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A simple question: What will it take to put the team in a position to be effective long-term? My list follows below. This isn't a projection list or anything like that. This isn't looking ahead to the draft. This is simply a "what do I see this team has for the future" list after being impressed by the rookie OLBs in Sunday's game.
Must-Needs:
* A cornerback because both Woodson and Harris are over 33 and Tramon Williams can only replace one of them.
* An effective starting WR to take over once DD retires which could be Jordy Nelson or James Jones if either takes a step in the coming offseason or the next season.
* Two starting offensive tackles.
It-Would-Be-Nice-To-Haves:
* A safety to replace Bigby who--while consistent--doesn't appear to be special. He's solid, but good CBs and Nick Collins can hide his or any other safety's similar limitations.
* A RB who at least forces the opposing defenses to account for him on every play, either as a nasty blitz-picker-upper, a receiving threat, or a shifty homerun running threat. Ryan Grant is serviceable and picks up a lot of yards over the year as an under-average used runner, but I don't think he makes defenses account for him on every play.
* A kick returner who both is a threat to take it to the house every once in a while, like Blackman, and who isn't going to end up on IR every year, unfortunately unlike Blackman.
Icing-On-the-Cake:
* A third CB like Williams has been the last couple seasons and Harris was early in his career. Someone who doesn't embarrass himself on the field in coverage (see Bush, Jarrett.)
* A stud punter.
* Another linebacker, just because.
Notes:
* The QB, WR depth, interior O-line, TE, LBs, D-line, and FS seem to be set and set with youth. Unlike many here, I like the kicker we currently have. I think he's in a little dry spell, but I also think he'll come out of it stronger.
Must-Needs:
* A cornerback because both Woodson and Harris are over 33 and Tramon Williams can only replace one of them.
* An effective starting WR to take over once DD retires which could be Jordy Nelson or James Jones if either takes a step in the coming offseason or the next season.
* Two starting offensive tackles.
It-Would-Be-Nice-To-Haves:
* A safety to replace Bigby who--while consistent--doesn't appear to be special. He's solid, but good CBs and Nick Collins can hide his or any other safety's similar limitations.
* A RB who at least forces the opposing defenses to account for him on every play, either as a nasty blitz-picker-upper, a receiving threat, or a shifty homerun running threat. Ryan Grant is serviceable and picks up a lot of yards over the year as an under-average used runner, but I don't think he makes defenses account for him on every play.
* A kick returner who both is a threat to take it to the house every once in a while, like Blackman, and who isn't going to end up on IR every year, unfortunately unlike Blackman.
Icing-On-the-Cake:
* A third CB like Williams has been the last couple seasons and Harris was early in his career. Someone who doesn't embarrass himself on the field in coverage (see Bush, Jarrett.)
* A stud punter.
* Another linebacker, just because.
Notes:
* The QB, WR depth, interior O-line, TE, LBs, D-line, and FS seem to be set and set with youth. Unlike many here, I like the kicker we currently have. I think he's in a little dry spell, but I also think he'll come out of it stronger.
CB may not be as glaring a need if Lee comes around next season. LT is a big need too. Unfortunately they don't grow on trees and are impossible to find in FA so we might have to move up in the draft to nab one this coming April.
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