2007 Draft and FA Possibilities

Gibbs4Life · Post by **Gibbs4Life** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:41 pm

Last years free agents we're to say the least...embarrassing.

Looking back I'm ashamed I actually watched the entire AA presser.

This year 1 name comes to mind above all the rest...

MLB Lance Briggs CHI

Even if he is franchised we can get him for 2 1st's and it's worth it for a pro bowl MLB instead of another year of Holdman/Marshall etc.
Could you imagine a LB core of Washington/Briggs/and McIntosh NICE!
Do what it takes sign Lance Briggs! And Clements wouldn't hurt.

JPM36 · Post by **JPM36** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 7:44 pm

Briggs is an OLB and while he is a GREAT player he is not worth 2 1st round picks.

sch1977 · Post by **sch1977** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 9:36 pm

JPM36 wrote:Briggs is an OLB and while he is a GREAT player he is not worth 2 1st round picks.

You are right. I don't know too many players I would give 2 1st rounders for.

fredp45 · Post by **fredp45** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:11 am

I don't believe we need to sign Briggs or Thomas, or any all-star LBs. (Fletcher if he's cheap.) It's a lot smarter to give bigger dollars to your lineman. It all starts there. If you have a 4 man line that gets pressure without help, good (not necessarily great) LBs will be fine. I can't believe I'm saying this but even Holdman would be fine if our dline was able to pressure without help. When the front 4 can't get pressure, your LBs and DBs have to do their job longer. In the NFL, any QB (except for Brunnel and Woefull) can find an open receiver when given enough time...the best back 7 can't cover for multiple seconds. I know this will get plenty of reaction but, put AA on a team with a very good line and he becomes an impact player.

Our Dline is below average, even when everyone is healthy. Look at a team like the Bears -- they lost their best DT -- Harris and they are still a super line. We need to improve 2 DLine positions. We need a better DT and DE. Griffin and Carter are good. Salavaea, Daniels, Wynn, Golston, Montgomery, Evans, etc...are not guys that make a difference. They would be fine reserves. When you get 4 good, solid lineman, the OLine has to figure out who to double and who to leave one on one. There is NOOO question who gets doubled on our line -- every play -- Griffin. I really wonder how that guy makes it through as many plays as he does. Put someone next to him who's big and really good and watch him play. In other words, just imagine Griffin being our 2nd best DT?

I admit, I've gripped most of the year about our linebackers but football is about the quality of players on the 2 lines, not the guys off the line of scrimmage.

UK Skins Fan · Post by **UK Skins Fan** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 10:49 am

Gibbs4Life wrote:Last years free agents we're to say the least...embarrassing.

Looking back I'm ashamed I actually watched the entire AA presser.

This year 1 name comes to mind above all the rest...

MLB Lance Briggs CHI

Even if he is franchised we can get him for 2 1st's and it's worth it for a pro bowl MLB instead of another year of Holdman/Marshall etc.
Could you imagine a LB core of Washington/Briggs/and McIntosh NICE!
Do what it takes sign Lance Briggs! And Clements wouldn't hurt.

Of all the suggestions that I've seen, that might just be the most insane of the lot. :shock:

This falls firmly into the "mortgaging the future" category of thinking. We need improved productivity at middle linebacker, but Briggs isn't a middle linebacker, and no linebacker this side of LT is worth two first round picks. Not only that, but I'm not completely convinced that Marshall is a bust at that position. He's had one good and one poor year, and the poor year could be attributed to injuries early on.

Having said that, I'd like to see a new face in the middle, with Lemar or Rocky providing the depth. They're all going to play anyway, with the scheme that Wiliams runs.

But it's one thing to suggest splashing some cash on Adalius Thomas; to suggest trading away yet more picks is just bonkers.

SkinsJock · Post by **SkinsJock** » Sat Jan 20, 2007 9:42 pm

No worries UK! We are not doing anything as crazy as that sort of deal anymore - Gibbs may not value picks as much as most of us here would like but he is not giving up 2 #1s for anyone.

Besides, being a pro bowl player means squat. Tony Homo is a pro bowl player!

BearSkins · Post by **BearSkins** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 10:53 am

Can McIntosh play the middle if he bullks up a bit? I have never seen the guy so I dunno what he is like or how he plays or if his frame could stand gaining some muscle. Would this be worth a try or is it just stupid?

I think Marshall has been less than stellar in the middle so would rather he played outside again.

As for Briggs, if the Bears can't get a deal done it looks like they will probably Franchise him.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 1:41 pm

BearSkins wrote:Can McIntosh play the middle if he bullks up a bit? I have never seen the guy so I dunno what he is like or how he plays or if his frame could stand gaining some muscle. Would this be worth a try or is it just stupid?

I think Marshall has been less than stellar in the middle so would rather he played outside again.

As for Briggs, if the Bears can't get a deal done it looks like they will probably Franchise him.

