A Look Ahead

by Andrew602 on Nov 19, 2008 4:10 PM MST

This is usually the normal time to start looking ahead to the draft, but this year, something is different. We are looking ahead to the PLAYOFFS. Amazing in my opinion. Who would have thought? But I'm looking to next year also because I think we can win the division again. What areas do we need to address via free agency or the draft?

Drum roll please........

I think we need a dominant tight end. I'm tired of Pope and I think Spach, Patrick, and Tuman are destined to be back ups. We need a threat on offense and a great blocker. They are hard to come by but there will be some available. Other areas I think are offensive line, cornerback, and possibly a decent back up running back. For us to build a "Dynasty" we need to get our great players long term, pick up new players that fit the system, and cut any loose ends(any players from the Dennis Green or Dave McGinnis era). That's what great franchises do and that's what Whisenhunt is used to.

Any thoughts?

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Loose ends from the McGinnis-era?

Perhaps too general a statement as that would be goodbye to: Gerald Hayes, Adrian Wilson, Anquan Boldin, Neil Rackers. If they’ve survived this long they must be doing something right!

I think the Green-era loose ends will take care of themselves this off-season such as Pope, Eric Green, Antonio Smith, Karlos Dansby. Chike Okeafor a FA next year? Bertrand Berry is. We cannot cut too much off the roster as we’d be effectively starting from scratch again…just like that ‘99 team that went 6-10 the year after the playoffs. I’d rather not go that route.

We need more o-line depth, a “real” TE, young LB depth, secondary help…and a PUNTER!

We all leave footprints in the sands of time, just watch out for the discarded fish hooks!

by Hawkwind on Nov 19, 2008 4:32 PM MST reply actions

Chike is signed through next year but he's got a big price tag

If they had more depth at the position, I’d say he’d be a cap casualty.

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by cgolden on Nov 20, 2008 9:23 AM MST up reply actions

Ok maybe I went too far on the McGinnis era but thats how it feels. I think the bonehead mistakes are results from the last two regimes. My main point was once Whisenhunt establishes himself even more, I think we will see less penalties and stupid mistakes. Hayes is solid but I will take a Patrick Willis type linebacker over him anyday.

by Andrew602 on Nov 19, 2008 5:17 PM MST reply actions

There are some areas that need upgrades

and it’ll be hard to identify them all until we know the future of guys like Dansby. He’s the biggest wild-card to the ‘09 offseason. If he leaves then I think ILB is our biggest need heading into the draft and free agency. If he’s locked up long term than I’d say our biggest need is a toss up between several positions including OLB, TE, OL and maybe even CB if Green leaves.

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by cgolden on Nov 20, 2008 9:23 AM MST reply actions

i like the idea of getting a new tight end but where are you going to find a mew good one in todays NFL. quality tight ends are almost like a good bullpen in baseball they are for the most part underpaid and not many teams are willing to give up a good one it is a luxury. and i have not really any good prospects in the college ranks.

by redbird34 on Nov 20, 2008 11:08 AM MST reply actions

draft needs

With our attacking style, I think that we would be ok with a LB by committee approach. If Dansby were to go down now, or be gone next year, I think we would still be as good (especially if Highsmith can contribute like Hightower is). O-line depth is a must. How many TEs will we draft before we get it right? I will admitt I was wrong. We need to spend the money on Q. He is worth it. HB depth is also a must. And a back-up QB is necessary. I lost my man crush for Leinart. Too bad Texas Tech’s QB won’t be around when we draft. A dominate D-line would do the trick. Let’s trade Branch for a 3-4th rd pick. Smith is gone. Are Iwebema and Campbel the answer? If so, they need depth. Green is gone too and Hood will revert back to nickel pretty soon. What are our options?

Just some questions and thoughts.

by hevchv on Nov 20, 2008 4:49 PM MST reply actions

Unfortunately, I don’t think anyone would give us a 3rd or 4th round pick for Branch, maybe Oakland, but that’s it.

The only way to upgrade the TE position is the draft. I hate to say it, but Gronkowski from UofA is a stud. Also the TE from Missouri, Coffman, i think.

by KDean75 on Nov 21, 2008 8:44 AM MST up reply actions