While we are far from a perennial power or even a complete team. I truthfully don't think we are far away from reaching the playoffs and hopefully become a regular there. Not going to sit here and make guarantees but I think the biggest benefit will come from our new coaches on offense.

Bill Lazor - seems like a lot of people had interest in him this offseason and while he wasn't my first choice, at this point I am happy with the decision. Anyone who could work those wonders with Nick Foles can certainly help with my QB. First, off Foles is not a Top 5 QB and he played like it last year. Lazor coming from Kelly's scheme where he enables his playmakers to get in places to make plays. Sounds refreshing doesn't it? He also bring a bit of balance to the offense. The Eagles were a top rushing team last year and still threw the ball around plenty. While all of us love the air show from a passing offense, a consistent run game would work wonders for a young team. I expect Lazor to show the adjustments necessary that Sherman never would make. I'd like to see Tannehill become more of an athlete again with roll-outs and moving the pocket. I'd like to see a little Thunder/Lightning combo from Moreno/Miller. Move Wallace around on offense, flanked right, left, in the slot....don't just send him on go routes, use crosses. Let Hartline be your possession guy. Let, Gibson/Matthews/Binns/Williams/Rookie(hopefully) compete.

John Benton - this offensive line was a disaster. We had a coach who belittled players didn't improve them. Players who fit a man scheme when we were trying to be a zone. Our pass blocking was not very good (could be aided by blocking back & better QB awareness).Benton comes over from Houston where despite last year there offense was a well-run machine. They were consistently running the ball with authority and pass blocking at a high level. With Albert & Pouncey you have two Pro-Bowl members of an offensive line. Looking at the rest of our roster and the zone scheme we use. I look at Shelley Smith as a starter at one guard spot, and don't sleep on Dallas Thomas if moved back inside to guard putting his name into the hat to battle for a position. I believe our RT will come via the draft.

Between those two guys and hopefully improvement from our 2013 draft class we should improve.

Looking at next month's draft and based off our needs I rank some of my personal favorite players:

Backup QB: I wouldn't address this prior to round 4-7, but here are some names I like:

1. Aaron Murray - Always like the way he played at UGA. He kept that team competitive and even though Stafford came out with way more hype I think Murray had a better career. He lacks the size or overall ability to wow anyone on tape or in a workout. But, he does the little things that I still sometimes see missing with Tannehill. Brining him in round 4/5 wouldn't upset me in the least. Unfortuanetly, drafting that high would take place of a higher need.

2. Connor Shaw - Another winner from a SEC school. Shaw is very undersized but taking a look at him doesn't look any smaller than Russell Wilson. They remind me of one another both with athleticism but not necessarily QB's who break for a run all the time. Both have good pocket awareness and can make plays on the move. If he is on the board in round 6/7 I would jump all over it. Take a look at his college W/L record and he took down some big teams.

3. Bryn Renner - Was injured for a good part of his final season at UNC. The guy has good arm talent and coming off an injury may even be had as UDFA. But, at one point UNC had a pretty potent offense and he was a big part of it. Seems like an intelligent kid who could become a good spot starter and backup.

RB: After the Moreno signing its still a need but not as high a priority. Before I'd say rounds 2-4 to address it, but now I am 4-7 rounds, and here are some names I like at those spots:

1. Jeremy Hill - I think he'll get drafted higher than this but I have a feeling some teams may pass. This kid is too tantalizing to not scoop up if he is on the board in round 4. He could turn into the type of runner Marshawn Lynch has become where he is more quick than fast and isn't afraid to hit the man tackling him. Red flags are his off field issues which we tend to stay away from but that shouldn't overshadow his talent.

2. Charles Sims - this guy reminds me so much of Matt Forte it scares me... in a good way. Forte is one of my favorite backs who doesn't get the credit he deserves. All that guy has done is produce and so did Sims at Houston and WVU. His stats last season weren't great but neither was his team. He can run inside & outside the tackles and line up as a WR. Brining him in round 4/5 would be ideal with Moreno on a 1 year deal and Miller still a question mark if he is the real deal.

3. Terrance West - a small school guy with some growing hype. Watching his highlights some of the cuts he makes are downright nasty. He also has a stocky build so he should be able to last in the NFL. The team has worked out with him already so they should be familiar. I would look at him in round 4/5 as well.

4. Isiah Crowell - to get a guy of this talent so back in the draft would be crazy. Two years ago he was a future 1st round pick. Then he got in trouble left UGA went to a small school produced big numbers but became an afterthought. I will say he has red flags but has kept his nose clean since the UGA ordeal. In round 5-7 you get him it could be the steal of the draft.

