Perhaps it's merely coincidence, but I tend to think the reason there is so much discussion in Jaguars nation about the importance of the Head Coach-QB duo is that for the first time-at least since the TC /Brunell era if not ever-we actually have that combo in Pederson and Lawrence.  Pederson has proven to be able to win a Super Bowl with Philadelphia back in 2017, while Trevor Lawrence was touted as the best QB prospect to come into the league since Andrew Luck.  After a rough start, he is beginning to realize his potential and since midseason has been playing as well as any QB in the league.  While the general feel good consensus is that we have that combo, very few fans think we're a Super Bowl team at the moment

So if combinations/duos are key to building a championship team, and we have the most important part head coach and QB, what would be considered the nexst step, and do we have it? Do we have the makings of it if not the complete duo?  If so, who are they?  Have they begun to manifest the essential building block to a Super Bowl winning franchise?  If not, what's missing?

I assert the next stage in Jaguars ascent are catalysts/playmakers/dominant players on at least two levels of the defense, with a dominant DL/edge rusher being the most vital.   The Steelers of the 1970s added their HC/QB combo with Chuck Noll and Terry Bradshaw.  But that team was as well known for their defense.  The Steel curtain had an insane 6 Hall of Famers on that defense:  DL Joe Greene and LC Greenwood, LBs Jack Lambert and Jack Ham, and CB Mel Blount and S Donnie Shell.Because they had dominant players at all three levels, in addition to the HC/QB combo, they were able to be a dominant franchise, and have followed that same basic formula over the past 50 or so years since.

The `980s 49ers had their HC/QB combo in Bill Walsh (known for his command of the West coast offense) and Joe Montana.  While they got most of the glory from those 1980s teams, the fact is they did not ascend into Super Bowl champions until they added defensive catalysts in Edge Rusher in Pro Bowler Fred Dean, ILB Jack "Hacksaw" Reynolds, and three rookie DBs in Hall of Fame CB Ronnie Lott, DB Carlton Williamson, and Eric Wright.  With catalysts on at least two levels of the defense-edge rusher Fred Dean and the secondary with Ronnie Lott, they combined with Walsh and Montana utilizing that formula to win 4 Super Bowls in the 1980s.  The 1990s saw a few teams utilize that formula to win championships.  Dallas had their HC=QB combo with Jimmy Johnson and Troy Aikman (though it took them a couple of years to get the right OC in Norv Turner to get the most out of Aikman.  They were able to reach the playoffs in 1991, but they weren't able to reach the Super Bowl until they were able to add a dominant edge rusher in Charles Haley and two excellent DBs in SS Darren Woodson and CB Kevin Smith.   The Green Bay Packers had their HC?QB Dup in Mike Holmgren and Brett Favre, and created a Super Bowl caliber defense by adding Hall of Fame DE Reggie White, Pro Bowl Sean Jones, and a DB in Hall of Fame SS LeeRoy Butler.  Denver won their first two Super Bowls with Shanahan-Elway as their HC-QB combo, and had multiple defensive catalysts in former KC Pro Bowl DE Neil Smith and former Pro Bowl S Steve Atwater.  The 2000s saw other champions follow that same basic formula (Patriots, Steelers, Rams, Seahawks) to reach and win Super Bowls.

A few points of clarification:  not every team that won Super Bowls followed that precise formula.  The 2000 Baltimore Ravens certainly didn't fin their QB in Trent Dilfer, and while he was considered a good offensive mind coming from Minnesota, I'm not sure if Brian Billick could be considered a great head coach.  But their defense was dominant on three levels (McCrary. Adams, Siragusa and Rob Burnett along the DL, Ray Lewis, Peter Boulware and at LB, and Chris McAllister and Rod Woodson in the secondary), they were able to overcome the lack of nearly any contribution from the passing game.  Tampa showed a similar dynamic, as they had dominating pass rushers in former Pro bowl DE Simeon Rice, Hall of Fame DT Warren Sapp, LB Derrick Brooks, and DBs Ronde Barber and S John Lynch, to overcome a marginal QB in Brad Johnson.  The offensive version of these teams would be the 1999 Rams, who had a dominant DL with Kevin Carter, but so so LBs and DBs, but their offense was so dominant it overcame whatever shortcomings they had on defense.  But all of those teams featured good pass rushers whether as a hand on the ground DE or as a stand up 3-4 OLB like Lawrence Taylor and Charles Haley.

