To put this as simply as possible, the new G.M. needs to do what his predecessors (Caldwell, Smith, Harris, Baalke) failed to accomplish: Draft the right players and sign the best free agents for the money. It starts with hiring the best scouts. Without good players, no coach can be successful over time. Without good players surrounding him, no quarterback can consistently win.

Shad, find a way to hire Ed Dodds or Mike Borganzi. I believe both would make great General Managers. Have them hire the new coach. There are a plethora of great candidates who'd love to take this job. Potentially great quarterback, owner who will spend money on free agents, low taxes, are just some of the positives.

The new G.M. will have a top 3 pick, likely number 1. Depending on whether he trades back, he should be able to add at least 4 solid players from this draft class. I believe they can sign some good free agents if the right G.M. and coach are hired. It will take 2 years for whatever G.M. is hired to accumulate enough talent to seriously compete for a playoff spot. The priorities for this off-season are:

1. Draft the BPA. Hutchinson or Thibodeaux will vastly improve a defense that actually played pretty well most of this season.

2. Add 2 wide receivers to immediately start. The only criteria are that they can catch the ball and get open- both these traits are sorely missing this year.

3. Blow up the offensive line. Don't care if it's via the draft or free agency, but major changes must be made.

4. Add another receiving tight end. Mike Gesecki would be a solid addition.


If they can add the right players at receiver, offensive line and tight end the team will be on the right path.

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