Free Agency Eve Plan (Suh Edition)

Wow, so we got the big guy. As fans I think anytime we hear rumors/news we are cautiously optimistic but people forget the city sells itself. Anyways in my 20 or so years of watching the Phins I can't think of a move of this size or importance. folks, he changes the whole dynamic to our defense. One reason we have beat Brady is due to our outside pass rush, the times he beats us is when he can move up in the pocket. Adding Suh eliminates that option for him. In other words, he is going to be facing a team who can rush 4 consistently and drop into coverage with the other 7, which will decrease his ability to dink and dunk down the field. This move is to beat the Pats plain and simple.... I love it.

Now that the big man is in the fold what else has happened.

• Odrick to Jax (sad to see him go, and think he will have some good years with Bradley's Defense)
• Fields likely to be cut (good could use the money and wasn't worth it with his play of last year)
• Wheeler/Ellerbe to be Cut
• Wallace decision coming soon, as his roster bonus is due
• Starks in limbo right now

With Suh in the fold I rank our needs in order:

1. WR
2. ILB
3. OG
4. FS
5. CB
6. RB
7. DT Depth
8. Backup QB

I'd be a little shocked to see any other big money or name moves but here are some players at need positions I am monitoring:

WR: really want us to address via draft round 1 or 2, as we need a guy with size to add and draft has 4-5 options worthy of 1st round. If Wallace is traded or cut here are my options for replacements:

1. A. Johhson - Yes, I know he is 33. But, he is still good and he's a hometown boy. If we trade Wallace would love to add Andre and draft guy to learn under him
2. Crabtree - still young, think a change of scenery is exactly what is needed. Not a burner but would be valuable on outside and in the RZ
3. Shorts - could bring a simplified version of what Wallace brings as he has speed, should come affordable
4. H. Nicks - still think there is something there, three year ago he was a very promising WR and some injuries happened. Low risk deal I wouldn't hate
5. L. Hankerson - another UM alum, I'd love to add him as he suffered from poor QB play and stashed low on roster. Has size and talent, compete for #3/#4 job with Matthews

ILB: Another position where FA doesn't overly excite me as the names in draft do. If we got WR round 1 we'd be looking at Perryman/Dawson in round 2 potentially if McKinney or Anthony fall. Here are a few names that could be nice addition:

1. C. Lofton - Hickey made a run at him with TB, still only 28 very productive, might be good for him to switch back to 4-3.
2. M. Foster - Hickey took part in drafting him, not the ideal Tampa 2 LB for Lovie but very good player, not amazing in coverage like I'd like
3. N. Irving - solid player for DEN before injury young guy, he played behind talented DT's to help lack of strength, well we just signed the best one in the league might be worth looking a

OG: think this will be a mid round draft add, as rumors are Turner at one OG then Smith a shot to earn the other. Here are some FA options:

1. C. Boling - he is still my guy, but will get paid. He'd come in at 25 and be a 5+yr starter
2. J Carpenter - a mauler in SEA has had injury concerns tho
3. Any potential upcoming cut lol

FS: The draft class is weak. Delmas has been linked to coming back but his health is so piss poor. McCourty the top guy is gone but there are some very solid options left:

1. D. Searcy - snag one from a division rival, 27 and can play in hte nickel as well. Buff paid there other S and can't afford him, get it done and won't cost too much
2. R. Moore - he will cost more than Searcy and more than likely will be most sought after safety with McCourty on the market, would be a good add
3. R. Parker - don't know too much but from what I've seen I like it, been stuck behind some good players and thrives when given a chance only 28 too
4. A. Rolle - hes older but at right price can't say know one of Top 5 at his position.
5. N. Allen - all he does is create turnovers and think that'd be nice to have with our potential on defense for next year
6. D. Lowery - another guy who can play slot/FS very valuable

CB: with Suh's deal be hard pressed to break bank on CB, and don't think we should. There are plenty of young players in FA who can come in compete for #2/#3 job for right price:

1. D. House - young guy from GB, think with Williams a FA and older they make House priority to bring back
2. P. Robinson - south Florida guy who underperformed on his draft status but still young and talented can play nickel as well, been linked to him already
3. B. Skrine - undervalued in CLE and could end up being our best CB a year from now
4. W. Thurmond - suffered injuries with NYG but the SEA version was very good only 28.
5. P. Cox - always liked SF corner past few years be nice to add one

RB: IMO Miller is our #1 back he just had 1,000 yards and can add more to his plate. But I do feel he needs a partner in crime one who can get tough yards more of a one cut back if you will:

1. S. Ridley - again sense a theme? steal from our division rivals. With Blount in place, I think NE lets Ridley walk and try to keep Vereen. Healthy Ridley is the perfect compliment to Miller
2. P. Thomas - another guy a team castoff to keep one. Thomas might not be prime years or a huge name but he is very good at what he does...catch, block, press the hole.... things we need.
3. D. McFadden - prove it type deal don't see how that could be bad.

 

I agree on MLB preference is on draft but thinking by the rumors they address FA. Be careful, it didn't work last time.

Searcy is probably who I'd like most of the remaining needs.

House is great. Love Culliver but I think we see someone overpay for him, $6.5mil+/yrly. Too pricy for my liking. I think Robinson may be more than that but if he is a nickel...good we need that.

Yeah Draft > Crabtree

Boling I love and hope they surprise us with a run at him.

 

I agree with you on AFCE. IMO it may be the top division this year. NFC North/West got seriosuly depleted with Bears/Lions/49ers major losses of star players. AFC West you could argue may be right there with us. Not a fan of the North but they always step up play tough...playoff proven.

Like what Jets are doing except for the fact they are missing out on major FA's. Still early but unless they get Revis it could not be as promising as some think. Still need to find someone to throw the ball and god I hope Hoyer signs there will pretty much guarantee an offensive implosion by Week 10 with Marshall not getting his attempts.

Like what Bills are doing in some aspects. Think Rex is going to do some wonders with your defense. If your interior OL can run block for your stable of backs then you're talking still like my chances with your QB situation up there.

As long as Brady breathes the Pats are the favorite.

 

DJ 100% right sir. MY thought process goes for WR:

1. Trade Wallace or Keep Him....
2. I do NOT cut him...Make it work for one year, he is not easily replaced
3. Draft our soon to be Alpha-WR.... this is the draft
4. Do NOT Trade up, unless one scenario

1. Oakland is my only logical place that makes sense and it ain't just about speed, although it helps. Oakland lost out on Suh/Odrick....Knighton is not a signed sealed and delivered deal. Regardless of Knighton, I can still see them taking Leonard Williams at #4. Missing on Cobb and the WR market drying up could force their hand. Might be Madden esque, but #4 for Wallace/#14, draft Kevin White. Either way whether we can move up from 14 to 4, I'll take a pick from Oak 3-6 and eliminate them from taking Top Four WR in early parts.

2. If Wallace is gone, I would very much look to double down on WR's in the draft and kick the tires on a Cecil Shorts type.

3. White, Cooper, Parker, Strong, and DGB would bring an added element to our offense and along with Landry is promising future at the position. Now imagine that and scooping up a speed element in mid rounds.

 

Yup exactly, Ravens are just always tough. Outside of the 1-15 year can't remember handling the Ravens just bully us. Agree but let's wait and see what gems Newsome puts together for this roster. I could see an Andre Johnson fit in Baltimore may be the shady acres retirement home but Johnson/Smith is still more than suitable for Flacco.

Broncos don't scare me. Peyton is still a Top 10 QB but losing Julius will hinder his options and we know without a solid line he is useless.