Quote:I think it will reveal more of Caldwell's draft strategy. 

 

I start by listing our deficiencies in my perceived order of worst to least:

RT

FS

TE

LB (otto) 

young LEO

RB

 

When I look at this list I see that free agency has options to upgrade all of these positions. This is a rare thing that happens. There is a top flight upgrade for each position. I see Caldwell as a GM who places a lot of emphasis on having multiple options. That means various free agents (even current back-ups with upside) and draft picks to fill these needs. Next I ask what position has the least amount of options available to upgrade these positions. 

 

The main one that stands out is free safety. There is only one true option and that is to sign McCourty. Other than all of these positions can be addressed in either free agency or the draft. If we do not sign a RT (stop-gap or long term), that tells me Caldwell will more than likely trade back in the draft and position himself to draft a RT in the first or high in the second.

 

If we don't sign McCourty I would expect either a Hughs and an Orakpo. Some sort of combination of players to bolster the rush even more to help the secondary out. One of the two must happen: better secondary play or better pass rush.

 

I think free agency would also reveal more philosophy based changes. Acquiring a Suh would signal more bear front. If we go heavy O-line like two or three players acquired, then that would tell me more of a run oriented offense. 

 

A wideout woud signal to me how much they expect Blake to carry the team versus a TE would mean trying to get him help at this early stage of his career. 

 

Exciting times!!!

Quote:I debated a lot over if number would be FS or RT. I initially thought free safety because that piece alone would enhance the defense and take it to top five level. The RT won out though because at the end of the day we have a young qb that needs to be up right and have time to throw in the pocket. We can give up TD's and still win but if we don't score we won't win. Due to the correlation the RT has to the qb to me it wins by default. Schematically I would say the FS but it terms of football play on the field and player development (which to me is the ultimate goal) RT is number one.