The season is barely 24 hours over and rather than being curious as to how the rest of the playoffs will unfold I'm much more interested in the upcoming roster moves Grigson is sure to make. This should be a much different offseason from what we've been accustomed to in the past as Polian elected to build more through the draft than through free agency.
Luck, Ballard, Castonzo, Wayne, Hilton, Brazill, Fleener, and Allen are all locks to make the team next year so we'll save the trouble discussing them.
QB: Draft a new backup to develop or bring back Drew Stanton? I think the Redskins saw something by drafting Kirk Cousins knowing Griffin would take a bad hit eventually. Showcase him therefore increasing his value and then trade him. Just my opinion.
OL: The BIGGEST area in need of improvement. Reitz and Mike McGlynn have been Charles Barkley "turrible" this year. Maybe McGlynn's leadership earns him another year but especially with J.J. Watt lurking twice a year I just don't see it. I don't know if the team plans on kicking Ijalana back inside to guard but he's still virtually a rookie with only one game in his career and his injury history is already a red flag. Andy Levitre is the only way to go here. Spending a first round pick on a G or T is a good investment but guards usually come cheaper than tackles in free agency and with no games missed in in the few seasons he has to be our #1 priority come March. Vasquez of the Chargers is ok and Brandon Moore of the Jets would also be better than what we have but him being 33 has to be considered. Branden Albert of the Chiefs would be a nice fit too with him having played guard in college but I'm sure he won't want to give up on that NFL left tackle money. RT could also use an upgrade but just as not as dire as the guard spots. Winston Justice was serviceable throughout the season but his durability might the reason he doesn't stick around past this season. I am not a fan of Samson Satele. I think he'll be around next year but there's no way Grigson keeps him without A.Q. Shipley around. Shipley filled in better than expected when his number was called and for that Satele will be on a short leash during training camp. Overpaying for Jake Long shouldn't be considered. I'm sure Phil Loadholt (great run blocker), Sebastian Vollmer (great pass blocker), Jermon Bushrod and Gosder Cherilus would be more affordable. Also Constanzo wouldn't have to be moved from his LT spot.
RB: Vick Ballard has this job locked up. Things have been looking darker for Donald Brown week by week. I like his speed but the Ballard brings a physicality to the run game that's been lacking for a while now so I'm pretty sure he's gone. Carter should be safe as the short yardage back. Arians was the saving grace for Mewelde Moore so he'll be gone. Because of the return against Houston on Week 17 Deji Karim will get a hard look as a return man for next year. I still see us adding a speed or 3rd down back especially if Ballard doesn't improve his pass catching. Robert Hughes is probably also gone with Mario Harvey showing is he more than capable of lead blocking in the power packages.
WR: Donnie Donnie Donnie, what to do with you. His playoff performance hurt him. Reminds me so much of Garcon in terms of consistency; I think he's gone. Nathan Palmer was probably just a roster filler for this season but I'm interested in seeing more of Griff Whalen. I think Luck personally got him a training camp spot but when he got one he did EVERYTHING in his power to keep it before his unfortunate injury. Mike Wallace, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola, Dwayne Bowe, Greg Jennings and an underrated Brian Hartline are the top free agents options. I saw someone here yesterday mention Ramses Barden. He would bring speed, size and won't demand too much money, but can he be a playmaker is the question. I think Jennings is the most complete of the list but there's just simply no substitute for the type of game breaking speed Mike Wallace, who is 2 years younger, possesses. But if he's still looking for Fitzgerald type money forget about it. And is Austin Collie ever playing football again?
TE: Wesleye Saunders did nothing to hurt his job or to help his job. He pretty much just did nothing. Like Moore he stays only if Arians stays, which isn't looking too good.
K/P: Pat McAfee=outstanding! But Vinatieri, SMH. I'm sorry but I think it's about that time. You see too many young kickers come in now and consistently boom kicks from 50+ with no problem. The Ravens, Rams and Vikings all put young kickers on the field this year and didn't miss a beat. I don't know what kickers are coming out in the draft this year but spending a 6th or 7th round pick on a kicker would be justifiable. Couldn't be any worse than picking Tim Fugger, Justin Anderson or Chandler Harnish.
Thoughts?


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