Revisiting team priority needs

[Cowboyny]

Defense

-Three issues throughout last season were:

1. Run Defense-especially those stretch runs to the weakside
2. Big passing plays given up by the corner opposite Diggs, even Brown had his struggles
3. Pass rush was non-existent late in the season when Parsons wore down

-#2 corner has been upgraded, but depth behind the starters is concerning.
-Perhaps adding a 4i DE is more of need to stop the run, one of those strong side DE's, who can kick inside against the pass.
-Depth at linebacker is very concerning, especially with two starters with neck concerns
-Quinn has to find ways to keep Parsons from waring down, but adding another pass rusher would be a good investment.

Offense

1. Team has to upgrade their receiving weapons, especially after the poor season from Gallup and Tolbert contributing very little.
2. Have to replace the loss of Dalton Shultz's production in the passing game, he was the team's #2 receiving option.
3. Need a starting caliber running back, Zeke is gone, but also Pollard is coming off major injury and hasn't carried the load since high school.
4. What is their plan with the starting OL? Best 5? Need a contingency plan for Tyron and must add depth, especially within the interior

-Cooks was a big addition, but was it enough? They may need 1 more weapon as they don't know what they are going to get from Gallup/Tolbert.
-They can replace Shultz with the positional group or draft a day 1 starter at the position.
-Protected themselves with Ronald Jones, but would like to have a better option.
-Drafting another versatile lineman makes a ton of sense if the aging Tyron and Martin.

Special Teams

Fassel has to find a quality kicker, you can draft one, sign a fa, but they currently have no real options on their roster.

Priority Draft needs:

1. One receiving weapon either at WR or TE as they cannot rely on either Gallup or Tolbert from producing
2. Starting caliber running back, Pollard coming off major injury and hasn't carried the load since high school
3. Interior Lineman-one who can compete to become a spot starter in event Tyron goes down
4. DE/DT-need that DE to set the edge in the run game, allow Parsons to play more off the ball in obvious run situations
5. Starting caliber Linebacker as our two starters have a questionable injury history
6. More depth at Corner/Edge
7. Kicker

 

[Aven8]

I think we need another LB, DT, Corner, Guard and definitely a RB. IMO I think they might feel safe at WR, as MG should be better this season and Lamb and Cooks can play. I still have hope for Tolbert as well. I also remember Turpin saying in his exit interview with Mike that he wanted to get him involved (finally) at WR this season.

Ive been spewing his name all off season but my pick at 26 is Gibbs if he’s there. He’s just too explosive of a weapon. Imagine having to face a team with TP and Gibbs at RB’s?

 

[Cowboyny]

I think we need another LB, DT, Corner, Guard and definitely a RB. IMO I think they might feel safe at WR, as MG should be better this season and Lamb and Cooks can play. I still have hope for Tolbert as well. I also remember Turpin saying in his exit interview with Mike that he wanted to get him involved (finally) at WR this season.

Ive been spewing his name all off season but my pick at 26 is Gibbs if he’s there. He’s just too explosive of a weapon. Imagine having to face a team with TP and Gibbs at RB’s?

We cannot just assume Gallup would improve nor Tolbert will improve enough to make an impact. As for Gibbs, what’s happens if Pollard goes down, I worry he won’t be able to hold up. No doubt he is an electric talent, but more of a bell cow who be better served

 

[reddyuta]

imo you draft Mcdonald and let him spell Micah early in his career to keep him fresh and the resulting pass rush will keep this D top 5 with more takeaways.

 

[Aven8]

We cannot just assume Gallup would improve nor Tolbert will improve enough to make an impact. As for Gibbs, what’s happens if Pollard goes down, I worry he won’t be able to hold up. No doubt he is an electric talent, but more of a bell cow who be better served

If MG doesn’t improve he’s the biggest bust extension signing outside of Jaylon. And if TP goes down you still have Davis, Jones, and Dowdle on the roster. We have to be able to score points and Gibbs and TP would be an electric combo.

