MasterStrategist

There is no scenario we can afford Hopkins, this has been beat to death....unless Cards eat a large majority of his salary (which is very unlikely). It'd require restructuring more deals, which Beane has said he's opposed to. As far as Gabe "still not looking the part of a #2", it comes down to more than him. This offense lacked any slot WR/middle field threat LY. A hopefully improved Shakir, Kincaid, then some more diverse weapons in Harty/Sherfield and Knox not having dealt with a major loss. I'd add OL really struggled as well, both interior and Spencer at times. Spencer hopefully is over his back issue, and continues to improve. On top of all of this, Dorsey having another season under his belt. Point is, this isnt a simple issue of Gabe becoming the #2 that fans are clamoring for. People need to realize that we have a modern NFL offense that doesn't need two high end WRs, Chiefs and other teams have proven its about balance. Now if Diggs would go down for an extended injury, then a Dhop would make sense. Otherwise, our offense should be primarily Diggs focused, with a more well rounded complimentary group this season.

13-4 would be a great record, with our schedule. Game 1 against Jets will be a great litmus, to see our improved OL/weapons against a very good front 4 and secondary. Philli (it's Philly btw), is the 1 game that I feel we will struggle. Rest of schedule is definitely winnable, we should be in every game and hopefully get to 13 wins.

Only XFL game that I watched...it was cool. QB play and general talent was better, compared to USFL imo. I like 2 "rules" the XFL uses, that'd be interesting if the NFL considered: 1. Kickoffs: like the no run up, and having to land in between EZ and the 20. 2. PAT: like the opportunity to pick to go for 1, 2, or 3 Both of these may have been discussed before, but they make for more strategy/skill. As both the kickoff and PAT in NFL, are mostly automatic/wasted plays

It's the Derby, go big or go home. Those are some nice suits!

Problem is the numbers. We're not keeping more than 5 DEs, especially if Von is ready for week 1(indications are definitely possible). So who goes? Boogie, AJE, Shaq? I'm not sure Beane is going to move on from any younger guys, especially just year 3 for Boogie and AJE did improve enough. They didn't sign Shaq just to cut him/not have him in their plans. I still think this is thr group we roll with, unless Von hits a setback or another injury.

It's fun to think about, but in reality these are "break glass"/emergency type signings. We have basically zero cap room, unless Beane restructures OR extends a few contracts (ie: Ed) with a material savings to this year's cap. Or these players accept a very low offer, it's possible I guess, but these guys are likely waiting for a key injury and someone to pay closer to their asking price. Cap aside, just analyzing the roster and Beanes comments: 1. DE: maybe a 50/50 shot we sign someone, best option would be a pass rushing specialist/non-starter, cant see us signing a fringe starter. Melvin Ingram would come to mind. We are keeping 5 DEs tops, AJE improved LY but still inconsistent. Is Ingram worth it over AJE? I'd say Beane keeps the younger player, on a cheaper deal 2. MLB: no chance we're signing anyone else before camp, unless a freak injury. Slight chance prior to draft, but we now have Dodson, Bernard, Spector and Williams competing. Not to mention Klein is an emergency fall back option. Like it or not, we're counting on someone to step up this year

Agree, he should be better in our scheme. However, he didn't play the traditional NT role as much LY (as you stated). That was AL Woods role. Poona was more often lined up at 3 or 3i, sometimes 5 technique. Seattle was more versatile with their fronts last season, predominantly a 3-4 scheme, but still had some of their 4-3 under mixed in. I'd expect Coach will utilize him most at 1-tech, but can be versatile. Daquon isn't getting any younger and took on a large role for us LY, we needed someone who could take more rotation with him. I don't think his potential needs unlocked, rather he needs to be more consistent. Not an excuse, but he had below-average talent lining up at 1-tech, until LY. Not to mention our DEs struggled prior to LY, and after Vin went down. His injuries LY didn't help either, his ankle was worse than originally reported and he battled throughout the season just like other guys up front. Daquon and Poona are good/solid players, but not like either are superstars. I wouldn't say we're investing into a 1-tech to unlock Ed's potential. Not easy finding disruptive 3-tech DTs, and while Ed isn't Aaron Donald, he is a very good player in his own regard and what he's asked to do. Beane, unsolicited, has brought up the desire to retain Ed long term. I think they'll try to get this done before the season, I'm expecting Ed to have a great year (if he can stay healthy)

Agree, he should be better in our scheme. However, he didn't play the traditional NT role as much LY (as you stated). That was AL Woods role. Poona was more often lined up at 3 or 3i, sometimes 5 technique. Seattle was more versatile with their fronts last season, predominantly a 3-4 scheme, but still had some of their 4-3 under mixed in. I'd expect Coach will utilize him most at 1-tech, but can be versatile. Daquon isn't getting any younger and took on a large role for us LY, we needed someone who could take more rotation with him.

