Quote:I like both drafts by Caldwell. It's still too early to know for sure about many of them - but it seems we may have as many as 9 long term starters from the past two drafts. (I'd say at least 5 if you're not feeling optimistic)
I actually think he's done well in free agency also. Beadles is obviously a disappointment, but his contract won't hurt much. Clemons is hot and cold, but seems like a good guy to mentor Branch and Davis. Bryant has helped vs. the run. Watson got hurt right away and might not work out. Geno Hayes has served a purpose as a placeholder until he can be upgraded.
It's the unexpected surprises that make me like Caldwells free agency work, however.
Miller, Marks, and Alan Ball have been better than average/sometimes very good - and very economical for their production. I think Caldwell is batting about .500 in free agency and that's not bad. FA is more of a gamble than many seem to realize.
When you factor in a few good depth additions found on the waiver wire (Clay Harbor anyone?) and a few promising UDFA (Hurns, Abry Jones) I really feel confident in our GM's ability to find and acquire talent.
Nine long-term starters? Wow, that is being generous, isn't it? Any team that is rebuilding and pressing young players into duty will look like "long-term starters". Keep in mind that when you critique his draft "so far", you can't base it on "potential" because otherwise, everyone's draft in the NFL (especially those drafting high) would appear to net "long-term starters"
Based on what we've seen though? On actual production rather than "promise"? Basically, here's my criteria. Let's assume that Khan is fed up and decides to fire both Caldwell and Gus at the end of the season. The new coaching staff is then to look at this roster and say "OK, who are definitely part of our rebuilding process?"
Luke Joeckel - starter. Still have enough questions in his game that he doesn't quite reach the "long-term starter label". No different than Monroe was to Dave when Dave took over.
Cyprien - long-term starter. Not a pro-bowler, but he can hold that SS spot.
Gratz - Fringe starter. Drafted because he was a good "fit" for this scheme, but has now lost his job to a journeyman and a 7th round pick.
Ace Sanders - long term starter (at PR), solid contributor in 3/4 wide sets
Denard - project who has no true position. Worth a look as the 3rd RB to see if he develops.
Evans - solid backup at SS
McCray - Fringe starter. Shows athletic ability, but still a bit raw. How would he fare in a different scheme?
Bortles - Superstar and franchise QB.
Lee - oft injured, doesn't show great hands, still need work running routes. Worth a look for positional battle
Allen Robinson - long term starter as a possession receiver
Linder - long term starter at G
Colvin - has not played a down
Telvin Smith - sub package player
Chris Smith - practice squad
Bowanko - fringe starter at C
Storm - worth a roster spot, potential starter
So, realistically speaking we're looking at 1 franchise player, 3 long-term starters, a few fringe starters. It's a good enough haul, especially since the 1 franchise player is at the most important position in football, which is why Dave/Gus gets another year.
But 9 long-term starters? Hardly...