 

[CATCH17]

If MG doesn’t improve he’s the biggest bust extension signing outside of Jaylon. And if TP goes down you still have Davis, Jones, and Dowdle on the roster. We have to be able to score points and Gibbs and TP would be an electric combo.

I think they forced him back before he was truly ready.

Also, if Dak wasn’t completely terrible in San Fran he would’ve had a huge game.

I do think it’s not the smartest idea to completely depend on Gallup returning to form though.

 

[Aven8]

I think they forced him back before he was truly ready.

Also, if Dak wasn’t completely terrible in San Fran he would’ve had a huge game.

I do think it’s not the smartest idea to completely depend on Gallup returning to form though.

I thought the MG extension was one of the dumbest contracts ever. They should have resigned Ced and let MG go after that injury. At least Ced was dynamic. MG is fantastic at those highlight catches though. We need another WR but this class is scary.

 

[RS12]

The Cooks addition was fine for the price. Fans overlook the fact that he is on the small side, is on the wrong side of 30, and has a concussion history. Another concussion and he could be out weeks or months.

 

[CATCH17]

I thought the MG extension was one of the dumbest contracts ever. They should have resigned Ced and let MG go after that injury. At least Ced was dynamic. MG is fantastic at those highlight catches though. We need another WR but this class is scary.

Gibbs round 1

Mingo round 2


That would give this team some real juice.


Heck let’s hope Musgrave is available in round 3 while we’re at it.

 

[xwalker]

Defense

-Three issues throughout last season were:

1. Run Defense-especially those stretch runs to the weakside
2. Big passing plays given up by the corner opposite Diggs, even Brown had his struggles
3. Pass rush was non-existent late in the season when Parsons wore down

-#2 corner has been upgraded, but depth behind the starters is concerning.
-Perhaps adding a 4i DE is more of need to stop the run, one of those strong side DE's, who can kick inside against the pass.
-Depth at linebacker is very concerning, especially with two starters with neck concerns
-Quinn has to find ways to keep Parsons from waring down, but adding another pass rusher would be a good investment.

They don't really play a 4i. That would be a DL with his head aligned with the OTs inside shoulder.
- 4i on run downs is more of a 3-4 concept where the 3-4 OLB has the C gap covered (outside of OT).
- If you're referring to the Strong Side DE (DLaw) that's a 5tech with the weak-side DE (Parsons) at 7tech.
- In Seattle Red Bryant sometimes played as a 2-gap DE in a 4-man DL. That was a 4tech.

#1 and #3 were the result of compensating for limitations in the middle of the defense.
- i.e. LBs aligned a yard more to the inside than normal.
- LBs delaying their movement to the outside to avoid getting gashed by RB cut-backs to the inside.

After giving up 240 and 207 yards to the Bears and Packers, Quinn changed the scheme responsibilities.
- The DL, especially DEs played more read-and-react which limited the pass rush to improve run defense.
- They cut way back on stunts which improved run defense at the expense of the pass rush.

They either need to add a pass rusher or LB but not really both, per se (for 2023).
- Parsons is probably going to play more LB in 2023 like he did in 2021.
- If true, then they have Parsons, LVE and Clark for 2 LB positions.

CB: They acquired Gilmore. They need depth and a Gilmore replacement for 2024.

 

[xwalker]

We cannot just assume Gallup would improve nor Tolbert will improve enough to make an impact. As for Gibbs, what’s happens if Pollard goes down, I worry he won’t be able to hold up. No doubt he is an electric talent, but more of a bell cow who be better served

I think we need another LB, DT, Corner, Guard and definitely a RB. IMO I think they might feel safe at WR, as MG should be better this season and Lamb and Cooks can play. I still have hope for Tolbert as well. I also remember Turpin saying in his exit interview with Mike that he wanted to get him involved (finally) at WR this season.

Ive been spewing his name all off season but my pick at 26 is Gibbs if he’s there. He’s just too explosive of a weapon. Imagine having to face a team with TP and Gibbs at RB’s?