WR: What? We signed Williams and have all starters returning? Yes, 3/5 from injury and all knee injuries. That's kinda a concern. Damian Williams is going to compete but theres a reason he was available so late. While I don't know if I'd take a WR in rounds 1/2 I would like between 3-5. Here are some names I like:

1. Jarvis Landry - Some people say he was a fringe 1st rounder but due to pretty underwhelming combine and work out numbers I could see him slipping. Nothing about his measurable jumps out but he is a football player on the field. He reminds me a bit of Greg Jennings where he isn't fast but fast enough, and he can go get the ball. I love his physicality and how he plays. Chances are he doesn't slip out of round 2 but I could see teams taking someone whom they see with a higher ceiling than Landry. He could end up a #2 but at worst a #3 from the slot.

2. Bruce Ellington - While he wouldn't bring much size he would bring a guy who can work the slot and underneath to perfection. He also has great speed to stretch the defense. Imagine him as a more technically sound Devin McCluster with a little more bulk. Ellington has been gaining some steam but to get him in round 3/4 range would help this offense a lot.

3. Devin Street - Brings a much needed size element to our WR group. He is by no means a burner but he is a fluid athlete who could do wonders with a QB who would like a big target. Never put up amazing numbers in college but could be a player who with right surroundings could do wonders.

4. Josh Huff - while Oregon offensive players haven't really panned out that great in the NFL, I think Huff may be the one to change the mold. While he has pretty good speed he has better quickness and shiftiness. He is a physical player despite not that much size. He'd bring a aspect that other than Wallace none of our WR's have and that is someone who can break it to the house.

TE: I hope that Finley can get medically cleared and we pick him up. Plain and Simple he is exactly what we lack in the passing offense, 6'5" can play in-line, and is a red zone weapon. But, in the case we miss him I only address TE if it would be a BPA situation:

1. Eric Ebron - if he is on the board at #19, while we have higher needs he may be a difference maker that years down the road would haunt us we passed up. He is a complete package in the mold of Vernon Davis with exceptional size. Him running the seam would be a killer for our oppostions defense.

2. Austin Sefrian-Jenkins - wouldn't touch him at #19 but at #50 in the 2nd round I'd jump all over it. He is even bigger than Ebron but a better blocker. He played at 280lb in college for a run heavy UW team but I'd like him around 265lb. While he may not be an immediate difference maker he has a very high ceiling.

3. CJ Fiedrowicz - I pity any TE coming out of Iowa, as they are just always a run happy team. His stats would make you laugh if you said he was a top 5 prospect at his position but he is. He is 6'7" and that isn't making up numbers. He is a nasty blocker with a mean streak and has good athleticism. He is not a speedster and not the smoothest route runner but at that size in the red zone he would be the safety blanket we need. Him and Charles Clay would compliment each other quite well. Round 3-5 would be the range I look at him.

OT: I know this position is the consensus 1st round pick, but to make that the consensus is foolish. Here's the deal if Zack Martin is on the board at #19, and other higher rated prospects aren't then you make that move. But, he has never played RT, not saying he can't but he never had. Jon Martin didn't fair too well in that prediction. Martin is better suited to be a Guard and I don't want a #19 pick on Martin as a guard, would much rather have Sua'Filo as it's his natural position. Sorry, guys Morgan Moses is not worth a Top 20 pick. There are plenty of good players to be had in rounds 2-4 we could take a RT for:

1. Morgan Moses - his stock has been rising but I wouldn't take him in round 1. Not at pick #50 I'd love it. He played RT to start at UVA but came on when he moved to the left side. It's not re-teaching the wheel but he seems more comfortable on the left side. Either way he'd be a great value at #50, but rumor is he won't last that long.

2. Juwan James - the lesser known of the Tennesee tackles but in my mind the superior talent. While he only played RT in college he may be devalued but we need a RT so that's a good thing. He had a excellent pro-day ands looks a natural fit for the right side. If it is me I draft BPA in round 1 and look to address RT with James in round 2.

3. Jack Mehwort - the OSU LT is predicted best at the right side as he isn't the most athletic player in the world. Known more for his run blocking he would be a great guy to run off the right side with. While he is a blue-collar type player I wouldn't mind having a guy who works his tail off to protect the QB would you?

4. Billy Turner - a small school prospect always rises on draft day at OT. I believe Turner could do it just like Terron Armstead last year did. Turner is the one player on this list I view with the highest ceiling as he is the most athletic. Still, he needs to gain some strength and may best fit squeezed inside at guard to begin his career he could develop at a LT of the future or at worst a solid RT. I wouldn't take Turner in round 2 but anything round 3 or later I would be on board.

5. Michael Shoefield - another lesser known commodity out of Michigan. While Lewan grabbed all the headlines Shoefield had a nice career and is versatile having played LG. That is a nice thing for our line where we could have a few moving parts. Shoefield is not the prospect of the aforementioned but he plays with tenacity. I'd look for him in round 5+ and if you take him you better draft a guard higher than him and sign a veteran as insurance.

