PFT: Brandon Spikes among the best defensive players left unsigned

[CCBoy]

Brandon Spikes among the best defensive players left unsigned
Posted by Mike Wilkening on March 20, 2015, 10:38 PM EDT
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2015/03/20/brandon-spikes-among-top-unsigned-defensive-players/

AP
Looking for an inside linebacker in free agency?

You’re in luck.

The top three unsigned defensive players in PFT’s free agency rankings — Brandon Spikes (Buffalo), Rolando McClain (Dallas) and Mason Foster (Tampa Bay) — are all inside linebackers.

On offense, there are still some decent options left at wide receiver, with Michael Crabtree (San Francisco) and Hakeem Nicks (Indianapolis) among the best of the rest. And there are a few starter-caliber offensive linemen left, too, with center Stefen Wisniewski (Oakland) and right tackle Joe Barksdale (St. Louis) among the headliners.

As the second business week of free agency draws to a close, here are PFT’s top 10 unsigned players:

33. 49ers wide receiver Michael Crabtree.

42. Raiders center Stefen Wisniewski.

45. Bengals tight end Jermaine Gresham.

66. Bills inside linebacker Brandon Spikes.

72. Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain.

82. Rams offensive tackle Joe Barksdale.

85. Buccaneers inside linebacker Mason Foster.

93. Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore.

97. Colts wide receiver Hakeem Nicks.

99. Ex-Buccaneers offensive tackle Anthony Collins.

 

[lostar2009]

I think this team will draft another LB if they can't resign McCain. We already have a 4 man rotation, Hitchens, Lee, 2 new agents, possible l draft pic? I don't think we need to spend anymore at the position unless Ro is coming back.

 

[PoundTheRock]

Would've rather had Spikes than Brinkley, but that ship has sailed.

 

[perrykemp]

Spikes is a tremendous 2 down player and would definitely be an asset.

In a perfect world does Spikes play on the early down and you bring in Sean Lee for passing situations? Might extend Lee's career a bit. I'm not sure he is built to take the pounding of a 3 down LB.

 

[mahoneybill]

Spikes is a tremendous 2 down player and would definitely be an asset.

In a perfect world does Spikes play on the early down and you bring in Sean Lee for passing situations? Might extend Lee's career a bit. I'm not sure he is built to take the pounding of a 3 down LB.

interesting thought on how to extend Lee's career.. He does have a knack for the int's, and also returns well once he has snagged one.

 

[MagicMan]

Spikes seems like would have been a good pickup. I am beginning to think Lee is just injury prone. I mean his last injury was early in TC and kind of freakish. Can't even be sure he'll make it out of TC healthy, much less the whole season. I like Lee as a player with great instincts, but do not have any confidence at all in his health. Some players are just injury prone for whatever reason. Hope he proves me worng on this.

 

[The Natural]

Not the fluid athlete I want in the middle of my defense

 

[Bigdog]

Would not mind signing Joe Barksdale as Free is getting up there and has been nicked up somewhat over the past few years.

 

[speedkilz88]

Spikes seems like would have been a good pickup. I am beginning to think Lee is just injury prone. I mean his last injury was early in TC and kind of freakish. Can't even be sure he'll make it out of TC healthy, much less the whole season. I like Lee as a player with great instincts, but do not have any confidence at all in his health. Some players are just injury prone for whatever reason. Hope he proves me worng on this.

It's not as freakish when you find out that it happened because of a previous partially torn acl back in college.

 

[Doc50]

It's not as freakish when you find out that it happened because of a previous partially torn acl back in college.

Agreed.

Lee may now be the the healthiest he's been in the last 5 years. If we can get him out of the middle, I think his chances of success are good.

 

[Bullflop]

It remains to be seen what else might be done by the Cowboys in FA, if anything.

As always, money is a big factor but I surely wouldn't mind if we were to sign him.

 

[DTown214]

I'd love to get Spikes here. I remember watching him when he was with the Pats and he was solid for them. Great at stopping the run, good nose for the ball. After we restructure Carr and whoever else I don't think it'll be a problem money-wise if we sign him. And he's actually younger than Sean Lee.

 

[SuspectCorner]

Bring back Rolando McClain. He plays a unique position - Insane Linebacker.