(01-17-2024, 12:20 AM)TheDuke007 Wrote: Similar conversations are being conducted in other threads.  I did a deeper dive and have made some adjustments.  Below is my current plan if I were GM.

To get more cap space, I cut Robinson, Scherff and Fatukasi.  I also extend Williams and Oluokun which will help the 2024 cap.

With the savings from Robinson/Scherff, we can sign a free agent center and two guards and have money left over.  One of the guards may just be a stop gap or at least a free agent with an easy out after a year or two.  I use our first rounder on tackle.  If the BAP is a right tackle, I'm fine with selecting him and moving Harrison to left.  We still maintain Little as a Plan B and also will serve as depth at both tackle and guard.  I re-sign Hance (restricted free agent) because of his versatility.  I use a fourth rounder on a center/guard to replace Shatley.  We still have Hodges.  Fortner competes for a depth position.  I let Cleveland go.  He just didn't impress me.  I'm also one who doesn't like this speed zone blocking stuff.  I want a big offensive line that can push around our opponent.

I like our skill position players.  Fix the line and they will look better.  I re-sign Ridley.  I think he may be a little under-rated.  He's likely to improve.  This year, he was coming off a two-year absence.  A better offensive line will also give the quarterback the time necessary to take advantage of Ridley's ability to make big plays.  I think many also overlook the fact that Ridley had a large number of pass interference penalties called on the defender covering him.  It doesn't go in his receiving yard stats, but probably should.

I let Agnew go.  He's over-rated for the price.  He's not that great of a receiver.  As for special teams, his kickoff returns averaged 26.1 yards last season.  You can get the ball on the 25 yard line by fair catching it.  In regard to punt returns, both Washington and Kirk actually had a higher punt return average than Agnew last year.  He's no big loss.  I save the money and use a fourth rounder to replace him.  

I re-sign Johnson at running back and use a sixth round draft pick on a depth running back, although the pick could end up on the practice squad.  An improved offensive line will make a huge difference in our running game.  I also hope Bigsby improves in year two.  

I use a seventh rounder on a depth tight end for possible depth, but he might just be a practice squad player.  I also hope Strange improves in year two.

No change at quarterback.  Lawrence will likely improve some just because of experience, but his stats will improve significantly because of a better offensive line.  The anti-Lawrence trolls will go back into hiding.  

On defense, I obviously re-sign Allen.  I'm one of the few on record who wanted to extend him last year as I believed his price would go up this year.  Oh well.  Baalke didn't consult me.

If Herndon will sign for a price similar to last year, I re-sign him.  He's a good inexpensive stop gap.  Junior (an ERFA who I would re-sign) took a big step forward last year and maybe he can do it again this year.  It would be nice if he could take over that role.  If not, we can address the position next year.  

I like Campbell and Williams as our starters on the outside and Brown as our top depth.

I use a third and a fifth rounder on upgrading our interior defensive line.  I use our other third rounder (which I assume we'll receive as a comp pick) on a third edge rusher (the Chaisson replacement).  I re-sign Smoot if he's affordable and I think he will be.  Ledbetter, as an ERFA, would be resigned as inexpensive depth.

We let Quarterman walk as a free agent and replace with Miller returning from injury.  No other changes at inside linebacker.

We let Thomas walk as a free agent, but otherwise, no major change at safety.  I know Jenkins is a tough call, but you can't fix everything in one off-season.  For now, I retain him.  Maybe I change my mind tomorrow.

For special teams, I do re-sign McManus assuming he's willing to agree to a fair deal.  I obviously keep Cooke and Matiscik.

In conclusion, my main strategy is to keep much of the team together.  The one big exception is the offensive line.  My plan is to almost completely revamp it.  If we do that, I believe our offense will be among the best in the league.  I wish that I could do more on defense, but you have to prioritize.  I'm hoping a new defensive coordinator, a couple of third round picks, and better health will make a significant difference.

Solid plan. I really like your plans for the offensive line. Draft a right tackle like Fuaga in round 1 and sign a free agent center and guard. Cushenberry and Dotson are my top picks depending on how much they demand. Move Harrison to left tackle which is the position he is best suited for anyway and let Robinson go. The remaining piece of the starting OLINE would be a mid-round draft pick, Cooper Hodges or Walker Little if he wins the right tackle job therefore moving Fuaga to guard. Solid interior offensive linemen can be found in round 4. Three guys I'd be very intersted in are Christian Haynes, Javian Cohen and Christian Mahogany. They could begin as reserves and develop into solid starters. 

The only player we slightly differ on is Ridley. I'd keep him if the price was right and he is signed after the new NFL season begins therefore costing just a 3rd round pick. If not, I let him walk and either draft someone in round 2 or sign a free agent like Tee Higgins.

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