DE Greg Hardy ...impact player

DT Randy Starks ...short term patch to let Marks heal

WR Dwayne Bowe ...big target, can he play slot and dominate?

C Stefen Wisniewski ...compete with Bowanko

LB Mason Foster ...give him a prove it deal, backup Poz

TE Rob Housler ...prove it deal, backup move TE with speed

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DE Greg Hardy ...impact player

DT Randy Starks ...short term patch to let Marks heal

WR Dwayne Bowe ...big target, can he play slot and dominate?

C Stefen Wisniewski ...compete with Bowanko

LB Mason Foster ...give him a prove it deal, backup Poz

TE Rob Housler ...prove it deal, backup move TE with speed

Mason Foster I mentioned in another thread. We do need a backup for Poz (and eventual replacement) now that JT Thomas left. He could be an option if he comes cheap. I have a feeling though that LB will be addressed in the draft.

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"Before you criticize a man, walk a mile in his shoes. That way, if he gets angry, he's a mile away and barefoot."

I'd bring back Shorts on a one year deal if he'd accept it. 

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I'd give up a 2nd for a 24 year old, pro bowl, ball-hawking free safety.

 

Normally, this is a move I would not advocate but this year I think it has legs. In my mind, you can get a higher caliber player with a potentially shorter career length in Gipson than you can with your Second Round selection.

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I'm trying to make myself more informed and less opinionated.

Stop saying whatever stupid thing you're talking about and pay attention to all the interesting things I have to say!

1. Wisniewski- Won't cost too much and would be upgrade over Bowanko. If Bowanko beats him out, you still have more depth on the offensive line.

2. Gipson- I doubt this happens due to the acquisition of Sergio Brown, but he'd be worth a 2nd rounder.

 

No to Hardy. I don't favor having a team of Boy Scouts, but this guy is bad news. Draft your impact pass rusher in the 1st round.

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Whats the deal with Brandon Spikes? I thought he was mildly decent run stuffer for while, but he'd only be LB depth

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DE Greg Hardy

WR Dwayne Bowe

LT Anthony Collins

S Louis Delmas

LB Brandon Spikes

LB Jacquian Williams

C Stefen Wisniewski

CB Perrish Cox

RB Dujuan Harris

FB Montell Owens

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OT:  Jake Long --> Yeah i know he's had injury problems but seems like a great mentor to Joeckel- who isn't a stranger to injury himself.

RB: Steven Jackson--> 5th best in the NFL in yards after contact; can be the 3rd down back we need to keep drives alive in short yardage/Red Zone situations. Also 4th in pass blocking.

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Nah, I am thrilled with that we got. I don't doubt we will add another ancillary piece or two like the Bryan Waters deal, but I'd be very surprised if any of the declining ex big name guys in this thread wind up here.

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Whats the deal with Brandon Spikes? I thought he was mildly decent run stuffer for while, but he'd only be LB depth

 

He's basically a worse version of Poz. Same limitations. No thanks.

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I would still like to add a receiver.

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I'd like Nicks and Delmas.

Is BJ Raji still available? Is he worth a look?

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At this point it's probably just Hardy

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Crabtree.


He comes here on a 1 year deal since it doesn't look like anyone else really wants him.

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The longer he waits without a contract, the more affordable Hardy becomes. If he can be signed to a one year deal, similar to what the Rams did with Fairley (great addition btw), I see no real downside to bringing him on.

 

I'd also like to add a veteran G/C. Rob Sims is someone I'd look at. From PFF:

 

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">5. Rob Sims
2014 Grade: -0.6
2014 Snaps: 1,182

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Time may be catching up with Sims, but even in to his thirties he’s still been a safe pair of hands at left guard for the Lions the last two seasons. In 2013 his run blocking fell away markedly, but his final five starts this season (+4.5), including the playoff defeat in Dallas, proved that Sims can still create running lanes on the inside.

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Last season was Sims’ first full season with a negative grade in pass protection since 2007 though he is now two years removed from his best play in that regard in 2011 (+13.4) and 2012 (+11.1). “True” multi-year deals may not be on the table for Sims but teams could do far worse than bring him in on a short term deal to fill a hole at left guard while they search out a longer term option.

 

 

As for C's, Brian De La Puente and Will Montgomery could be good budget signings. The lack of interest in De La Puente, both last offseason, and again now, is pretty surprising.

 

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">3. Brian De La Puente
2014 Grade: +4.3
2014 Snaps: 501

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Three strong seasons as a starter for the Saints only got De La Puente a backup gig with the Bears last season, reuniting with former line coach Aaron Kromer in the Windy City. Even strong displays to start the season (+8.2 through Week 5) with Roberto Garza injured didn’t see De La Puente maintain his place in the lineup, only returning at left guard when the Bears were shorthanded mid-season.

