Seems simple, doesn’t it? I don’t know why some seem to not understand.
Because it’s a complete over simplification of free agency. Why bring in a DT until we see what Ridgeway and Bohanna are. Why bring in a “pick your position” until we see what the young guys are. The players aren’t going to be available. You can put a list out but that doesn’t mean the team views all of them as equal. There may only be one guy they like on that list and they may be gone at that point.
The team already should have a good idea about the guys in camp. Waletzko they didn’t but now he is banged up so they won’t really know what he is but expecting a developmental 5th round rookie from a small school to be your swing tackle would be dumb. Ball red shirted but they have had him enough to know what he might be. The others aren’t likely even in the discussion. Plus anytime you can get a player into camp early he learns the system and is better prepared to play. Why do you sign any free agent before late August? Added bonus is I f you pick the wrong guy you can cut him and bring someone else in if there are little to no guarantees.
I buy the argument if we didn’t have a gaping hole at swing tackle and a vet starter that has almost zero chance to not miss time and a 2nd OT thst while promising is still young and two years ago was horrendous so we don’t even know what he is yet. Missing on swing tackle could end our season. That is why you don’t wait.