Those of you who have read my posts over the years know I am a staunch advocate of investing earrly picks on the skill positions, and as a general proposition, I do not deviate from that philosophy.  However, within the context of the Jaguars specific rebuild, I submit that at least in the interim additions of Zay Jones, Christian Kirk, Evan Engram, Travis Etienne, Tyson Campbell and the future addition of Calvin Ridley represents substantial skill position investment, even if they could stand to add another CB or two this offseason.   They will definitely need substantial skill position investment within 2 seasons.

So with all of this in mind, do the Jaguars have that defensive duo that can take this defense to the next level? At the moment, no.  I think most Jaguars fans were thrilled when we landed Josh Allen. but in terms of dominance as an edge rusher, he's more a supporting actor than a leading man.   The LB group as a whole COULD prove to be a strength if we can add an explosive edge rusher opposite Allen.  Lloyd is e very good athlete and is involved in a lot of turnovers. However, for whatever reason, he doesn't seem to be grasping the scheme, and for him to be involved in the turnovers as much as he has been considering he's making mental mistakes, once he fully grasps the scheme, he should be an amazing player.  But I'm not sure if he's that edge rusher the team needs.  Muma comparatively speaking seems more limited athletically but could be a key cog. We MIGHT have that guy in the secondary with Tyson Campbell.  We have no dominators in the DL.  The bad news is to maximize and accelerate this team's climb to contender, this offseason (draft) will needs some playmaking defenders, especially at pass rusher.  The good news is edge rushers-especially 3-4 edge rushers-can reasonably be found in the mid rounds.

Thoughts?

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

This team has entered its "window."

HC and QB are in place.

I don't necessarily think TL will continue on this insane pace he's set in NOV/DEC, but anything approaching that means long term success in this league.

That said, the next step is affording TL a cleaner pocket and a tick of the clock longer to operate. He is under pressure often and early. He's just so good at slipping away from it - folks don't notice. But that's not a sustainable/long-term way to build a dominant offense.
Find a way to allow him to step up into a pocket more often instead of being forced to relocate less than 2 seconds after the snap and his longevity will benefit - as will his production.

In the short term - they need an interior guy to round out the front, and then they'll need a tackle when cam is done.
I'd try to find a guard that has some experience at center and let him compete with Bartch and Fortner in camp.
Whichever spot is weakest gets the upgrade. Fortner is a rookie but he looks weak at the point of attack and gives up lots of pressure too quickly. Bartch is expected to be solid - but a bit of a question mark. This would also improve depth at RG where we know Scherff is playing through injury right now and rarely lasts an entire season.
TE is the only other piece on offense in dire need of a solution and we all hope it involves a deal for Engram.

Moving to defense, which is more the focus here, they need another corner or nickel.
I think given the current cap - you roll with Campbell and Williams outside and try to find an impactful nickel in the draft.
Many of Campbell's stat lines this year are bordering elite level of play. He's the real deal. 
Williams looks more comfortable outside, but we have a bit of a small sample seeing him outside in this system.

Next phase of defense in need is the pass rush. Adding a quality nickel and keeping DW outside will help buy the pass rush more time to get home, but I think an interior disruptor is key. They need a 3-4 end / 3-techDT guy that can collapse pockets and flush QBs laterally to the EDGE guys.

Could they upgrade Josh Allen? Probably. And I imagine they will, but I'd hold on spending big capital on that till 2024 and try to help Walker and Allen by adding some heat on the inside. No guarantee you get Smoot or Key back, and they need a guy with more consistent pressure from that spot if they can find one.

I'm not worried about ILB. Let Lloyd develop and the chips can fall where they may between he and Muma. 
I hope they get creative and find ways to utilize them all.

Regarding standout defensive playmakers: I think we have a chance at seeing any number of guys rise to that role.
Possibilities include: Walker, Lloyd, Cisco, Campbell, and hopefully a 2023 draft pick.