Briggs and A. Thomas both look to be tagged so they both will be technically off the market. With the cap situation in 2007 most of the big names will get tagged or resigned by their current team.
The Skins just have to find good talent that doesn't have a big name.
Fixing the D won't take much (this is good because bring in too many new faces is like starting over). If we could get a young guy like Kawika Mitchell at MLB and put someone like Terdell Sands in front of him at DT, we only will need to deal with fixing the secondary (1 less coach might do the trick here).
If this is accomplished before the draft The Skins could still trade the #6 pick (the draft is top heavy with offensive players so there will be talent in the middle of the first though the top of the second that would be able to help this year, whilr picking up more picks.

brad7686 · Post by **brad7686** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 2:45 pm

I'm pretty sure Kawika Mitchell is also gonna be franchise tagged. MLB might be the hardest position to get, probly need to draft one. I think Mcintosh is quick and physical enough to play the position, if he could learn it and perhaps put on a few pounds. But he is very strong for his size.

1niksder · Post by **1niksder** » Sun Jan 21, 2007 3:18 pm

brad7686 wrote:I'm pretty sure Kawika Mitchell is also gonna be franchise tagged. MLB might be the hardest position to get, probly need to draft one. I think Mcintosh is quick and physical enough to play the position, if he could learn it and perhaps put on a few pounds. But he is very strong for his size.

Hopefully McIntosh will work out but he wasn't able to unseat Warrick so I'm all for Marshall moving back to WLB where he played before moving inside. We need someone inside that knows the spot and can get the players set.

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 9:02 am

1niksder wrote:
brad7686 wrote:I'm pretty sure Kawika Mitchell is also gonna be franchise tagged. MLB might be the hardest position to get, probly need to draft one. I think Mcintosh is quick and physical enough to play the position, if he could learn it and perhaps put on a few pounds. But he is very strong for his size.

Hopefully McIntosh will work out but he wasn't able to unseat Warrick so I'm all for Marshall moving back to WLB where he played before moving inside. We need someone inside that knows the spot and can get the players set.

I have a theory regarding Holdman.

He played for GW before. I think GW likes him, for whatever reason. GW knew Holdman was going to be a free agent and most likely would not return with the Skins. I believe GW wanted to help Holdman by letting him play so he could possibly help himself in free agency. I think Rocky is better than GW has given him credit for so far. Rocky did not get a chance to practice with the 1st team until late in the season. Rocky will wreck havoc next year.

KazooSkinsFan · Post by **KazooSkinsFan** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:01 am

SkinsFreak wrote:
1niksder wrote:
brad7686 wrote:I'm pretty sure Kawika Mitchell is also gonna be franchise tagged. MLB might be the hardest position to get, probly need to draft one. I think Mcintosh is quick and physical enough to play the position, if he could learn it and perhaps put on a few pounds. But he is very strong for his size.

Hopefully McIntosh will work out but he wasn't able to unseat Warrick so I'm all for Marshall moving back to WLB where he played before moving inside. We need someone inside that knows the spot and can get the players set.

I have a theory regarding Holdman.

He played for GW before. I think GW likes him, for whatever reason. GW knew Holdman was going to be a free agent and most likely would not return with the Skins. I believe GW wanted to help Holdman by letting him play so he could possibly help himself in free agency. I think Rocky is better than GW has given him credit for so far. Rocky did not get a chance to practice with the 1st team until late in the season. Rocky will wreck havoc next year.

I'll be happy if Rocky is a solid starter next year. I bet GW feels the same. I would not be surprised if he is. I'm not sure what you're basing his going to the level of "wrecking havoc" in his second year, but obviously it would be nice if it did happen.

After this year and the poor performance of most of the team versus expectations, it's probably better to hope for solid and realistic in general rather then starting to ratchet up expectations again. Didn't work so well last time.

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 11:48 am

KazooSkinsFan wrote:
SkinsFreak wrote:
1niksder wrote:
brad7686 wrote:I'm pretty sure Kawika Mitchell is also gonna be franchise tagged. MLB might be the hardest position to get, probly need to draft one. I think Mcintosh is quick and physical enough to play the position, if he could learn it and perhaps put on a few pounds. But he is very strong for his size.

Hopefully McIntosh will work out but he wasn't able to unseat Warrick so I'm all for Marshall moving back to WLB where he played before moving inside. We need someone inside that knows the spot and can get the players set.

I have a theory regarding Holdman.

He played for GW before. I think GW likes him, for whatever reason. GW knew Holdman was going to be a free agent and most likely would not return with the Skins. I believe GW wanted to help Holdman by letting him play so he could possibly help himself in free agency. I think Rocky is better than GW has given him credit for so far. Rocky did not get a chance to practice with the 1st team until late in the season. Rocky will wreck havoc next year.

I'll be happy if Rocky is a solid starter next year. I bet GW feels the same. I would not be surprised if he is. I'm not sure what you're basing his going to the level of "wrecking havoc" in his second year, but obviously it would be nice if it did happen.

