They were close to a nice offseason

[Rayman70]

See, that's my one gripe with the Jones boys. When we do well, we always fall just short of the goal. We never shove the chips in anymore.

 

[Manwiththeplan]

When you look at the draft in a vacuum, I have no real issues. I am a Brugler guy and I think we ended up with three of his Top 50 after three rounds. After that, it's always a crap shoot in the later rounds so maybe we hit on a few, maybe we bombed out. The draft will be largely decided by what the first three picks do and I think they are nice selections.

But when you zoom out and put the draft in the context of the entire offseason, it's hard to get excited. Putting aside the fact that we hired a guy that no one ever deemed worthy of a HC gig despite the family name and being in coaching for years, the draft highlights the shortcomings of our FA plan.

We still have needs at WR (sorry, I am not buying Mingo as a viable #2 at this point). We have a need at DT (it's a wasteland again outside of Odi). We could have used a talented back. And all of those could have been addressed in the draft but if they had been, then we would have holes at the interior OL, DL, CB, etc.

When you refuse to fill legitimate holes with players that can actually fill those holes with quality play, you get what we've gotten the last who knows how many years.

We sign reclamation projects and washed up players because they are cheap. Williams at TB? Great, he was once a high pick but has done nothing in the league. I'd rather spent the money on JK Dobbins, who yes, has an injury history but has also been far more productive than Williams. Thomas at DT? Oh, he played for Eberflus? Great. He's been mediocre and can't stop the run. Poona Ford was out there and signed a pretty reasonable deal with a small signing bonus and only $15MM guaranteed over 3 years.

Imagine pairing this draft class with a FA class that was highlighted by Ford, Dobbins and maybe even Keenan Allen to be a #2. And they absolutely could have afforded all three if they wanted.

Honestly, it really goes to show how bad last off season was

Signing a few vets that can at least come in and start just makes a huge difference

I wouldn't grade this off season and A or a B, but it's not the F that last year was

 

[jazzcat22]

You can find running backs later. But assuming Blue or any later round player will be that guy is foolish.

But you seem to want to give this franchise the benefit of the doubt so..............

Actually I was being a little sarcastic in my post in response about not selecting an impact player at #12.
Saying an OG that shores up the entire OL, can be an impact too a so so RB.

 

[Proof]

y

When you look at the draft in a vacuum, I have no real issues. I am a Brugler guy and I think we ended up with three of his Top 50 after three rounds. After that, it's always a crap shoot in the later rounds so maybe we hit on a few, maybe we bombed out. The draft will be largely decided by what the first three picks do and I think they are nice selections.

But when you zoom out and put the draft in the context of the entire offseason, it's hard to get excited. Putting aside the fact that we hired a guy that no one ever deemed worthy of a HC gig despite the family name and being in coaching for years, the draft highlights the shortcomings of our FA plan.

We still have needs at WR (sorry, I am not buying Mingo as a viable #2 at this point). We have a need at DT (it's a wasteland again outside of Odi). We could have used a talented back. And all of those could have been addressed in the draft but if they had been, then we would have holes at the interior OL, DL, CB, etc.

When you refuse to fill legitimate holes with players that can actually fill those holes with quality play, you get what we've gotten the last who knows how many years.

We sign reclamation projects and washed up players because they are cheap. Williams at TB? Great, he was once a high pick but has done nothing in the league. I'd rather spent the money on JK Dobbins, who yes, has an injury history but has also been far more productive than Williams. Thomas at DT? Oh, he played for Eberflus? Great. He's been mediocre and can't stop the run. Poona Ford was out there and signed a pretty reasonable deal with a small signing bonus and only $15MM guaranteed over 3 years.

Imagine pairing this draft class with a FA class that was highlighted by Ford, Dobbins and maybe even Keenan Allen to be a #2. And they absolutely could have afforded all three if they wanted.

eah i’m thrilled with the draft until you realize our best picks are just loss replacements. dampens the mood a bit

 

[JW82]

If they add a true #2 And solidify the OT spot I will be perfectly fine with the offseason. This draft class saved what would have been a bad offseason IMO.