OG: My ideal would be to draft a RT in the earlier rounds of the draft, from there I'd take a guard in the middle to late rounds to develop, with that I'd also sign a veteran as insurance. If the rookie comes in or one of the guys on the roster beats out the veteran that's the best case scenario. But, at guard there are some guys worth mentioning earlier in the draft as well:

1. Joel Bitinio - he reminds me of last year's Kyle Long. They have similar athletic builds for OL. Bitinio played LT in college and held up well there, but is projected best at guard. Bitinio may have risen to the 2nd round in terms of draft status. Not sure if I'd draft with 50th overall, but if he last to round 3 that'd be a steal. Again a guy who can play multiple position which would be great.

2. Dakota Dozier - a small school prospect who has a very high ceiling. Doesn't have great length but has a stocky build and quickness needed to be an excellent guard. If we were to walk away with 1. BPA; 2. Juwan James ; 3. Dakota Dozier.... I'd be a happy man after the draft.

3. Trai Turner - 2 months ago he was not very well known. Well, after good workouts, an injury to top prospect Brandon Thomas, Turner has been the talk of the town. Only 20 and still very raw he could become the best guard out of this draft class. He may go as high as round 2 but another guy in round 3 would come at good value with great potential.

4. Jon Halapio - was a let down in college but came in as a heralded prospect. Two reasons I like him is he has significant talent that was just underutilized...enter John Benton who has already met with him and worked him out. Reason 2: Mike Pouncey both UF former players and I feel like Pouncey would take him under his shoulder (non-bullying way) to make him a NFL player. In round 5/6 he could develop nicely.

MLB: LB unit was awful last year. God damn Emperor Jeff really screwed us with the amount of money we paid these f***s. Misi is probably our best overall LB and that shouldn't be a positive point of emphasis. Ellerbe just isn't physical enough to be the man in the middle. Wheeler is garbage just garbage. I do like Jenkins potential especially as a pass defending LB. Just to get Jordan on the field I wouldn't mind him in a Von Miller type LB role for us. Regardless, we need a man in the middle to man this defense. There are only 2 prospects I'd consider in round 1 but there are some names as the draft goes on who could make an impact for us:

1. CJ Mosley - A year ago he was a Top 10 pick and while he didn't do anything wrong to hurt his stock, he didn't do anything spectacular to improve it. He still could go in the Top 10 but seeing the teams picking ahead of us with needs a MLB I see their needs at other positions as more dire. Mosley is exactly the type of player we need who is physical, athletic and instinctive. He could come in and be a day one starter and potential Pro-Bowl player. If our LB play can improve this year and improvement from last years defensive rookies this could be a very good defense. If we are on the clock and Mosley is on the board but passed up for a Zack Martin/Morgan Moses I promise you we will regret that decision for years to come.

2. Ryan Shazier - another athletic LB who put up some ridiculous workout numbers. Problem is I don't believe he can be a 4-3 MLB. He would need to gain some serious weight but he doesn't shed blockers that well. After losing Paul Solai in the offseason we really need someone who can take on and get through blocks. Shazier would be a guy who can cover, run sideline to sideline. Hickey did draft Lavonte David and he turned out pretty good so Shazier could be his 2.0 version. #19 may be too high for him but all it takes is for a team to fall in love with you.

3. Chris Borland - I have started to come around on Borland. Why? the tape doesn't lie. He is a true gritty LB in the mold of one of my All-Time fav's Zach Thomas. Their both undersized and both not overly athletic but production is production. while nothing on paper or by looking at him will wow you for a 2nd round pick, every intangible about the way he plays will back it up. Only worry is his size against big OL and athleticism to cover at MLB.

4. Shayne Skov - really like the way this kid plays for a physical and violent standpoint. But, I am concerned he hasn't worked out all offseason to 100%. He does have a injury history and some worry about his speed to be a 3 down LB. But, from his tackle totals to the way he blitzes he would not be a bad option in round 3, round 2 might be a reach.

5. Christian Jones - a guy who played a lot of positions for FSU in college, most recently DE. He has great size at 6'3" 240lb and having gone against OL as a DE he is userd to dealing with blockers. Problem is he never really played MLB exclusively in college so the instincts and feel for the game may take time. But, he has the athleticism to be a 3 down player. In round 3/4 he could develop into a quality starter at the NFL level.

6. Carl Bradford - somewhat of a sleeper prospect as he played OLB for Arizona St. Teams including the Dolphins have talked to him for a switch to MLB due to his size and his instincts. He is a violent and physical player but having not played the position could be overwhelmed in year one. ASU has a very aggressive defense where in the end he could've been a product of the system. It'd be a reach to take a player that is so unknown in round 2. But round 3+ he could be a real player for us.


CB/FS: are too tough to call with this regime. I definetly wouldn't mind taking a player as we have starters in place at those positions but they still have ? marks. If Delmas doesn't work out having a backup option would be ideal but Jimmy Wilson is on the roster already. At CB a lot of hope that Finnegan can regain his form and that Jamar Taylor or Will Davis can improve. Truthfully these are more luxury picks or safety picks than pressing needs.


If we could walk away with:

1. CJ Mosely
2. Juwan James
3. Trai Turner
4. Josh Huff
5. Isiah Crowell
6. Conor Shaw
7. BPA

I'd be a very happy camper