If they are dependent on a rookie WR, then there is already a problem.
- Sometimes rookie WRs are great but it's highly variable, even with 1st/2nd round picks.
- WR is one of the most difficult transitions from college to pro (other than QB).

The primary focus with regards to WR and the draft should be to find a young #2 or #1B WR for 2024.

If neither Gallup or Tolbert can function as a legit #3 and borderline #2 WR, then the team is likely in trouble at the WR position.

RB Gibbs could be a significant contributor as a slot WR "if" they would use him in that role.
- The other option is a bigger RB for early downs work that would free up Pollard to play some snaps at slot WR.

 

[Aven8]

They don't really play a 4i. That would be a DL with his head aligned with the OTs inside shoulder.
- 4i on run downs is more of a 3-4 concept where the 3-4 OLB has the C gap covered (outside of OT).
- If you're referring to the Strong Side DE (DLaw) that's a 5tech with the weak-side DE (Parsons) at 7tech.
- In Seattle Red Bryant sometimes played as a 2-gap DE in a 4-man DL. That was a 4tech.

#1 and #3 were the result of compensating for limitations in the middle of the defense.
- i.e. LBs aligned a yard more to the inside than normal.
- LBs delaying their movement to the outside to avoid getting gashed by RB cut-backs to the inside.

After giving up 240 and 207 yards to the Bears and Packers, Quinn changed the scheme responsibilities.
- The DL, especially DEs played more read-and-react which limited the pass rush to improve run defense.
- They cut way back on stunts which improved run defense at the expense of the pass rush.

They either need to add a pass rusher or LB but not really both, per se (for 2023).
- Parsons is probably going to play more LB in 2023 like he did in 2021.
- If true, then they have Parsons, LVE and Clark for 2 LB positions.

CB: They acquired Gilmore. They need depth and a Gilmore replacement for 2024.

spot on about the rush. They did sacrifice it to stop the run. Earlier in the season they couldn’t be blocked and than teams caught on and would run a delay draw and let our defense run right past them.

 

[Cowboyny]

If MG doesn’t improve he’s the biggest bust extension signing outside of Jaylon. And if TP goes down you still have Davis, Jones, and Dowdle on the roster. We have to be able to score points and Gibbs and TP would be an electric combo.

Those backs are just jags so to speak. Gallup has to play better or he won’t see many targets. Team really needs another weapon if not two in the passing game.

 

[morasp]

On offense we had Schultz, Pollard, McGovern, Zeke, Gallup, and Tolbert against the 49ers and we fell short.

Zeke 10/26 rushing 2/7 receiving
pollard 6/22 rushing 2/11 receiving
Schultz 5/27
Noah Brown 2/21
Gallup 0/0
Tolbert 0/0

On defense we did much better against the run and receiving other than George Kittle.

Mitchell 14/51 rushing
McCaffrey 10/35 rushing 6/22 Receiving
Samuel 4/45 receiving 4/11 rushing
George Kittle 5/95 receiving
Brandon Aiyuk 2/26 receiving

They need replace the lost players with upgrades at each position OG,WR,TE,RB
It would also be nice to upgrade the front 7 on defense
Sanders
McDonald
Smith
Van Ness
Tuipulotu
Hall
Foskey
Bresee
Benton
Pickens
Young
Lacy
etc.

 

[Fla Cowpoke]

Defense

-Three issues throughout last season were:

1. Run Defense-especially those stretch runs to the weakside
2. Big passing plays given up by the corner opposite Diggs, even Brown had his struggles
3. Pass rush was non-existent late in the season when Parsons wore down

-#2 corner has been upgraded, but depth behind the starters is concerning.
-Perhaps adding a 4i DE is more of need to stop the run, one of those strong side DE's, who can kick inside against the pass.
-Depth at linebacker is very concerning, especially with two starters with neck concerns
-Quinn has to find ways to keep Parsons from waring down, but adding another pass rusher would be a good investment.

