MasterStrategist

Dane has never played slot, in his entire college and NFL career. Not 100% about Elam. But now we're talking about cross-training 3 players at a new position...who are young and still need time to improve at primary spot. Either trust Neal/Cam, or draft a better backup at nickle

I can see 3 "depth" signings prior to draft, ie: RT (Shell), Rb (Fournette), and a DE....that might be stretching it. But think that gives us some flexibility to focus on our top weaknesses in the top 4 rounds (WR, MLB, IOL, and DT). This means he absolutely needs to hit on a couple starter caliber players and key depth in the draft. This is going to be a different season of playing rookies, don't have the luxury of spending on vets. I'm hoping for a WR, MLB, OG/C, DT, TE, and S. Assuming we sign a RT to compete with Brown, Rb, and DE prior to the draft. We could really use an upgrade over Bates and Brown, but I think Spencer hasn't hit his ceiling and will be a good enough RT. Bates, he is what he is right now. I don't see how we run it back with our current group of WRs, biggest weakness.

Hunt might be looking for starter money. I like him, but not for above $3m per. Cap room going to make our decisions more critical. TBH, Fournette is a better fit if he'd do a 1 yr $2-2.5m deal. He's still got a little juice left and the type of runner we're missing. Cook should be our 1a, getting 60% of snaps. Bruiser type and Hines would round out the group nicely..

Offensiviely, the problem was going against the type of defense Cincy deployed, similar to the Jets scheme they ran. We need better short passing game and running in the interior. Same problem against teams that ran all out pressure, Miami will be tougher this yr and KC. To counter, we better interior line play and a more dynamic slot receiver. Defensively, agree...we played too soft on all levels. Again need better interior DL play. Daquan was a big missing piece, but we need another meanie in the middle. These are fixable, and already got 2 pieces. Need 2 more pieces in the draft/Fa

Agree. Actually already happened with the guy McKenzie was kept over (Ray Ray Mcleod).

Unless they like Cam Lewis as the backup Nickle corner, I can't see us letting Neal go. Neal is one of our best, if not best, S/T core player. He gets too "grabby" on defense, when given the chance, but worth keeping around given his role.

Are you kidding?! Dotson got banged up and still had a great year. He's a man beater/super quick, and elusive. He had great body control/ability to get open in confined zones too...given his TD production. I typically like/agree with your opinions, but not this one.

Everyone has an opinion, but I see Zay and Downs as 1st round talents. There's skills in both of these guys that translate very well in our offense, and traits we look for. Both of them remind me of Dotson LY, and have a little Stefon/Tyler Lockett style. I see the OL as pretty much set. Biggest unknown is MLB, and what they plan there. But our 1st pick is either WR or MLB, as of now...def worthy candidates at both spots.

Agreed. Beane actually stated in his presser yesterday that Milano will NOT move to MLB. They like him exactly where's he at, and for good reason...he's one of the best in the biz there

Not sure I heard it that way from Beane... They're considering what is best, didn't hear him say it was a sure thing though.

Yes. We've been linked to Yannick previously. He or Floyd would be nice gets. Possibly add a DT as well, extend Daquan and/or Ed.

Beane was asked about Edmunds, not bring able to resign (draft/develop/extend). And he brought up both Gabe and Ed as guys they'd like to keep around past rookie deal. Beane usually doesn't bring up players unprovoked, then follow that up with a lie. I'm expecting Oliver sticks around.

We need a guy who can make this offense better, gives Diggs and Gabe less bracket coverage (especially Stefon). I'd call that pretty valuable, and we struggled very badly with our short passing game at the end of LY, that we brought Bease out of retirement. Downs and Flowers both give that ability, mainly by projecting as top-end slot options. But they aren't relegated to that role, just what will improve our offense the most...IMO. Drafting another Shakir in the mid rounds does nothing IMO. He doesn't threaten a defense, change how teams defend us.

Clearly... my point is everyone thinks Flowers/Downs are slot only too (built similar to Jahan). Both these guys can move around on offense, but best suited at slot in our offense.

Look to last year, and everyone thought Dotson (penn st) was a slot only guy.... he went 1st round in the teens.

I'm hoping Shakir steps up, but I'm not counting on it. To me, it's less about a known commodity. It truly is a missing element on this offense. We just signed Harty, who is very good at RAC (but not a starter). Cut McKenzie, Crowder contract expired, Beas was brought out of semi-retirement, and that leaves Shakir. Defenses can easily bracket Diggs/Davis, we "need" a slot. We shall see come draft day, but our short passing game is predicated on this

A clear missing piece for us right now is a reliable slot, with RAC ability. Draft actually has a decent value for this. Zay Flowers or Downs would be instant upgrades. I like Shakir, but he's not a difference maker, like the guys above. Good backup, #4/5 type. Draft a G in the 2nd. Sign a backup RT. This offense quickly resets and improves weaknesses from last yr.

I've liked Eluemunor, he'd be a reasonable price and competition at RT. I think they like Spencer enough to give him another chance to start, so don't think they're gonna go for a big name/round 1 pick (jmo). Jermaine gives OT/OG flexibility. In a lot of ways, similar to Quessenberry signing LY, but Jermaine is better in pass protection.

Yeah Zay will be gone by the time we pick round 2, so it's round 1 or trade back and hope he's still there (which is not Beanes way). I just see the stars aligning to draft Zay with our 1st, and then focus on OL. They like Spencer Brown still, so I'd be shocked if they use a #1 on OT. Makes more sense they draft a 2nd-4th rounder to compete, that provides depth at G too.

Maybe, but every year this is said about a position group....it's about doing the research/scouting and finding fits for the team. Downs and Flowers both possess the skills that Beane specifically mentioned at the combine interviews....we also brought an aging Beasley back in the fold LY, alot of signs point to drafting a shifty/RAC slot guy.

Rather we draft a WR early, and not sign Chark. Instead use that Fa money on another def line combo. Watching for Ngakoue and Ionadis, which would drastically improve our pass rush.

They clearly wanted an upgrade, opting for signing Montgomery. I think David is much more dynamic than Williams, Montgomery's style reminds me of Fred Jackson. Beane seeing the need to improve the OL and WR, as higher priorities on offense. I'll be frustrated if we bring back Motor...Hunt would be my top remaining FA choice, but comfortable going to the draft and waiting on RB market.

Fair value, thought Beane would be in at that price. Still a few FA options that would be good fits...ie: Kareem Hunt,D. Foreman. I like Motor, just think he isn't what we need. I'd be open to going with Cook, Hines, 4th round+ rookie. And using remaining FA capital on improving OL/DL. Use draft for Wr, LB, Te, Rb

Jamaal is basically what Beane tried to draft in Moss, just didn't pan out. We do need a running mate for Cook. Williams brings a different skill set, that would help. This is the last position to overpay, so it would have to be the right price...otherwise, I'm looking to 4th round or later in the draft.

Agree on the #s and options. We'd have money for a scenario such as: 1. Wagner or David at LB 2. Elemuenor at RT 3. Williams at RB 4. then a depth player That would leave the draft open for WR, TE, S, and IOL (in no particular order).