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Big bodies. We need big men on both sides. Switch back to 43, put Walker with this hand in the dirt at RDE with Allen at Sam. You've already got the LBs for this with Foye, Lloyd and Muma. Clean up our questions at DE, G, OT and find a mid-rounder at DT to rotate with our current two. Yes we would love a Deion or Diggs at CB, but they guys we have are showing to be serviceable; it's time to focus on the trenches.

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“An empty vessel makes the loudest sound, so they that have the least wit are the greatest babblers.”. - Plato

Shore up the defense a bit and we can be contenders for years to come.

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#Jags4Life

Tar Heel Jags Fan

Big bodies. We need big men on both sides. Switch back to 43, put Walker with this hand in the dirt at RDE with Allen at Sam. You've already got the LBs for this with Foye, Lloyd and Muma. Clean up our questions at DE, G, OT and find a mid-rounder at DT to rotate with our current two. Yes we would love a Deion or Diggs at CB, but they guys we have are showing to be serviceable; it's time to focus on the trenches.

Agreed.  Pederson's philosophy of getting the ball out quick masks some of the issues on the line.  Do we have one offensive lineman that you would consider top 10 in the league at their position?  I'd be surprised if anyone tried to make that case.  And the defense is our biggest weakness on the team.  And it starts up front.  Again anyone along the line that is top 10 in the league at their position?  We're near the bottom in the league in sacks even though we're near the top of the league in passing attempts allowed.  The major focus in the offseason needs to be adding more talent along both lines.  Said somewhere on the draft board that with our 5 picks in the top four rounds of the draft, I'm hoping at least 3 of those picks are used on lineman.  The fact that we are down only two starters along the offensive line and are now perilously thin should be a major concern regarding the lack of solid depth.  And with Jawaan being a maybe in terms of coming back next year, we'll be that much thinner.

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________________________________________________
Scouting well is all that matters.  Draft philosophy is all fluff.

Big bodies. We need big men on both sides. Switch back to 43, put Walker with this hand in the dirt at RDE with Allen at Sam. You've already got the LBs for this with Foye, Lloyd and Muma. Clean up our questions at DE, G, OT and find a mid-rounder at DT to rotate with our current two. Yes we would love a Deion or Diggs at CB, but they guys we have are showing to be serviceable; it's time to focus on the trenches.

Big bodies.
...

Agreed.  Pederson's philosophy of getting the ball out quick masks some of the issues on the line.  Do we have one offensive lineman that you would consider top 10 in the league at their position?  I'd be surprised if anyone tried to make that case.  And the defense is our biggest weakness on the team.  And it starts up front.  Again anyone along the line that is top 10 in the league at their position?  We're near the bottom in the league in sacks even though we're near the top of the league in passing attempts allowed.  The major focus in the offseason needs to be adding more talent along both lines.  Said somewhere on the draft board that with our 5 picks in the top four rounds of the draft, I'm hoping at least 3 of those picks are used on lineman.  The fact that we are down only two starters along the offensive line and are now perilously thin should be a major concern regarding the lack of solid depth.  And with Jawaan being a maybe in terms of coming back next year, we'll be that much thinner.

Glad to see more folks feeling this way.
I hope the coaching staff and front office do as well.

Personally - IOL and IDL would be big priorities. With the outside components addressed the following year as needed.

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Big bodies. We need big men on both sides. Switch back to 43, put Walker with this hand in the dirt at RDE with Allen at Sam. You've already got the LBs for this with Foye, Lloyd and Muma. Clean up our questions at DE, G, OT and find a mid-rounder at DT to rotate with our current two. Yes we would love a Deion or Diggs at CB, but they guys we have are showing to be serviceable; it's time to focus on the trenches.

Agreed.  Pederson's philosophy of getting the ball out quick masks some of the issues on the line.  Do we have one offensive lineman that you would consider top 10 in the league at their position?  I'd be surprised if anyone tried to make that case.  And the defense is our biggest weakness on the team.  And it starts up front.  Again anyone along the line that is top 10 in the league at their position?  We're near the bottom in the league in sacks even though we're near the top of the league in passing attempts allowed.  The major focus in the offseason needs to be adding more talent along both lines.  Said somewhere on the draft board that with our 5 picks in the top four rounds of the draft, I'm hoping at least 3 of those picks are used on lineman.  The fact that we are down only two starters along the offensive line and are now perilously thin should be a major concern regarding the lack of solid depth.  And with Jawaan being a maybe in terms of coming back next year, we'll be that much thinner.

