Looking at the f/a crop so far

[dbair1967]

Carr-Newman: Major upgrade there. Alot younger, faster. Carr's graded out extremely well at CB last couple seasons. Combined with a healthy Jenkins, we have a nice tandem at CB

Orton-Kitna: Kitna did an adequate job as the backup, but Orton is younger, bigger and has a stronger arm. Upgrade here too.

Vickers-Fiametta: Fiametta was a boost to our run game, but he couldnt stay healthy again. Also had better than average movement/receiving skills for a FB. But Vickers is a major tough guy and an outstanding lead blocker. Lose a little in terms of receiving ability perhaps, but gain some toughness and leadership. Probable upgrade.

Connor-James-Brooking: Major upgrade here. Much younger, more range.

Pool-Elam: Another significant upgrade. Pool offers much more coverage range and playmaking skill compared to Elam's double goose egg season last yr (no passes defensed, no picks)

Bernadeau-Holland: Not sure about this one. Dont know anything about Bernadeau but he is younger and probably in better shape. Holland played decent last year though.

So even though we didnt add some of the bigger names we all wanted, its hard for anyone to argue that the 6 moves we have made arnt a boost to our team. I like the fact that most of these guys are younger as well. Gives us a ton of flexibility for the draft to focus solely on getting the best players available rather than having to draft somebody because a major hole existed.

 

[Midswat]

I'm a big fan of the youth we added to the team.

That can't go understated. Youth, but with experience.

Everyone we signed has started in this league. Yet, they're all on the right side of 30.

And I have to say, the fact that Orton & Connors, two guys who probably could've gone to other places and been guaranteed starters, chose to come here and either be a back up (Orton) or be in a rotation (Connors) tells me we got good salesmen/recruiters on our staff in Garrett and Ryan.

 

[bvhawkeye]

Love our FA signings so far. Hoping for a couple more, perhaps another inside OL and a TE? Would like to get a NT, but it now looks like that might need to come via the draft

 

[Cr122]

With the additions so far on defense, and the draft still, along with a full off season, expect a huge turn around for the defense this year.

I just hope the OL improves so Tony has time to pick apart defenses instead of scrambling for his life to make a play.

 

[cmd34]

I think we addressed a ton of needs even though we didn't get the starters some of us would have liked.

Back-up QB: Orton replaces Kitna so the only way I see us drafting a QB is if we are completely unhappy with McGee.
ILB Starter or Depth : Connor replaces Brooking/James so if we drafted an ILB he'd be the 4th guy.
Starting CB: signing Carr makes us less desperate to possibly reach on a Kirkpatrick or Janoris Jenkins. Still a need for depth though.
Starting SS: Pool is a jag but again we aren't desperate now so no need to reach on Mark Barron.
Guard, starter or depth: Mackenzy Bernadeau appears to be headed for a starting job and he does offer more strength and experience than Nagy and Arkin. If nothing else, he replaces some of the depth loss by departed free agents Montrae Holland and Derrick Dockery.
Starting FB: Vickers is solid and with Chapas on board there really isn't a need to draft another FB.

Possible Draft Needs:
C
G
OLB (Spencer's replacement?)
WR (especially if he can return kicks)
S (2013 starter)
CB (depth)
TE
DL (we should always look for upgrades here)
RB (Felix in last year of deal)

 

[dbair1967]

I think DL/Pass Rushers are gonna be at the top of the draft list now

 

[Cr122]

Yeah, I must say I am impressed. Just don't know what to expect with these signings.

We definitely go center, defensive tackle, or defensive end at 14. Or maybe we just trade our 14 pick to get an extra pick in the second or third.

I'll give the team credit for trying in free agency though. We could of done nothing like some of us were expecting.