive in the offseason. Since teams can’t get their hands on enough pass rushers maybe he makes a play at Mario Williams or John Abraham. A move like that would better allow Rob Ryan to do what he wants to do. Blitz. They also need to add a corner. Trading up to select Claiborne makes a lot of sense. If they are unable to move up selecting CB Janoris Jenkins is a nice consolation. They are also likely to be in the back up QB market with Kitna now retired. If Chad Pennington is on the market he may just be the add.
15. Eagles
After one of the busiest and most hyped offseasons I look for them to be relatively quiet this time around. Particularly on the hype part and get the focus back on winning. The Eagles are in a bit of a pickle though. Paying Desean Jackson the money he will ask for doesn’t make sense but letting him go and using the 15th overall pick on a Kendall Wright doesn’t make much sense either. In the end I think they will let D-Jax go and will in fact select Kendall Wright after he runs his expected sub 4.4 forty. Part of what makes their offense so dynamic is having that burner to stretch the field and open things up for Maclin and Celek. They also have a need for LB which they will likely address later on in the draft.
16. Jets
I think this offseason is rather simple for the Jets. Get Peyton Manning. Once hes ready to play hes a huge upgrade over Sanchez. Mannings leadership, work ethic, and passion for winning would do wonders in their lockeroom. And what better way for Sanchez to morph his game then to learn under Manning. 2 seasons of sitting should be more than motivating and he should have added tools in his game and might finally be ready to carry the Jets to the Super Bowl. They could then Draft a Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery to give them a big athletic redzone target with Burress set to move on. The Jets also have a need for a pass rusher to better the effectiveness of their defense and get them back to their dominant ways.
17. Raiders position (Bengals Draft pick)
Well if the Raiders did still on the pick I’m sure they would find some none elite player on the wrong side of 30 to ship it for. Perhaps they could settle for finding a couple good trainers to add to their staff considering their weekly injury updates look like “should be ready for next weeks game…. There is no longer a time table for their return” Since they don’t have to worry about who to give their pick to they can focus on resigning Michael Bush and finding a cover corner and add a pass rusher. Maybe they will decide to make a wise investment at the corner position this season and sign Brent Grimes (the best DB on the market) Who really knows what the Raiders will do? Nothing they do anymore surprises me. Not even trading for Kareem Jackson to .. uhh… amplify the void at corner would be a shocker.
18. Chargers
Coming off yet another letdown season I think its long over due the Chargers get it together. They enter this offseason with a need for a pass rusher, youth at the Tackle spot behind Marcus McNeil (who may be released) a WR to fill V-Jax likely vacated slot and a CB. An Offense featuring Rivers, Mathews, Gates, Vincent Brown and Malcom Floyd is explosive enough together to not need much spending on that side of the ball. Maybe they could be in the Reggie Wayne market depending on the price. I think their main focus has to be in finding a pass rusher. With Mario Williams and John Abraham likely requiring too much green they will look to the Draft. Whitney Mercilus could be the perfect prescription as he lead the NCAA in Sacks and forced fumbles last season.
19. Bears
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of the Bears 2012 offseason is Cuba Gooding Jr yelling “show me the money” That’s right. I’m talking about Matt Fortes’ contract issue. The Bears start and Finish with Forte. He’s worth every penny he and his agent ask for. Next up for the Bears, finding a playmaker at the WR position. A guy who can bail out Jay Cutler. Just go up and get it. You simply cannot have Roy Williams as your number “1” WR. Drafting Michael Floyd or Alshon Jeffery would make a lot of sense.
20. Titans
Munchak called out the O-line last season numerous times for not opening up running lanes. With the future of the Franchise set to take over under center it would be wise to protect him. So upgrading the O-line might just be their main focus. They could turn to OG Gordy Glen or OT Mike Adams in the draft. They also have a weakness on the D-line as they ranked near the bottom against the run. Adding a Red Bryant type via FA would be wise.
21. Bengals
The Bengals main focus is likely to be at the RB and CB position. Having two first round picks (Thanks again Raiders) they have the luxury of attending both of those needs with top 21 draft picks. I look for them to go after Dre KirkPatrick and Doug Martin. As for FA I don’t see them making much of a splash and their most noteworthy move maybe be letting Benson walk.
22. Falcons position Browns Draft slot.
Turner and Tony Gonzales have a lot of mileage on them. The Falcons should look to add young understudies behind them this offseason. Cyrus Gray is the ideal selection at RB and maybe add a guy like Jacob Tamme at TE in FA. With Brent Grimes and John Abraham as FA’s they will also need to do all they can to either resign them or find adequate replacements.
23. Lions
Well one thing is for sure, they don’t need to add any more offensive weapons or D-tackles either for that matter. A pass happy offense with a 23 year old 5,000 yard passer under center you simply cannot have enough big bodies in the trenches for protection. They could easily turn to Mike Adams when they go on the clock at 23. The Lions could use another corner and it might be best to add another pass rusher as well with Vanden Bocsh being 33 and Avril a FA.
24. Steelers
Ummm…. O-line… O-line… O-line…. Corner Corner… O-line. Yep… that should be their focus this offseason. Of course Mendenhall likely will be on the PUP list to start the season, Baron Batch too is coming off an ACL injury and Mewelde Moore is a FA so RB maybe a bit of a need as well, but a very minute one. Gordy Glenn looks to be a good fit and perhaps a Dre KirkPatrik slides to them. Whatever the case may be the Steelers should be looking to add multiple Corners and O-linemen in this years draft.
25. Broncos
Being an avid Tebow fan I really don’t know what I would do if I were them. My guess is they bring in a veteran QB like Chad Henne or Derek Anderson and draft a QB in the 3rd round or later such as Kirk Cousins or Russell Wilson. I think with their first pick they may just be in the LaMichael James neighborhood. Run heavy team in desperate need of youth speed and playmakers. They also need to come away with an addition to their secondary. Maybe a Courtland Finnegan or Marcus Trufant in FA.
26. Texans
A few simple things come to mind when thinking of the Houston Texans.
1. Teddy KGB saying “Pay him… Pay that man his money” in his strong Russian Accent. Referring to of course Arian Foster. I’m not a fan of breaking the bank for RB’s but no player has earned stupid money more than Foster. He is the best and most complete RB in the game today.
2. Seriously… Get a number 2 WR who can actually play. How much more frustration can Kubiak put his fans (and Fantasy owners) through by fielding Kevin Walter and Jacoby “popcorn butter hands” Jones? With a WR class as deep and talented as this years Please Please Please draft a WR who can actually compliment Andre Johnson. Speaking of Complimenting Andre Johnson is their a WR out there who would be a better fit than Kendall Wright? I believe he is this missing piece to the Texans already dynamic offense. His ability to stretch the field and make plays after the catch would help create countless mismatches. Imagine how difficult you make it on a defense when you’re pounding Foster and Tate play after play and then you go play action with Wright going deep Andre a comeback and Daniels a crossing pattern. I smell the burnt toast already. Texans… for once make an aggressive move and land this guy.
3. For the love of all that is holy get rid of Kareem Jackson. Never have I ever seen a first round pick
literally make a team worse or opposing offenses salivate more by his mere presence on the field
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literally make a team worse or opposing offenses salivate more by his mere presence on the field
For Teams 27-32 please subscribe To Springs Most Wanted Insiders edition for only $99.99 a day. Its totally worth it