I think Scherff is a top 10 guard. He’s very good.

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Agreed.  Pederson's philosophy of getting the ball out quick masks some of the issues on the line.  Do we have one offensive lineman that you would consider top 10 in the league at their position?  I'd be surprised if anyone tried to make that case.  And the defense is our biggest weakness on the team.  And it starts up front.  Again anyone along the line that is top 10 in the league at their position?  We're near the bottom in the league in sacks even though we're near the top of the league in passing attempts allowed.  The major focus in the offseason needs to be adding more talent along both lines.  Said somewhere on the draft board that with our 5 picks in the top four rounds of the draft, I'm hoping at least 3 of those picks are used on lineman.  The fact that we are down only two starters along the offensive line and are now perilously thin should be a major concern regarding the lack of solid depth.  And with Jawaan being a maybe in terms of coming back next year, we'll be that much thinner.

I think Scherff is a top 10 guard. He’s very good.

Hes been a top 5 guard and arguably top 3 behind Nelson and Martin but he hasnt been as good this year.  He hasnt been bad but hopefully he gets back to being a dominant guard again like he has showed in the past.  Hes on a new team and im not sure if Phil is using the same exact scheme as Wash did when he was the assistant coach in Wash. but Shcerff has top 3 guard talent when hes at his best.

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Yes we have a 5 year window starting next year. We can hope it last longer but we should do everything possible to maximize right now talent. None of this drafting projects to payoff in two years with the first three picks. Stacj the offense patch the defense it's a game of who can score more now.

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I think Scherff is a top 10 guard. He’s very good.

Hes been a top 5 guard and arguably top 3 behind Nelson and Martin but he hasnt been as good this year.  He hasnt been bad but hopefully he gets back to being a dominant guard again like he has showed in the past.  Hes on a new team and im not sure if Phil is using the same exact scheme as Wash did when he was the assistant coach in Wash. but Shcerff has top 3 guard talent when hes at his best.

Well that’s why I said top 10 and not top 5 or 3….

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i think the Guards will play better next year with Luke comes in as a 2nd year Center. he struggled alot this year and the guards bailed him out by sacrificing there own blocks. losing Bartch so early hurt as well as Shatley isn't a Good Guard but is a serviceable Center. SInce Trevor can read the field really well and get the ball out quick he makes them look alot better than if say a guy like Minshew was back there.

with Lawrence and Pederson and our skills being under contract next year outside of Engram so far. we are setup to be a very efficient offence again in 2023.

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This team has entered its "window."

HC and QB are in place.

I don't necessarily think TL will continue on this insane pace he's set in NOV/DEC, but anything approaching that means long term success in this league.

That said, the next step is affording TL a cleaner pocket and a tick of the clock longer to operate. He is under pressure often and early. He's just so good at slipping away from it - folks don't notice. But that's not a sustainable/long-term way to build a dominant offense.
Find a way to allow him to step up into a pocket more often instead of being forced to relocate less than 2 seconds after the snap and his longevity will benefit - as will his production.

In the short term - they need an interior guy to round out the front, and then they'll need a tackle when cam is done.
I'd try to find a guard that has some experience at center and let him compete with Bartch and Fortner in camp.
Whichever spot is weakest gets the upgrade. Fortner is a rookie but he looks weak at the point of attack and gives up lots of pressure too quickly. Bartch is expected to be solid - but a bit of a question mark. This would also improve depth at RG where we know Scherff is playing through injury right now and rarely lasts an entire season.
TE is the only other piece on offense in dire need of a solution and we all hope it involves a deal for Engram.

