Quote: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...