Quote:<<This isn't exactly a standing ovation. It's more like, "I think he can be as depth in case our starter goes down.">>


 

 

Did you watch the press conference or just read the quote?  I saw the press conference and didn't get that impression at all.  First, Caldwell tends to give very non-committal politician answers to questions.  He's not going to promise things or guarantee anything on any topic.  Second, it's not all he said.  He also said that you can't judge a player by one game and that if we had this press conference a couple of weeks ago, no one would even be asking about Joeckel.  I took his press conference as a pretty big endorsement that Joeckel will be coming back.

 

I think many people on here are going to be very disappointed with the off-season in regards to Joeckel.  I seriously doubt that Joeckel gets any serious competition.  First, the team has bigger needs.  Second, even if an argument can be made to upgrade tackle over other positions, Caldwell isn't going to want to admit to wasting a second overall pick on him.  The best you can hope for is maybe a third round draft pick.  Caldwell can argue that the pick is only be selected for "depth".  If the third rounder beats out Joeckel, at least Caldwell can claim that the the third rounder is a steal.  He can at least save face by replacing Joeckel with his smart draft pick.  I think that people who believe that we will go after a top tier free agent tackle or use an early rounder on one are completely mistaken. 

 

As for center, I like Alex Mack.  He's the best of those who will likely be available.  If not, I don't know.  I would probably re-sign Wiz as a stop gap and maybe draft a future replacement.