Offense

1. Team has to upgrade their receiving weapons, especially after the poor season from Gallup and Tolbert contributing very little.
2. Have to replace the loss of Dalton Shultz's production in the passing game, he was the team's #2 receiving option.
3. Need a starting caliber running back, Zeke is gone, but also Pollard is coming off major injury and hasn't carried the load since high school.
4. What is their plan with the starting OL? Best 5? Need a contingency plan for Tyron and must add depth, especially within the interior

-Cooks was a big addition, but was it enough? They may need 1 more weapon as they don't know what they are going to get from Gallup/Tolbert.
-They can replace Shultz with the positional group or draft a day 1 starter at the position.
-Protected themselves with Ronald Jones, but would like to have a better option.
-Drafting another versatile lineman makes a ton of sense if the aging Tyron and Martin.

Special Teams

Fassel has to find a quality kicker, you can draft one, sign a fa, but they currently have no real options on their roster.

Priority Draft needs:

1. One receiving weapon either at WR or TE as they cannot rely on either Gallup or Tolbert from producing
2. Starting caliber running back, Pollard coming off major injury and hasn't carried the load since high school
3. Interior Lineman-one who can compete to become a spot starter in event Tyron goes down
4. DE/DT-need that DE to set the edge in the run game, allow Parsons to play more off the ball in obvious run situations
5. Starting caliber Linebacker as our two starters have a questionable injury history
6. More depth at Corner/Edge
7. Kicker

Why do most on here seem to forget that we traded for Cooks? He is going to be a starting WR. And Gallup isn't going ot be easy for a rookie to beat out. I don't mind drafting a WR, but I really doubt it happens in the first couple of rounds.

RB we have Jones who is still an NFL level back. Davis ran well when given a chance. Id be fine with a RB in rounds 3-5.

Definitely see OL as a need area. We have no guarantees that Tyron can last a whole year, Steele is coming back from a significant injury, and even Martin is getting older. Biadasz was average to slightly above, so it isn't even like that position is untouchable. I think for the most part we feel comfortable with Tyler playing LT if something happens to Tyron, but that means we need a good G to slide in there. I think we have a couple of OK depth guys in Farniok and maybe even Waletzko, but it is still shaky overall.

Quinn has to stop using Parsons solely as a pass rusher. He got very stale with it during the second half of the season, almost used him there exclusively which I feel was a big part of the diminished production.

DT/DE, LB and CB are surely places we should be looking as well. Lots of holes, not enough picks to get a starter at each.

 

[Cowboyny]

They don't really play a 4i. That would be a DL with his head aligned with the OTs inside shoulder.
- 4i on run downs is more of a 3-4 concept where the 3-4 OLB has the C gap covered (outside of OT).
- If you're referring to the Strong Side DE (DLaw) that's a 5tech with the weak-side DE (Parsons) at 7tech.
- In Seattle Red Bryant sometimes played as a 2-gap DE in a 4-man DL. That was a 4tech.

#1 and #3 were the result of compensating for limitations in the middle of the defense.
- i.e. LBs aligned a yard more to the inside than normal.
- LBs delaying their movement to the outside to avoid getting gashed by RB cut-backs to the inside.

After giving up 240 and 207 yards to the Bears and Packers, Quinn changed the scheme responsibilities.
- The DL, especially DEs played more read-and-react which limited the pass rush to improve run defense.
- They cut way back on stunts which improved run defense at the expense of the pass rush.

They either need to add a pass rusher or LB but not really both, per se (for 2023).
- Parsons is probably going to play more LB in 2023 like he did in 2021.
- If true, then they have Parsons, LVE and Clark for 2 LB positions.

CB: They acquired Gilmore. They need depth and a Gilmore replacement for 2024.

Do agree that their run defense got gashed more on the outside runs then up the middle, especially early on? Yes, Quinn did make adjustments to handle the run better, but that also zapped their pass rush in the 2nd half of the season, where Armstrong, Fowler weren't factors anymore.

