Missing_Clink
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OK so we are all super pumped about the Harvin trade: Awesome player, big need filled, future opponents are terrified, etc.
But there is still that small problem of filling some major holes on the D line and improving a pass rush that all too often was completely invisible. As things currently stand, we are minus one solid starter in Alan Branch, likely minus another excellent starter at least for a while in Chris Clemons, and minus a solid rotational guy in Jason Jones. Depending on how you feel about Bruce Irvin as a 3 down DE, perhaps we are covered with Clemons insurance, but lets leave that issue for another thread.
At the very least, we need another LEO or 3rd down specialist while Clemons is hurt. We also need a starting caliber DT, either a monster space eater like Branch or a smaller 3 tech who can collapse the pocket. I think it is fair to say that we need 2 starting caliber D linemen.
Prior to the Harvin trade, it seemed reasonable to think that we could sign at least 1 quality free agent DE like Abraham, Freeny, or Osi. There are also a few good DT's available like Desmond Bryant and Richard Seymore. Finally, in a draft rich at the top with quality D line players, it seemed pretty reasonable to think we may use the 25th pick on a DL player.
My how things change. Cap space just took a massive hit with the Harvin trade and the 25th pick is gone. What do we do now? They will have to do something. There are roster holes on the DL that really need to be filled, and doing so seemingly has just gotten a lot more difficult. I doubt we find a starter on the DL with no first round pick, but you can never count out this front office with the way they draft. Signing a more talented free agent also just got harder, but we don't yet know what Harvin's cap hit will be. Can we just resign Branch and/or Jones? Are there some bargain basement veteran stopgaps who can get the job done?
For a team poised to make a superbowl run, these are some real issues in my opinion. I do not doubt for one second that this front office will figure it out, but they are likely going to have to get creative. What do you think?
But there is still that small problem of filling some major holes on the D line and improving a pass rush that all too often was completely invisible. As things currently stand, we are minus one solid starter in Alan Branch, likely minus another excellent starter at least for a while in Chris Clemons, and minus a solid rotational guy in Jason Jones. Depending on how you feel about Bruce Irvin as a 3 down DE, perhaps we are covered with Clemons insurance, but lets leave that issue for another thread.
At the very least, we need another LEO or 3rd down specialist while Clemons is hurt. We also need a starting caliber DT, either a monster space eater like Branch or a smaller 3 tech who can collapse the pocket. I think it is fair to say that we need 2 starting caliber D linemen.
Prior to the Harvin trade, it seemed reasonable to think that we could sign at least 1 quality free agent DE like Abraham, Freeny, or Osi. There are also a few good DT's available like Desmond Bryant and Richard Seymore. Finally, in a draft rich at the top with quality D line players, it seemed pretty reasonable to think we may use the 25th pick on a DL player.
My how things change. Cap space just took a massive hit with the Harvin trade and the 25th pick is gone. What do we do now? They will have to do something. There are roster holes on the DL that really need to be filled, and doing so seemingly has just gotten a lot more difficult. I doubt we find a starter on the DL with no first round pick, but you can never count out this front office with the way they draft. Signing a more talented free agent also just got harder, but we don't yet know what Harvin's cap hit will be. Can we just resign Branch and/or Jones? Are there some bargain basement veteran stopgaps who can get the job done?
For a team poised to make a superbowl run, these are some real issues in my opinion. I do not doubt for one second that this front office will figure it out, but they are likely going to have to get creative. What do you think?