Free Agency/Franchise Tag thread 2011

[Defensewins]

Originally Posted by Monkeydad

Jake Locker was supposed to be like Andrew Luck. He stayed in college an extra season and his draft stock tumbled.

Luck might do the same. He'll be without his coach (Harbaugh) next season. This will be a great test to see what he's really made of.

I don't understand how people put so much value on a QB whose college career is not even complete.

Exactly. He could also blow out a knee or shoulder that could set him back a year or two.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is they see a college player like Luck on tape do incredible things and think it will automatically transfer to the NFL. Yesterday I watched a very informative episode of ESPN's 'College Football Live' and they did a very good segment on the top college QB's. Besides being amazed at the quantity and quality of the top college Qb's, there are many. What really was eye opening was the highlights of these top Qb's and seeing them run over players that will never be good enough to play in the NFL. Especially Luck's highlights against some really undersized and lacking in ability PAC 10 players. The bottom of the PAc 10 is not very talented.

[NLC1054]

Originally Posted by Lotus

I propose that henceforth all arguments that we tank the season to get Luck should be ignored.

I second the motion.

Does anything that if we can't resign Santana Moss, then we'll probably end up going after Jacoby Jones? He knows the system, and while he hasn't been consistent, it'd still be good to have someone who's been there before and has some veteran experience. Technically this is around the time when most wide receivers come into their own.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

Luck is a very good college Qb. But all I keep hearing is the current crop of college Qb's is one of the best and deepest in a long time. Luck is not the only current QB in college ball that will do well in the NFL. We do not have to tank a season or trade away value to get one of these guys. Also, don't be lazy and identify the current 'most popular' college QB and get your panties in a bunch to get him. That mentality and desperation is how bad FO moves are made (see Atlanta 2010 draft trade and New Orleans trade to get Ricky Williams).
Don't be shocked if A. Luck ends up NOT being the best NFL QB in his draft class. Stranger things have happened (see Tom Brady).

They always say that every year. Then half the guys they have pegged in that class go back and suddenly the strongest class becomes the weakest class ever.

Barkley one of the QB's that is a huge bump to the projected classes strength is very loyal to USC. Instead of transferring after the Bush scandal he stayed and helped coach Kiffin recruit guys to the school with 2012 in mind, the year USC becomes bowl eligible again. I seriously doubt he would leave right before they became bowl eligible for the 2012 season.

Landry Jones unless he wins a national championship could also be tempted to stay. He'll most likely lean on Bradford for advice who will probably advise him to stay. Not to mention the rookie wage scale will lessen the appeal to players that may decide to come out early, unless of course they have a family support.

So suddenly a class with 3 top 10 QB's becomes a class with one top 10 QB and a bunch of guys you've probably never heard of before this year (read: the Kaepernicks and the Gabberts). And even if Jones declares he'll be sprayed with the dreaded "S" word. SPREAD QB.

[Dirtbag59]

Originally Posted by Defensewins

Exactly. He could also blow out a knee or shoulder that could set him back a year or two.
One of the biggest mistakes people make is they see a college player like Luck on tape do incredible things and think it will automatically transfer to the NFL. Yesterday I watched a very informative episode of ESPN's 'College Football Live' and they did a very good segment on the top college QB's. Besides being amazed at the quantity and quality of the top college Qb's, there are many. What really was eye opening was the highlights of these top Qb's and seeing them run over players that will never be good enough to play in the NFL. Especially Luck's highlights against some really undersized and lacking in ability PAC 10 players. The bottom of the PAc 10 is not very talented.

Lockers potential was almost always based on his physical gifts and intangibles. Not his production. Keep in mind Luck completed 70% of his passes in a pro style offense. He will probably be one of the 10 best running QB's in the league as well.

The year before fine, the production wasn't all that different from Lockers. However when Gerhart left and Luck was given control of the offense he shined. His numbers are extremely impressive and combined with his physical attributes and intangibles theres little doubt why he's the highest rated player to come along in about 10 years.

You're dreaming if you can envision a scenario where Luck isn't the top pick next year.

[NLC1054]

Suggesting we move this Andrew Luck stuff to another thread and let this one be about free agency.

Right this way, folks.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by NLC1054

Suggesting we move this Andrew Luck stuff to another thread and let this one be about free agency.

Right this way, folks.

Thank you!

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by CultBrennan59

We may go after Stephen Bowen of the Cowboys and Stephen Tullouch of the Titans when FA starts according to PFT.com

Who and Who?

We'd be better off with who we have now, McNabb and Beck.

[Monkeydad]

Anyways, my prediction for our first move:

Aubrayo Franklin

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by Lotus

I propose that henceforth all arguments that we tank the season to get Luck should be ignored.

Agreed.

Originally Posted by Monkeydad

Anyways, my prediction for our first move:

Aubrayo Franklin

Second move, Nnamdi. LOL.

[SkinzWin]

Originally Posted by Monkeydad

Anyways, my prediction for our first move:

Aubrayo Franklin

I totally agree. I think Barrett Ruud would be a nice pick up.

[30gut]

Harvey Dahl
Tyson Clabo
Jermon Bushrod
Marshall Yanda
Charles Johnson

Samason Satele

[Monkeydad]

Originally Posted by SkinzWin

I totally agree. I think Barrett Ruud would be a nice pick up.

He'd be good. With McIntosh out, he'll provide some depth.

Orakpo and Kerrigan on the outside, Fletcher and a Ruud/Blades rotation inside...solid LB crew. Alexander, Riley and Wilson backing up. Rob Jackson if we can keep another LB. Henson likely not in the mix.

With Franklin at NT, our D is going to be solid on the line, at LB and in the secondary. Adding Nnamdi or a LB lie Ruud will give us one of the best defenses in the league...on paper. Hopefully year #2 in the 3-4 will go much smoother execution-wise. It usually does for teams making the transition.

[30gut]

Signing Ruud would be passing over Riley, Henson, Blades maybe even Alexander (if he moves inside) without every seeing them play extended minutes they might be able to play.

A rebuilding team owes it to itself to find out wether their own developmental players can actually play.

Signing Ruud or any ILB precludes the team from finding about Riley, Henson, Blades and Alexander.

[Ruhskins]

Originally Posted by 30gut

Signing Ruud would be passing over Riley, Henson, Blades maybe even Alexander (if he moves inside) without every seeing them play extended minutes they might be able to play.

A rebuilding team owes it to itself to find out wether their own developmental players can actually play.

Signing Ruud or any ILB precludes the team from finding about Riley, Henson, Blades and Alexander.

You can never have too many LBs in the 3-4 I think and it is not like Ruud is an old player (28 yrs old). The only thing is that I'd rather bring in a ILB with 3-4 experience.

BTW, if Posluzsny is available, I'd take him in a heartbeat.

[Monkeydad]

Definitely Puz...but as I said before, the Bills would be absolutely stupid to let him walk. I think he'll stay on the Bills.