Draft / FA / Offseason Roster Moves (Merged)

**PGCountyRaven85** · 12-22-2012, 12:40 PM

Manti Te'o is a BEAST and I wish we were in a position to get him, he's a play maker in the Ray Lewis/Patrick Willis mold with all the leadership qualities, etc. That being said, I think we'd be better served taking a multiple "good" ILB in this draft, and I'd want some combination of Arthur Brown/Alec Ogletree plus Jonathan Bostic. I think two young guys plus resigning Ellerbe could give a nice group of ILBs.

**OhThePossibilities** · 12-23-2012, 12:06 PM

The more I think about it, the more I want Barrett Jones with the first draft pick (especially if Flacco is signed long term). At worst, you're getting a top notch G/C and at best he pushes Oher inside to LG and takes over at LT. His ability to move around and compete at any OL spot makes the line that much stronger.
If Gradkowski shows he's ready next year, Jones/Oher/Grad/Yanda/Osemele could be a beast of a line. If he's not ready (and someone else hasn't been drafted) Jones' ability to move means you can plug in the best value from other teams' cuts and aren't going to be limited to needing specifically a guard or specifically a center. You can grab the best possible guy and plug Jones in at the other slot.
There's to much needed on the D side of the ball to think one guy can fix everything, but that may be the case with Jones and the offense.

There's also enough talent at ILB & S that you can probably fill both of those with 2nd & 3rd picks. I just don't see that option on the OL.

**bmorecareful** · 12-23-2012, 01:38 PM

Originally Posted by OhThePossibilities

The more I think about it, the more I want Barrett Jones with the first draft pick (especially if Flacco is signed long term). At worst, you're getting a top notch G/C and at best he pushes Oher inside to LG and takes over at LT. His ability to move around and compete at any OL spot makes the line that much stronger.
If Gradkowski shows he's ready next year, Jones/Oher/Grad/Yanda/Osemele could be a beast of a line. If he's not ready (and someone else hasn't been drafted) Jones' ability to move means you can plug in the best value from other teams' cuts and aren't going to be limited to needing specifically a guard or specifically a center. You can grab the best possible guy and plug Jones in at the other slot.
There's to much needed on the D side of the ball to think one guy can fix everything, but that may be the case with Jones and the offense.

There's also enough talent at ILB & S that you can probably fill both of those with 2nd & 3rd picks. I just don't see that option on the OL.

I was actually JUST thinking recently that Barrett Jones really looks like a strong possibility in the first round. He's pretty much a lock to solve one of the 3 problems (LT, LG, C) on our line, all the coaching staff needs to do is pick the position they like him in most. I would love to see him step up and play LT, allowing Oher to kick inside to LG and Gradkowski to take over at C.

The other possibility is Oher sticking at LT. I've been thinking about it lately, and I think we should not be surprised if the coaching staff refuses to move Oher away from LT next year. He's been bad at the position this year, but perhaps he could improve with better coaching and refinement of his technique. He has the athleticism and feet, which can't be taught, and he could possibly improve his use of hands and mirroring, which CAN be taught. The coaching staff is deeply in love with him and we know they're looking to extend him this offseason.

I don't really like the notion of Oher sticking at LT, but he HAS played at a high level some games this year, and if he could become even consistently average it would be a big upgrade. I want us to move to a WCO next year anyway with shorter drops, rollouts, and a better running game, and that should put less pressure on Oher to hold up for several seconds on isolation blocks. Barrett Jones could easily be an All-Pro LG which might ease some pressure on Oher as well and greatly improve our run game.

**jonboy79** · 12-23-2012, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by bmorecareful

I was actually JUST thinking recently that Barrett Jones really looks like a strong possibility in the first round. He's pretty much a lock to solve one of the 3 problems (LT, LG, C) on our line, all the coaching staff needs to do is pick the position they like him in most. I would love to see him step up and play LT, allowing Oher to kick inside to LG and Gradkowski to take over at C.