There is considerable validity to that approach from an immediate needs and future considerations.  The team has needs for immediate upgrades along the OL, minimally at LG and RT.  Furthermore, the team needs improved depth, and eventually the team will have to purge the salaries of Scherff and Cam Robinson.  Consider the Colts lost Andrew Luck in part because the Colts did not sufficiently re-stock the OL.  I don't think they replace Fortner any time soon.  They thought enough of him to draft him at the top of the 3rd round, and there were alternatives in the draft. I think they want him having an offseason in their weight program to improve his power.


Do you have particular rookie prospects in mind?


I understand your desire to add an experienced G.  I would like Elgton Jenkins, but I believe he'll be way too costly.

A fear I have is the way the offense seems to emphasize fast decsionmaking reduces the amount of sacks and pressure TL gets, and in theory could make OL somewhat less of a priority.

Moving to defense, which is more the focus here, they need another corner or nickel.
I think given the current cap - you roll with Campbell and Williams outside and try to find an impactful nickel in the draft.
Many of Campbell's stat lines this year are bordering elite level of play. He's the real deal. 
Williams looks more comfortable outside, but we have a bit of a small sample seeing him outside in this system.

Next phase of defense in need is the pass rush. Adding a quality nickel and keeping DW outside will help buy the pass rush more time to get home, but I think an interior disruptor is key. They need a 3-4 end / 3-techDT guy that can collapse pockets and flush QBs laterally to the EDGE guys.

Could they upgrade Josh Allen? Probably. And I imagine they will, but I'd hold on spending big capital on that till 2024 and try to help Walker and Allen by adding some heat on the inside. No guarantee you get Smoot or Key back, and they need a guy with more consistent pressure from that spot if they can find one.

I'm not worried about ILB. Let Lloyd develop and the chips can fall where they may between he and Muma. 
I hope they get creative and find ways to utilize them all.

Regarding standout defensive playmakers: I think we have a chance at seeing any number of guys rise to that role.
Possibilities include: Walker, Lloyd, Cisco, Campbell, and hopefully a 2023 draft pick.

I think the DE out of Texas Tech might be a very nice fit as a 3-4 DE.  I think he may fit at that part of the first round and may have more pass rush potential than Walker.  But even with that, I'm envisioning an OLB who gets after the pass (though of course if we could come up with a JJ Watt, Bruce /Neil Smith, Howie Long type DE, I'd welcome him here and not look back.

All that said, I agree that there is now an open window, but emphasize the urgency of exploiting that now.  In another two years, the contracts of Zay Jones, Brandon Scherff, Calvin Ridley and Kirk might expire or, depending on the terms, might be too expensive to maintain on the roster, especially  itll be about time to re-sign Trevor Lawrence.  We must draft well to keep the cap mangeable and the talent upgraded and suitable for a QB like Trevor Lawrence.

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

Big bodies. We need big men on both sides. Switch back to 43, put Walker with this hand in the dirt at RDE with Allen at Sam. You've already got the LBs for this with Foye, Lloyd and Muma. Clean up our questions at DE, G, OT and find a mid-rounder at DT to rotate with our current two. Yes we would love a Deion or Diggs at CB, but they guys we have are showing to be serviceable; it's time to focus on the trenches.

Switching back to a 4-3 presents a conundrum for me.

While I have a preference for the 4-3 there are considerations that would make me reluctant to make such a move.
We will be two years into transitioning to a 3-4.  We've stocked the roster with personnel to fit the scheme.  We may get lucky in that many of our guys might fit in a 4-3, but there are many other people we may have to weed out to get better scheme fits for a 4-3.  For younger players struggling to learn the scheme we have, how would switching to a 4-3 hurt their development?  LLoyd would go from 3-4 ILB to 4-3 OLB.  What would that do for his understanding of zone coverage concepts?  Would such a dramatic switch make him even more reluctant/hesitant/ineffective in his play?

If we decided to switch back to a 4-3, would we come from the Buddy Ryan coaching tree (Gregg Williams, Jim Schwartz) a Dungy cover two type (like Lovie Smith)?  Who would be your coordinator?