Did notice Parsons playing more off the ball in obvious run situations against the 49ers. Was he still playing the 7 technique? Notice his pressure success was similar to his rookie season, where he played more snaps as an off the ball linebacker, that appears to be better use of his skillset as he wore down facing those big Tackles on every snap.

 

[Cowboyny]

If they are dependent on a rookie WR, then there is already a problem.
- Sometimes rookie WRs are great but it's highly variable, even with 1st/2nd round picks.
- WR is one of the most difficult transitions from college to pro (other than QB).

The primary focus with regards to WR and the draft should be to find a young #2 or #1B WR for 2024.

If neither Gallup or Tolbert can function as a legit #3 and borderline #2 WR, then the team is likely in trouble at the WR position.

RB Gibbs could be a significant contributor as a slot WR "if" they would use him in that role.
- The other option is a bigger RB for early downs work that would free up Pollard to play some snaps at slot WR.

Really believe they still have to add 1 more weapon to the passing game, that Could be 1 of Kincaid/Mayer or a top receiver, not talking about another late day 2 pick from a small school like Tolbert was. Add a legitimate weapon somewhere in the top 2 rounds.

 

[Cowboyny]

spot on about the rush. They did sacrifice it to stop the run. Earlier in the season they couldn’t be blocked and than teams caught on and would run a delay draw and let our defense run right past them.

When he made this change Armstrong totally disappeared and Fowler wasn't as affective. They have to find some middle ground.

 

[Cowboyny]

Why do most on here seem to forget that we traded for Cooks? He is going to be a starting WR. And Gallup isn't going ot be easy for a rookie to beat out. I don't mind drafting a WR, but I really doubt it happens in the first couple of rounds.

RB we have Jones who is still an NFL level back. Davis ran well when given a chance. Id be fine with a RB in rounds 3-5.

Definitely see OL as a need area. We have no guarantees that Tyron can last a whole year, Steele is coming back from a significant injury, and even Martin is getting older. Biadasz was average to slightly above, so it isn't even like that position is untouchable. I think for the most part we feel comfortable with Tyler playing LT if something happens to Tyron, but that means we need a good G to slide in there. I think we have a couple of OK depth guys in Farniok and maybe even Waletzko, but it is still shaky overall.

Quinn has to stop using Parsons solely as a pass rusher. He got very stale with it during the second half of the season, almost used him there exclusively which I feel was a big part of the diminished production.

DT/DE, LB and CB are surely places we should be looking as well. Lots of holes, not enough picks to get a starter at each.

-Cooks was an excellent addition, but they also lost Shultz/Brown and there is no guarantee that Gallup return to previous form. There is a need for another playmaking receiver.

-Jones was a healthy scratch for the majority of the year, Davis has shown flashes, but the team was very hesitant given him any reps in the playoffs. If they truly want to be able to effectively run the football again, they are going to need a legitimate back. I like the class, but there is big separation after the top 3.

-Same as running back, if you want to be able to run the football effectively, you need the lineman in front of you to open the holes. No issue with playing the best 5 with all three tackles in the starting lineup, but you better have a plan when Tyron gets hurt again. Must have a legitimate starting caliber guard in the wings or we will see a big drop-off.

-Majority of the needs are within the offensive, yes, we would like to address some defensive need areas, but they brought back almost the entire starting group with an upgrade at corner.

 

[fivetwos]

We cannot just assume Gallup would improve nor Tolbert will improve enough to make an impact. As for Gibbs, what’s happens if Pollard goes down, I worry he won’t be able to hold up. No doubt he is an electric talent, but more of a bell cow who be better served

Why not? A year ago that would have been perfectly correct. That injury wasn’t career ending, but expecting him to be 100% for September wasnt the best gamble.

Tolbert may head directly to bustville, but there’s no reason to think Gallup will not return to form this year.

Gotta roll the dice in several spots as long as there’s a salary cap and trying to replace Gallup is going to have them gambling elsewhere.

If Dak is getting a ton of pressure it’s not going to matter who his weapons are.