 

[McKDaddy]

So if Booker helps the OL open up holes for Blue to use his blazing speed. Does the not make him a play maker?
Just because he was not sexy shiny new toy pick?

Regardless of who the RB's are, this version of the OL seems to be poised to deliver better blocking.

The team shouldn't get completely dictated to by defenses. All those things have value.

Do they fix all our issues or mean we will be a contender? Absolutely not. But neither would anything else in the draft.

 

[Sydla]

Exactly
Like i said after the draft:
Great draft for a team active in FA, not so much for a team thst sits out FA

And the reality is that given how they work free agency, it's hard to even ever have a great draft because there are often too many needs that can't be filled by immediate impact players from the 2-3 premium picks they have each year. Let's say they take Golden at 12. Great, we tried to fill the #2 WR spot with a stud. But then we roll into the season wondering how the interior OL, or even the right side of the OL, is going to handle (I think Steele is mediocre).

There is always a need, regardless of how well we draft. It's so frustrating from an owner that claims he wants to win and would do anything to win another SB.

How much better does this lineup look if you throw in a couple names like Ford and Dobbins and Allen, etc?

I am still laughing at the signing of Williams and Sanders. LOL.

 

[thunderpimp91]

See, that's my one gripe with the Jones boys. When we do well, we always fall just short of the goal. We never shove the chips in anymore.

yep, just enough to hang around the rim and be interesting.

 

[Cowboy4ever]

I don't get the demand to sign a WR, I really don't. Of course, I would like to have PB players at every spot, who wouldn't. I want every singe FA to come play here at the league minimum, but few will. That said, I don't see the NEED to sign a WR just to sign one. They spent resources on the guys they have, it is perfectly fine to see what they got before they go spend more resources on guys that may or may not be any better than what we have. I think Tolbert can and will step up. His Rookie year aside, he has gotten better each year. He makes plays when given the chance.

Besides, if they are really serious about being a run first team and if we are as good at running the ball as we should be with the resources given to it, then that is your true #2 WR. A great run game will force heavy boxes, removing the double teams CD sees all the time, play action will actually do what it is meant to do and hold LBer allowing the TE to get the seam. The success of this O will be dependent on the run game, not a WR2.

I would absoutely HATE to spend future draft picks to acquire any WR this year. We ARE NOT a WR2 from being a contender. We need a better QB and or a dominant D and Run game to be serious contenders.. not WR 2, don't waste the resources.

 

[DuncanIso]

Compared to last year, it is a very nice off-season.

True, it seems nothing they have done moves the needle. And I can see why many fans think that way.
However, I can see why some think it did.

When you step back, take off the blinders, rather if you are pro or con on the team, and the FO. It really has been a decent off-season. And much to be excited about.
I mean, what else could have they done to make the naysayers, say any different. Sign some high price FA's, only to say they over paid.

Bring in HC X instead of Brian, only to say, should have got HC Y, while others say HC Z.

We got some young coaches, all with different ideas to improve the team. BS seems to be building a team with high character, which translates into team continuity. Changing the culture.

Fans will always dislike what the FO does, because it is not what they want them to do. Many fans do not take into account the entire team structure of the roster and salary cap, as we do not know the inner workings.

Do I wish thy done a few things different, yes. But I am not going to let it ruin my morning coffee.

I worry about the QB room.

Losing Rush and Lance...not good.

especially Lance.

The draft was awesome.

We didnt get the RB until later, but it was a great pick when we did.

 

[boysfanindc]

There is pattern to all this that allows Jones to continue to do what Jones wants to do, which is play with his toy with his family with no accountability.

