fanfromvirginia
Inconceivable!
- Messages
- 4,014
- Reaction score
- 164
I don't think people fully realize the leverage here we have with the 'Full OL' strategy, which would, in short, have us signing Nicks, drafting DeCastro and, in the extreme version of the strategy, signing an FA center. Here are the advantages, in no particular order, some of which, IMO, haven't been fully identified or appreciated:
- We would go from having one of the worst OLs to potentially one of the best in one offseason.
- We would give Tony Romo the protection he has never, ever had to increase an already very impressive QB rating and fully utilize an impressive list of skill players.
- Our OL would be relatively very young, giving us time to identify and acquire replacement parts as necessary.
- Guys like Kowalski, Nagy and Arkin would be penciled in as our depth rather than our starters and be given the time to mature properly.
- This could play nicely to our new OL coach, who looks on first glance like a very promising hire.
- The OL could become the cornerstone unit of the future for the franchise, much like the Hogs in the 80s or the DL is for the NYG. We prioritize that unit, which means we are willing to draft and spend a little bit more on that unit than others. You often hear that you shouldn't spend too much money on any one unit but, really, why not? Where is the proof that resources have to be evenly distributed among the various units in order to achieve and maintain success? Great, established teams have different foundations for their success, this is one style that has worked for multiple great teams.
- It is relatively easy to do this offseason. We only need three players, two of whom are sitting right there -- both Nicks and DeCastro look like they could be available and there are some reasonable FA centers. If Nicks and DeCastro are both available, we really couldn't ask for a better year to implement this strategy or two players who are as close to sure things as you get in the NFL. The same thing can't be said for pass-rushing DEs, #1 CBs, and pass-rushing OLBs.
- It is financially doable and still leaves money and draft picks to address some of our other issues. Nicks will cost 4.4 million against the cap next year, if I remember Adam's number correctly off the top of my head, and DeCastro will cost what any other 14th selection would. The OC, if we choose to add him into the mix, will cost a couple million against the cap. That leaves (assuming we cut Newman and don't re-sign Spencer, etc.) a solid 15 million of cap space left to spend, on re-signing Robinson and maybe Elam and any other FA, which is no chump change. (This assumes roughly 23 million of cap space, which I believe is consistent with what Adam has posted recently.) It also leaves 7 draft picks (assuming one compensatory pick) to address other needs as well as undrafted FAs, who we have a pretty good recent history of finding good players.