After this year and the poor performance of most of the team versus expectations, it's probably better to hope for solid and realistic in general rather then starting to ratchet up expectations again. Didn't work so well last time.

My basis for his potential stems from what I saw from him at the U (I live in S. Florida and watch all of Miami's games) and from what I saw from the limited work he had this year on teams and on D.

I'm not "ratcheting up high expectations". This is what I believe based on visual evidence I've gathered over the past few years from him. I'm quite sure the Skins organization could care less what my personal "expectations" are. They have their own expectations. That's why they drafted him. I believe he will prove the naysayers wrong and will make a solid contribution to the success of our defense next year. I like to be optimistic about things. Sorry if that offends you.

KazooSkinsFan · Post by **KazooSkinsFan** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:10 pm

SkinsFreak wrote:I'm not "ratcheting up high expectations". This is what I believe based on visual evidence I've gathered over the past few years from him. I'm quite sure the Skins organization could care less what my personal "expectations" are. They have their own expectations. That's why they drafted him. I believe he will prove the naysayers wrong and will make a solid contribution to the success of our defense next year. I like to be optimistic about things. Sorry if that offends you.

Wow, chill dude.

I agree he has talent, all I'm saying is looking to a second year pro to "wreck havoc" is a lot to expect.

old-timer · Post by **old-timer** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 1:14 pm

KazooSkinsFan wrote:
SkinsFreak wrote:I'm not "ratcheting up high expectations". This is what I believe based on visual evidence I've gathered over the past few years from him. I'm quite sure the Skins organization could care less what my personal "expectations" are. They have their own expectations. That's why they drafted him. I believe he will prove the naysayers wrong and will make a solid contribution to the success of our defense next year. I like to be optimistic about things. Sorry if that offends you.

Wow, chill dude.

I agree he has talent, all I'm saying is looking to a second year pro to "wreck havoc" is a lot to expect.

Please, it's 'wreak havoc'

KazooSkinsFan · Post by **KazooSkinsFan** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:02 pm

old-timer wrote:
KazooSkinsFan wrote:
SkinsFreak wrote:I'm not "ratcheting up high expectations". This is what I believe based on visual evidence I've gathered over the past few years from him. I'm quite sure the Skins organization could care less what my personal "expectations" are. They have their own expectations. That's why they drafted him. I believe he will prove the naysayers wrong and will make a solid contribution to the success of our defense next year. I like to be optimistic about things. Sorry if that offends you.

Wow, chill dude.

I agree he has talent, all I'm saying is looking to a second year pro to "wreck havoc" is a lot to expect.

Please, it's 'wreak havoc'

Thank ewe

Irn-Bru · Post by **Irn-Bru** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 3:10 pm

Your welcome

Cooley47 · Post by **Cooley47** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:47 pm

Gotta draft Branch. I would love to sign Sands, maybe Clements if Springs is gone.

roybus14 · Post by **roybus14** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 5:48 pm

Skip the 'big splashs' and get "value" and develop from within. I am tired of seeing this organization spend big money on guy after guy and it not work out.

Okay, Marcus in the middle maybe stretching it; E.J. Henderson has resigned with Minny; okay I got it.. But looking at it all now, this is where a 'true' and talented GM would be key. Because right now, we need someone that will find us a quality FA that will fit in and be worth something within us spending a friggin' fortune. I know that folks don't like to talk about other teams but maybe there is something to the formula up I-95 in 'Charm City'. But that defense has been able to develop players, have them shine then leave, and plug in someone else that can handle the job. Adalius Thomas' seven years in the league have been with the Ravens where he really came on over the last three after being drafted out of Southern Miss. in the sixth round (pick 186). Oh, I forgot, they coach up and develop their players up there.... What the hell was I thinking.....

SkinsFreak · Post by **SkinsFreak** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 9:31 pm

old-timer wrote:Please, it's 'wreak havoc'

Doh! dam, sorri bout that. sum of us sothern fok aint to brite. :oops:

BnGhog · Post by **BnGhog** » Mon Jan 22, 2007 9:41 pm

roybus14 "Adalius Thomas' seven years in the league have been with the Ravens where he really came on over the last three after being drafted out of Southern Miss. in the sixth round (pick 186). Oh, I forgot, they coach up and develop their players up there.... What the hell was I thinking....."

Your right we should just draft a guy and wait seven years to have a good D to go with Jason Campbell and a good O

Wait, Campbell will be getting too old buy then, so guess we will have to draft another QB and wait seven years, but, then the DB we drafted will be getting to old.

So, i guess what you are saying we should stick with Holdman and all our existing in the hopes they will develop at some point.

HEROHAMO · Post by **HEROHAMO** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 3:10 am

Either trade down for additional Picks. Or get either Adams or Branch! Sign a Solid linebacker/Stud CB.