If we moved back to a 4-3, Mike Zimmer, Jim Scwartz or Lovie Smith would be welcome additions.  Schwartz has the added benefit of having worked with Pederson in Philadelphia

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

There is considerable validity to that approach from an immediate needs and future considerations.  The team has needs for immediate upgrades along the OL, minimally at LG and RT.  Furthermore, the team needs improved depth, and eventually the team will have to purge the salaries of Scherff and Cam Robinson.  Consider the Colts lost Andrew Luck in part because the Colts did not sufficiently re-stock the OL.  I don't think they replace Fortner any time soon.  They thought enough of him to draft him at the top of the 3rd round, and there were alternatives in the draft. I think they want him having an offseason in their weight program to improve his power.


Do you have particular rookie prospects in mind?


I understand your desire to add an experienced G.  I would like Elgton Jenkins, but I believe he'll be way too costly.

A fear I have is the way the offense seems to emphasize fast decsionmaking reduces the amount of sacks and pressure TL gets, and in theory could make OL somewhat less of a priority.

Moving to defense, which is more the focus here, they need another corner or nickel.
I think given the current cap - you roll with Campbell and Williams outside and try to find an impactful nickel in the draft.
Many of Campbell's stat lines this year are bordering elite level of play. He's the real deal. 
Williams looks more comfortable outside, but we have a bit of a small sample seeing him outside in this system.

Next phase of defense in need is the pass rush. Adding a quality nickel and keeping DW outside will help buy the pass rush more time to get home, but I think an interior disruptor is key. They need a 3-4 end / 3-techDT guy that can collapse pockets and flush QBs laterally to the EDGE guys.

Could they upgrade Josh Allen? Probably. And I imagine they will, but I'd hold on spending big capital on that till 2024 and try to help Walker and Allen by adding some heat on the inside. No guarantee you get Smoot or Key back, and they need a guy with more consistent pressure from that spot if they can find one.

I'm not worried about ILB. Let Lloyd develop and the chips can fall where they may between he and Muma. 
I hope they get creative and find ways to utilize them all.

Regarding standout defensive playmakers: I think we have a chance at seeing any number of guys rise to that role.
Possibilities include: Walker, Lloyd, Cisco, Campbell, and hopefully a 2023 draft pick.

I think the DE out of Texas Tech might be a very nice fit as a 3-4 DE.  I think he may fit at that part of the first round and may have more pass rush potential than Walker.  But even with that, I'm envisioning an OLB who gets after the pass (though of course if we could come up with a JJ Watt, Bruce /Neil Smith, Howie Long type DE, I'd welcome him here and not look back.

All that said, I agree that there is now an open window, but emphasize the urgency of exploiting that now.  In another two years, the contracts of Zay Jones, Brandon Scherff, Calvin Ridley and Kirk might expire or, depending on the terms, might be too expensive to maintain on the roster, especially  itll be about time to re-sign Trevor Lawrence.  We must draft well to keep the cap mangeable and the talent upgraded and suitable for a QB like Trevor Lawrence.

I have not studied rookie prospects yet at IOL. 

Funny you mention the TexTech kid. I brought him up in a draft thread yesterday as a 3-4 end candidate.
Tyree Wilson? 
Seems we are of a similar mind here. 

Smart draft picks to keep cap in check are indeed a must.

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So, our current team with Yann and Calais?

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The Jaguars are very fortunate to have Pederson/Lawrence in the 2 most important roles for any team- quarterback and head coach. In order for this team to achieve and maintain greatness, they must consistently succeed in an area in which the Jaguars have historically failed- the NFL draft. Whether it is Baalke or a new general manager, they must continue to draft well or not even Lawrence can save them. It's too early to grade Baalke in this area with the Jaguars.In his 2 years as General Manager, he has drafted Lawrence, Etienne, Campbell, Cisco, Walker Little, Walker, Llloyd, Fortner, and Muma. While these 2 drafts will not ever be mistaken for the Steelers 1974 haul (4 have busts in Canton), I have seen enough from this group to be optimistic.

Back to the original question presented by Bullseye- does this team have a defensive duo which our opponents must game-plan against? Obviously, the answer is TBD. Personally, I believe that Campbell has already proven he has pro-bowl potential. He always had the tools, but has proven he can learn from his mistakes made during his rookie year. My expectations for Lloyd and Walker are equally high. Both have had their ups and downs as rookies, but it is not at all unusual for eventually great players to need a year of experience for the NFL game to "slow down." In both their cases, Caldwell must determine what position/role will enable each to maximize their elite athleticism. I believe Walker may end up being a very good defensive lineman so that would give the defense 3 excellent players at all 3 levels.  They may never be mistaken for the trio of Joe Greene, Jack Ham and Mel Blount, but it's unlikely that any modern team can replicate that Steeler's defense of the 70's.