Another great Beane interview, can listen to him speak all day. Nice info re: 1. Von: sounds like his progression is coming along very well 2. Kincaid: interesting to hear Beane give more details about the discussions with Jax GM, and with Joe Schoen as well. 3. Josh elbow injury/predraft interviews: it's probably been discussed before, but the initial 1-3 week time frame and jokes about Josh not avoiding contact in the Vikings game, never heard those details. Then Beane have some great insight into the pre-draft meetings, a bit more than the Rich Eisen interview 4. LB traits: Beane gave some indication (this is how I took it/first I've heard Beane say this), about Tremaines coverage ability. He raved about Milano matching up against TEs and Rbs, then also discussed what type of LB they ideally have at MLB. Have to say, Dorian Williams seems to meet alot of the traits he discussed Great interview by Chris Long too, he does a nice job with the questions/very natural approach

I don't think that about Settle. I could see us carrying 5 Dts, especially with how snake bit they were with injuries at Dt LY. Beyond 2023, my money is on an Ed extension sometime before training camp. Daquon is likely a year-to-year type at this point of his career, similar to Phillips. Then certainly FA/draft, not worried about 2024 at this point.

Feel like this is why he hasn't signed with anyone yet....he's asking too much/wants to be a starter (waiting for Draft/May 2nd comp pick date). Either way, I'd love to see it happen but not expecting the $$$ to align with us.

I think he flashed, albeit inconsistent, at 3-T...but we played him out of position in necessity at the 1-T at times. He was also injured LY too, just like all our Dts it seemed. Hopefully they can stay healthy this year

He's been all about the $$$, we shall see but it'd be a steep discount for us to be able to sign him

You need to tamper your expectations, first Dhop now Yannick. Yannick is going to want paid like a starter, not sure we need that/have the $$$s. Unless Von is going to miss most of the year, we need to count on our young DEs to continue improving. They'll likely continue monitoring Vons progress then decide if a modest improvement to DE is necessary. We will see what Fords contract is, but Beane has been adamant about affordable signings.

I think that domino will fall before training camp.

Exactly. 1 more thing to consider is how this signing impacts Ed's play too, in addition to DL and LB impact. Ed doesn't always have Daquan lined up with him, and he performs better with a true/capable 1-T. This gives us a much stronger rotation and trickle down effects elsewhere

Well said. Dallas can deny all they want, but their pick was going to be Kincaid. NFL GMs (not just Beane) have a good pulse of who teams are targeting in the first few rounds, after that becomes team specific needs/roster depth/etc. Beane specifically said he thought Chargers would be drafting Dalton. Bills brass was not expecting this guy to slide to 25, let alone past Dallas

Settle underwhelmed LY, and Phillips is a high injury risk each year. Ed is their best 3-T, I'd be shocked if they are looking to shop him.

Lol, different positions. Ford played out of position in 2022, Pete Carrol admitted as much. He was used as a 3-T and 5-T, basically similar to Quenton Jefferson. He is much better suited at the 1-T (but can play both spots for us). Very very good signing by Beane. Seattle's mistake is a benefit for us getting him at a lower contract. Him and Daquan should make life alot easier for our LB crew/more versatile to beef up on early downs

I'd add 1 "nugget" to your list, and that's in regard to Justin Shorter. Listening to Beanes comments, and his post draft presser, he made a point to say Shorter "has a path to getting a jersey" (making the 53). Great replacement for Kumerow on S/T, and a different trait/body type WR to add into the mix. I could see some Robert Foster-esque use at some point this year

I think we've had multiple "stints", with 5 DTs and 5 DEs, on the 53 man roster LY. Then times we called up Bryant/Ankou/etc from the P/S. But either way, the key is that we've needed to utilize a 5th DT because of injuries. Good chance that trend continues, and we're probably looking to find a better backup at 1-technique. I think we stay in contact with some of the Vet DEs, while we monitor Vons progress to return. If he is to miss time early, PUP or worse, then I'd see us investing a bit more (Ngakwoue type). Otherwise, I think we're set...a signing could also spark some debate if we try moving on from AJE.

I'd like that too, but we have the equivalent of a Natty Light budget right now. So I think Ngakaoue is likely too expensive as well. I'd expect: Poona Ford and possibly a RB like Murray. I'm not expecting any moves over $2m, and likely rules out trying to make any "upgrades" but focused more on depth

That's wild, certainly possible. Afc south is going to be unpredictable/highly volatile though (outside of JAX)...I'd put HOU as a bottom 6 team overall for sure. Demeco has been around plenty of elite pass rushers, so he knows what he's looking for, and if Anderson becomes the next Bosa...then that's a fair deal for Hou. Btw, I know you saw Beanes post draft presser. His final response to Mookies question, re: if Bills looking to add vet playmakers for Josh. I think that was a playful way of shutting down any remaining Dhop gossip, but that's just me. Beane is probably getting annoyed at this point with being asked and having to continually respond that they're cash strapped (and likely using any remaining $$$s on vet dline)

From Beanes post draft presser, sounds like they have a vet in mind...could be signed as early as next week (after May 2nd doesn't hurt comp pick formula for 2024).

Rams took the RB that I thought we'd be interested in....guess not. liked Evans vision/fit in our backfield