RealGM

I realize the board will probably get flooded with these so mods, merge as you see fit but here goes...

Free Agency/Trades

The two big splash moves I would make both would come from the defensive side. First, sign Bart Scott. This seems to be a popular move and makes sense given the switch to the 3-4. Coupled with this I would try to trade Barnett for a late second. I could see a team like Indy being interested.
I would also look to unload Al Harris for a early to mid-third rounder. He himself thinks his time might be done here so the writing is on the wall. Lastly, trade a performance based 2010 draft pick to Washington for Jason Taylor. He suffered through some injury problems but some of his best years were in a 3-4 so he could have a fit here.

Draft

With the above moves we would have a first, two seconds, three thirds, a fourth, a fifth, two sixths, and a 7th.

1st-Brian Orakpo, DE Texas:
I am having serious doubts he will be here and I know a lot of people dont think he is ideal for a 3-4 but dude is a freak and the most explosive defender in the draft. Develop him as an OLB.

2nd-Tyson Jackson, DE LSU:
Ideal end for 3-4 system. Good run stuffer and ideal size.

2nd-Tony Kropog, OT Tulane:
I would love to have Britton from Zona but I dont see him lasting so Kropog becomes the next best T for a zone blocking scheme. I think he fits in as our starting RT from day one.

3rd-Ron Brace, NT Boston College:
The less heralded of the tackle duo from BC can develop behind Pickett for a year or two than take over starting NT spot.

3rd-Sean Smith, CB Utah:
If he runs 4.4 he is not available in the third. Either way I would love to have his combination of size (6'3, 215) and great hands in the secondary. Could possibly become a FS.

3rd-Trevor Canfield, G Cincinatti
Perfect blend of size and athleticism for the zone blocking scheme.

4th-Devin Moore, RB Wyoming:
One of the fastest playmakers in the draft. Immediately helps as a KR and could develop into a Jerious Norwood type. Needs more experience as a pass catcher.

5th-Josh Mauga, MLB Nevada:
Small school guy but was fairly productive and provides depth. Decent athlete, though he looks smaller than the 6'2 he is listed as.

6th-Tom Morstead, P SMU:
Provides a big leg and competition for whatever vet punter we bring in.

6th-Anthony Parker, G Tennessee:
A great athlete to develop for ZBS.

7th-Quinn Johnson, FB LSU:
I just want to see some new blood and wonder if someone can take one of the two FB spots.

Overview:

Not much change on offense. Tausch is replaced by Kropog, while Clifton starts at the other tackle. I think our best line overall is Clifton, Sitton, Spitz, Colledge, Kropog with Wells backing up all three interior positions. Giac, Barbre, Moll, Canfield, and Parker are kept as backups. I might also only carry 4 wr's because I would really like to keep Lumpkin and Moore as RB's, meaning Martin would get the axe. TE's and QB's stay the exact same from last year, with Finley taking over as the primary backup and red zone TE.

On defense, I start Jenkins, Pickett, and Tyson jackson on the interior with Jolly and hopefull Harrell rotating as ends, and Brace and Colin Cole the backup NT's. Kampman and Taylor start as OLB's with Orakpo seeing time on both sides as well as Chillar in coverage downs. Hawk and Scott play almost all of the ILB snaps with Bishop giving them a rest here and there. Tramon immediately steps in as a starting CB and hopefully Lee is ready to be the nickel. If not Blackmon has experience and Sean Smith is waiting in the wings. Collins and Bigby are the safeties and I really think the new system will benefit Rouse, and he will look a lot better this season. Blackmon is the PR, and Devin Moore the KR.

Nothing wrong with that offseason. Orakpo is likely a reach with who is going to be around at #9, but I'm sure he'll have fans at that pick. My guess is the #1 3-4 DE wont' be around into the second round. I watched Utah a few times to check out Kruger, but I was impressed with Smith too. Good pick.

I don't think we land any impact FAs. I think that there are enough teams with money to blow that idea to hell.

that sounds like a pretty realistic off-season to me. i would love to pick up bart scott. personally i wouldn't take orakpo. and although jackson looks like the perfect 3-4 end, i've heard many people question his work ethic and say he takes plays off. but overall, not bad

we would have 3 3rd's in your scenario
Ours
Brett(Jets)
Harris(?)

Lippo wrote:we would have 3 3rd's in your scenario
Ours
Brett(Jets)
Harris(?)

Good catch. Since my math skills arent what they used to be, I edited the original post and put Cincy G Trevor canfield into the mock.

No one is going to trade a 2nd for Nick Barnett. I know a ton of people like him, but he is a non-ideal linebacker. He doesn't play downhill, and has been exposed in coverage by running backs. He might get a 2nd if he was still on a low money contract, but he got paid, and no one wants someone who makes that much that isn't a perennial pro-bowler.

jakecronus8 wrote:Good catch. Since my math skills arent what they used to be, I edited the original post and put Cincy G Trevor canfield into the mock.

Good addition. I love Canfield. I think he's perfect at LG for us. Colledge should move to tackle.

I also agree you wont get a second for barnett. You wont even get a 1st day pick. No team will give up a 1st day pick, on a guy who is currently hurt. At the very least we might be able to trade him after he regains his health which will probably be after the draft. So maybe next year we can try to trade him...but even then I think his contract is a little prohibitive.

slinky wrote:I also agree you wont get a second for barnett. You wont even get a 1st day pick. No team will give up a 1st day pick, on a guy who is currently hurt. At the very least we might be able to trade him after he regains his health which will probably be after the draft. So maybe next year we can try to trade him...but even then I think his contract is a little prohibitive.

Not to nitpick, but there are only 2 rounds on the first day now.