Pass rush must be the top priority during the off-season. They are likely to no longer have Smoot and Key. Allen has been very disappointing and likely will be gone following next season. Hopefully there will be an Edge rusher who provides good value when the Jaguars select sometime in the early 20's. The defense next season needs to be much better if the Jaguars have any hopes to compete with the Chiefs, Bills and possibly Bengals. Unless they find that pass rusher, they will continue to get carved up by the Pat Mahomes', Joe Burrow's and Josh Allen's of the world and fail to reach the ultimate destination- Super Bowl champion.

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So, our current team with Yann and Calais?

LOL

Yes, + Linder and DJ Hayden in his prime.

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Well being that we havent had a top level qb since we got the packers backup with TC, I'd assume these rumblings are because that's all we've heard since the late 90s with Bill n Brady etc for combos that lead to SBs. We need to stay the course that we've wanted before even having the combo and that's get a true WR1, hope it's ridley but idk. We need a competent OL for those games where Trevor can't dink and dunk so RG C LG RT and LT if CR isn't a long term fix. Defense needs a line, solid CB 2 n slot cb. So same wants just 2 off the board. Oh an keep engram. We've been begging for a pass catching te since Garrard

Sent from my SM-N975U using Tapatalk

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Season Tix, Section 409

2023 and still counting.....SB will finally be ours soon enough.
TLaw aka 'the prince that was promised' supporter.

There is considerable validity to that approach from an immediate needs and future considerations.  The team has needs for immediate upgrades along the OL, minimally at LG and RT.  Furthermore, the team needs improved depth, and eventually the team will have to purge the salaries of Scherff and Cam Robinson.  Consider the Colts lost Andrew Luck in part because the Colts did not sufficiently re-stock the OL.  I don't think they replace Fortner any time soon.  They thought enough of him to draft him at the top of the 3rd round, and there were alternatives in the draft. I think they want him having an offseason in their weight program to improve his power.


Do you have particular rookie prospects in mind?


I understand your desire to add an experienced G.  I would like Elgton Jenkins, but I believe he'll be way too costly.

A fear I have is the way the offense seems to emphasize fast decsionmaking reduces the amount of sacks and pressure TL gets, and in theory could make OL somewhat less of a priority.


I think the DE out of Texas Tech might be a very nice fit as a 3-4 DE.  I think he may fit at that part of the first round and may have more pass rush potential than Walker.  But even with that, I'm envisioning an OLB who gets after the pass (though of course if we could come up with a JJ Watt, Bruce /Neil Smith, Howie Long type DE, I'd welcome him here and not look back.

All that said, I agree that there is now an open window, but emphasize the urgency of exploiting that now.  In another two years, the contracts of Zay Jones, Brandon Scherff, Calvin Ridley and Kirk might expire or, depending on the terms, might be too expensive to maintain on the roster, especially  itll be about time to re-sign Trevor Lawrence.  We must draft well to keep the cap mangeable and the talent upgraded and suitable for a QB like Trevor Lawrence.

I have not studied rookie prospects yet at IOL. 

Funny you mention the TexTech kid. I brought him up in a draft thread yesterday as a 3-4 end candidate.
Tyree Wilson? 
Seems we are of a similar mind here. 

Smart draft picks to keep cap in check are indeed a must.

Yes..Tyree Wilson.

I did some research on him about 3 weeks earlier.  I liked what I saw.

Just "discovered" Clark Phillips III out of Utah.  He may be a very good prospect at CB who would be a good fit opposite Campbell.  Strikes me as a zone CB capable of playing man.  But he plays the ball as well and had great hands for the INT.

 https://youtu.be/BrrgRNG90EY

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!

So, our current team with Yann and Calais?

 Rashean if we did the levels thing.

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Worst to 1st.  Curse Reversed!