The other possibility is Oher sticking at LT. I've been thinking about it lately, and I think we should not be surprised if the coaching staff refuses to move Oher away from LT next year. He's been bad at the position this year, but perhaps he could improve with better coaching and refinement of his technique. He has the athleticism and feet, which can't be taught, and he could possibly improve his use of hands and mirroring, which CAN be taught. The coaching staff is deeply in love with him and we know they're looking to extend him this offseason.

I don't really like the notion of Oher sticking at LT, but he HAS played at a high level some games this year, and if he could become even consistently average it would be a big upgrade. I want us to move to a WCO next year anyway with shorter drops, rollouts, and a better running game, and that should put less pressure on Oher to hold up for several seconds on isolation blocks. Barrett Jones could easily be an All-Pro LG which might ease some pressure on Oher as well and greatly improve our run game.

LOVE Barret Jones, but I don't think he's a LT.
I think he is absolutely a trget of ours in the first round.

I also thinkt he Coaches will continue to play Oher at LT forever, no matter how bad he continues to play for how long. It's really to the point where I think they don't care hwo he plays as long as he works hard, whichis funny, since his technique hasn't improved in 4 years, heis level of play has declined, and has only marginally improved his penalties. Funny how little hard work is helping him. He was a finished product in college, his rookie year was as good as he will ever be.

**Lee Van Cleef** · 12-23-2012, 02:24 PM

Well he's Bama. I'm guessing that, yeah, he will be Ozzie's pick in the first.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 12-23-2012, 02:28 PM

I like Jones but not as that 1st round "difference maker" that I'm looking for b/c 1) I'm rolling with the assumption that the FO thinks Gino is the C for 2013 (as uncomfortable as that assumption makes me), and 2) I'm not yet convinced that Jones is a quality T.

**leachisabeast** · 12-23-2012, 02:47 PM

Jones is not gifted athletically enough to be a good LT in the NFL, and even at C he got dominated up front at the hands of John Jenkins a number of times in the SEC game. I don't think he's worth a first round pick, but someone to look out for if we trade back into the second.

**Carey** · 12-23-2012, 02:50 PM

Originally Posted by BigPlayReceiver

I like Jones but not as that 1st round "difference maker" that I'm looking for b/c 1) I'm rolling with the assumption that the FO thinks Gino is the C for 2013 (as uncomfortable as that assumption makes me), and 2) I'm not yet convinced that Jones is a quality T.

I agree about Jones, i like him as a player as well, just dont know how good of a LT he'd be. I think he can play it, im not sure if he can excel, i want my first round pick to have the upside to excel, if you move him to LG i think he's better off but i want a stud if i take a LG in the first round. I think he could play Center effectively as well but i like Gino and his upside.

As far as Gino i get people's concern but i think if they can bulk him up this offseason and get him some reps in preseason and at training camp and preseason i think he'll be ok.

**leachisabeast** · 12-24-2012, 05:55 AM

If Manti Teo slips out of the top 10, I'd give up a bunch to get him, he is honestly going to be that good in the NFL. We won't get him, but whatever team gets him is going to be a very lucky team.

**Raveninwoodlawn** · 12-24-2012, 07:43 AM

I tell you what...the more I've been watching Ellerbe play this year, the less of a huge need at ILB I think we have...he just has to get better in his drops and zone awareness and I think we'd have a stud.

I still think we should take another ILB though in the first 3 rounds as I think we should let McClain go.

**Carey** · 12-24-2012, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by Raveninwoodlawn

I tell you what...the more I've been watching Ellerbe play this year, the less of a huge need at ILB I think we have...he just has to get better in his drops and zone awareness and I think we'd have a stud.

I still think we should take another ILB though in the first 3 rounds as I think we should let McClain go.

I think Ellerbe and Arthur Brown would be an impressive duo inside, i would still double dip at LB because i think we need multiple guys that can operate in space but i'd take a 2nd guy later in the draft like the 5th round take can give us depth in the nickel. But Ellerbe seems to have put it all together, he's been terrific, hopefully its been under the radar, im gonna be pissed if we hold on to Mcclain or not cut a vet and dont have a shot to keep Ellerbe and Kruger.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 12-24-2012, 08:45 AM

With Ellerbe as one starter I'd like a rangy LB next to him. Ogletree fits great but I'm still trying to find a couple of 3rd-5th value guys. Anyone?

