As the legal tampering period is about to start, I think it is time to start thinking about FA groups, the money we should be willing to devote, and most importantly when we should be entering the market. OL- I think that this is the most important area that we need to get better at. Mike McDaniel's offense, rightly so, is built through the trenches. Tua has looked solid when he has time to pass. We should be involved heavily day #1 on in this position group. I would not be upset if we overpaid in order to ensure that we have a respectable offensive line. We may be forced to get guys that I feel are a bit on the "older" side, but that is a price that I am willing to pay. Notable names - Armstead, Scherff, Tomlinson, Jenson, Fisher Trade target - Collins DE - I think that we should work to prioritize this group as well because it is a difficult position to find. I think we should monitor Ogbah and remain in contact with his representation. I would love to bring him back. Names worth considering - Barnett, Reddick, Jones, Ingram, Key, Flowers Release candidate worth considering - Frank Clark Wave #1 WR - A month ago, I had high hopes that a lot of notable WRs would be available. Unfortunately, it feels like the market has turned against us. I really think that we need to move on from Parker, but I am facing the reality that "you can't always get what you want." I still do think that Allen Robinson is a legit #1 WR. I would be in negotiations with him as long as the price remains reasonable. Notable names - Robinson Wave #1 RB - I really only think that there are two names that I would consider here. I think Melvin Gordon could really help our team a lot. I also really think that Cordarelle Patterson would work really well as utility player within our offense. I would love to be players here if the price is right. Notable names - Patterson, Gordon ----------------------------------------- Wave #2 WR - If we do not get Robinson, I think that we adjust our thinking in filling this need. We are now looking for a guy to complement, not replace, Parker. At this point, I think we should be more patient. See what names come off the board, and look for potential bargains. In the back of our minds, we should be thinking that the end of the first round would be a great place to select a WR if the prices are too high. Notable names - Smith-Schuster, Landry (release, not trade), Chark, Cedrick Wilson (if he gets to market), McKenzie Wave #2 QB - It is clear that management would like to get a solid backup in place. I think that there is one guy that would really fit our system and has a high upside. Notable names - Marcus Marriotta Wave #2 RB - This is a place where we really could steal some talent if we wait. There are some pretty solid names out there, and if we miss out on the first wave, we can still get talent in the second wave. Notable names - Mohstert, Connor, Penny, Michel, Edmunds Wave #2 LB - I think that when Leighton Vander Esh is healthy, he is a top LB in the league. He is a bit of a hit or miss player, that I would be willing to take a chance on if the guaranteed money is right. Notable names - Vander Esh ----------------------------------------- Wave #3 TE - I think that we need to look for a more complete TE to at least have on the roster preferably with some upside. The idea would be that this player could step in Gesicki departs next season Notable names - Howard, Conklin, Smythe (resign) Wave #3 - This would be an option if Marriotta is too much money or an opportunity to start. Notable names - Bridgewater, McCoy, Siemian Trade - Minchew Wave #3 RB - I consider these guys stop-gap players Notable names - Lindsay (resign), Johnson (resign), Wilson Jr. Wave #3 WR - This guys could be solid adds for the right about of money. Notable names - Sanders, Treadwell, Berrios
I highly doubt we are prioritizing signing a big name at DE, it's just not considered a key cog in this defensive system. They will stay in touch with Ogbah, but it's much more likely we bring in a free agent on a more team friendly deal. Someone like Trey Flowers, who is probably going to be released from Detroit and has a history in this system and with Boyer, is much more likely than a big name like Reddick, Clark or Jones. He won't command anywhere near the salary those other dudes (or Ogbah for that matter) do. Having a big time sack/pressure guy (with the salary that comes with that) is not what makes the defense click. Also wouldn't be surprising to see us take a guy in the middle rounds - it's a fairly deep draft for defense.
Robinson is the guy you if want if you are moving on from Parker. Neither gets separation so I wouldn't be excited about seeing them both out there at the same time.
So, you think Flowers would... blossom in this system under Boyer? Also, I agree that the defense is more about the group than being reliant on a big time pass rusher to disrupt things. I would be okay with Ogbah coming back for $16mil/yr but that's as much as I'd like to see Miami pay for a DE.
TBH I'm not a fan, though the pun was ok. He was mostly a non-factor and spent a good chunk of time injured. But he will not be expensive, he knows the system and knows the coach so it makes sense. Especially if you pair him with a rookie or other young, unproven player. Alternately, we look for the next Ogbah, a veteran who maybe hasn't lived up to his billing and is willing to work for a good deal but may provide a decent spark in this defense. Solomon Thomas is a guy McDaniels is familiar with from San Fran, for example.