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Both with the Saints and Bears, De La Puente has excelled as a run blocker in the middle of the line earning a positive run block grade every season as a starter. De La Puente may be out of the limelight entering free agency as a backup but teams in need of a starting center could do far worse than look in his direction.

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">4. Will Montgomery
2014 Grade: +6.6
2014 Snaps: 665

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Much like De La Puente, Montgomery is an underappreciated veteran who provided largely solid play off the bench for a new team last season. After an underrated stint with Washington, Montgomery put in a solid showing with the Broncos after a late season shuffle on the offensive line.

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Entering the Broncos’ starting lineup in Week 10, but for a poor fortnight against the Bills (-4.4) and Chargers (-1.1), Montgomery consistently earned positive grades surrendering only five pressures in his nine starts. He also played his part in the improved Broncos’ ground attack late in the season. At 32 teams are unlikely to look to Montgomery as their “plan A” at center but as he showed for the Broncos he offers valuable depth and competition off the bench in a zone scheme.

 

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How about Jermaine Gresham as the blocking TE to replace Marcedes Lewis?

 

Gresham was rated as the 4th best blocking TE by PFF in 2014.

 

Gresham will be 27 in 2015.

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The longer he waits without a contract, the more affordable Hardy becomes. If he can be signed to a one year deal, similar to what the Rams did with Fairley (great addition btw), I see no real downside to bringing him on.

 

I'd also like to add a veteran G/C. Rob Sims is someone I'd look at. From PFF:

 


 



<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">5. Rob Sims
2014 Grade: -0.6
2014 Snaps: 1,182

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Time may be catching up with Sims, but even in to his thirties he’s still been a safe pair of hands at left guard for the Lions the last two seasons. In 2013 his run blocking fell away markedly, but his final five starts this season (+4.5), including the playoff defeat in Dallas, proved that Sims can still create running lanes on the inside.

<p style="font-size:12px;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:Helvetica, verdana, geneva, sans-serif;">Last season was Sims’ first full season with a negative grade in pass protection since 2007 though he is now two years removed from his best play in that regard in 2011 (+13.4) and 2012 (+11.1). “True” multi-year deals may not be on the table for Sims but teams could do far worse than bring him in on a short term deal to fill a hole at left guard while they search out a longer term option.

 

 

 

  Regarding Rob Sims,   a major reason why his play has fallen off the last 2 seasons ( the last few games of the 2014 were an exception )  is he's played through injuries that probably would have sidelined many,  if not most,  Offensive Lineman.   Sims has matured greatly since coming to the Lions back in 2010.   He's developed into a leader,  with a very good work ethic. 

 

  Rob Sims'  greatest strength at this point of his career is in space,  especially on Screen passes.

 

  My guess is Rob Sims is going to cost much less per season than Nick Fairley will for the 2015 season with the St. Louis Rams.   I'm 99.99% confident about this.   While Sims might end up back with the Lions,  it seems like the team's preference is to attempt to sign former Falcons LG Justin Blalock.  

 

 Off the field,  Rob Sims and his wife Natalie have made a tremendous difference for youth in the Detroit area.   If the Jaguars do end up signing Sims,  I'm not sure what he will have left on the field.   But off the field,  he would be a huge asset for Greater Jacksonville.  

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DE Greg Hardy

WR Dwayne Bowe

LT Anthony Collins

S Louis Delmas

LB Brandon Spikes

LB Jacquian Williams

C Stefen Wisniewski

CB Perrish Cox

RB Dujuan Harris

FB Montell Owens

 

 

Scratch off Perrish Cox as he just signed with the Titans.


 

Nothing against Bowanko, but I'm all for getting Wisniewski at least for a year or two.


 

BTW, we don't need a guy like Bowe given the WRs already on the roster. He's not a true slot guy.

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'02

I'm not among those whining about Poz who I feel will start 16 games this year, but what about some depth at MLB with Mason Foster?

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'02

How about Jermaine Gresham as the blocking TE to replace Marcedes Lewis?

 

Gresham was rated as the 4th best blocking TE by PFF in 2014.

 

Gresham will be 27 in 2015.

I'm not yet convinced that the team will be parting ways with Marcedes Lewis this offseason. If a cheaper tight end comes along offering similar performance as a blocker, sure, but I doubt they cut him for the sake of cutting him.

 

I'm not among those whining about Poz who I feel will start 16 games this year, but what about some depth at MLB with Mason Foster?

Foster is a Poz clone. I'd rather see our MLB depth come from the draft.

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