**arnie_uk** · 12-24-2012, 09:03 AM

Originally Posted by BigPlayReceiver

With Ellerbe as one starter I'd like a rangy LB next to him. Ogletree fits great but I'm still trying to find a couple of 3rd-5th value guys. Anyone?

Arthur brown. I'm firmly on his bandwagon

**leachisabeast** · 12-24-2012, 09:05 AM

Originally Posted by BigPlayReceiver

With Ellerbe as one starter I'd like a rangy LB next to him. Ogletree fits great but I'm still trying to find a couple of 3rd-5th value guys. Anyone?

Andrew Jackson, check his clips against Alabama. Run stuffer is the definition of this guy.

**leachisabeast** · 12-24-2012, 09:07 AM

Originally Posted by arnie_uk

Arthur brown. I'm firmly on his bandwagon

Watched his tape vs Texas tech, and he looked awful as a run defender. I counted like 8 miss tackles where he got blown out the way by Olinemen, has some upside as a nikel LB who can drop back, plus he made a nice interception at the end, but unless we go into a full time 4-3 scheme, he is about as bad as you can get for a 3-4 ILB fit.

**Carey** · 12-24-2012, 09:23 AM

^Raveninwoodlawn kinda opened my eyes to Jonathan Bostic from Florida, i think he could be had in the 3rd. Gerald Hodges i also think could be had in the 3rd, not near as rangy as the Ogletree's and Brown's but i think he could get the job done and be an upgrade over what we have currently as far as cover guys. Kevin Reddick is probably a 4th round guy, has the potential but never played at the level many hoped. After that i see alot of guys that i think might struggle to shed blocks in a 34 or are more thumper types like what we have already. I definetely feel we need to get another nickel LB in that 4th to 5th round range after securing a Brown or Ogletree earlier. I dont think the guy necessarily has to be a guy that projects as a 3 down player at any point. I'd take a SS conversion type guy like Kenny Tate and tell him just worry about covering TE's and backs on 3rd and be an all pro ST performer.

**JustaslowZ06** · 12-24-2012, 09:25 AM

Yeah I'd give up a ton to get Te'o, but if not than Ogletree in the 2nd, next to Ellerbe would be sufficient. Or give up some to land a Fisher to kick Oher inside to LG.

**Carey** · 12-24-2012, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by arnie_uk

Arthur brown. I'm firmly on his bandwagon

He's my favorite player in this draft, he never has to leave the field, undersized but has the instincts and strength to take on blockers, move thru the trash and make plays but also can excel in coverage. Love the guy as a player.

**Carey** · 12-24-2012, 09:30 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Watched his tape vs Texas tech, and he looked awful as a run defender. I counted like 8 miss tackles where he got blown out the way by Olinemen, has some upside as a nikel LB who can drop back, plus he made a nice interception at the end, but unless we go into a full time 4-3 scheme, he is about as bad as you can get for a 3-4 ILB fit.

He will have guy's like Ngata, hopefully Knighton(crosses fingers lol) in front of him. Is Jones a thumper? No, but i think he can do well enough to not be a liability inside as well as get to the perimeter on runs that are guys(besides Ellerbe)havent shown the ability to get to. I think he'd be just fine in the 34, i.e. Navarro Bowman.

**BigPlayReceiver** · 12-24-2012, 09:53 AM

Originally Posted by leachisabeast

Andrew Jackson, check his clips against Alabama. Run stuffer is the definition of this guy.

I like Jackson a lot. He's a collider! Not sure about his pass coverage though...but I didn't make that clear above.
I'm trying to find a rangey coverage LB. Doesn't have to be long like Ogletree, since I think he's kind of rare anyway (being a SS convert). Which reminds me of a thought/post I had/made about 2 months ago: Could Christian Thompson + 15 lbs = coverage LB?

Back to Jackson...he plays tonight or Wednesday. Set the DVR before I left town. Looking forward to watching him.