Goes something like this:

Disappointing season, then Jones telling us he will get this fixed because he is the best one to do it, spend as few dollars in free agency as possible by mostly signing only our players to any dollars because they claim we have no cap, claim they knocked the draft out of the park and will contend, glowing training camp reports of the new guys that put us on the verge.

When anyone can look at the roster as see they still have holes that will prevent them for contending.

Then fans watch 3 minute highlight videos of 5th, 6th & 7th rounders and the new low tier free agents and buy what Jerry is selling.

Wash, rinse and repeat. Their approach is the problem.

 

[thunderpimp91]

Blue went in the later rounds for a reason. I wouldn't pencil him in as some sort of solution at RB yet.

Yep people are getting too high to fast on these late round picks. Granted I think Blue is versatile enough of a player that he should make the team and likely makes some plays as the year goes on, he still dropped as far as he did for a reason despite possessing hard to find speed. Its doubtful he will be an every down back, and pass protection is going to be a huge point of emphasis for rbs on this team. How much of an impact he can realistically make as a rookie is a huge question.

 

[Daillest88]

Yes, my 1st thought is Pickens still in play. But after reading from several fans, he is a knucklehead. I am not so sure.

The WR from Detroit, Williamson? Could that still be in play, or is he a knucklehead also?

Would either one be worth the risk though?

Williamson would be huge

 

[75boyz]

There is pattern to all this that allows Jones to continue to do what Jones wants to do, which is play with his toy with his family with no accountability.

Goes something like this:

Disappointing season, then Jones telling us he will get this fixed because he is the best one to do it, spend as few dollars in free agency as possible by mostly signing only our players to any dollars because they claim we have no cap, claim they knocked the draft out of the park and will contend, glowing training camp reports of the new guys that put us on the verge.

When anyone can look at the roster as see they still have holes that will prevent them for contending.

Then fans watch 3 minute highlight videos of 5th, 6th & 7th rounders and the new low tier free agents and buy what Jerry is selling.

Wash, rinse and repeat. Their approach is the problem.

Great post.

 

[DallasEast]

Yes, my 1st thought is Pickens still in play. But after reading from several fans, he is a knucklehead. I am not so sure.

The WR from Detroit, Williamson? Could that still be in play, or is he a knucklehead also?

Would either one be worth the risk though?

Williamson would be huge

Jameson Williams.

Lions Exercise Fifth-Year Contract Options on Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams

The Lions announced that they have exercised the fifth-year contract options for Hutchinson and Williams on Thursday night. The moves lock up both players through the 2026 season and paves the way for a long-term contract extension in the near future... Read more
_______________

Personally, I would have thought the Lions would be nuts in trading Williams. Moreso, I would be shocked Jerry Jones could construct a trade package beneficial to both parties. Don't know how I would feel if Jones could actually outright fleece Detroit in the hypothetical.

 

[fivetwos]

The draft was fine. There was no way a seven win team could fill all needs in one draft…..nor should a draft be used for immediate needs anyway, but that’s a different topic.

My gripe is what in the hell is the actual plan?

At the SB Jerry says he wouldn’t have signed Prescott if it wasn’t about winning now. Then says something else at the draft.

That, after the “all-in” comment followed by the worst off-season effort in team history.

They seem to change their minds every few months, and may not even be on the same page.

It completely seems like ‘you get your way this time, I get my way next time,’ …..either that or it’s some half-measure that isn’t going to add up…..but don’t go telling the billionaires that they aren’t smarter than everyone.

 

[ElGatoGrande]

When you look at the draft in a vacuum, I have no real issues. I am a Brugler guy and I think we ended up with three of his Top 50 after three rounds. After that, it's always a crap shoot in the later rounds so maybe we hit on a few, maybe we bombed out. The draft will be largely decided by what the first three picks do and I think they are nice selections.

But when you zoom out and put the draft in the context of the entire offseason, it's hard to get excited. Putting aside the fact that we hired a guy that no one ever deemed worthy of a HC gig despite the family name and being in coaching for years, the draft highlights the shortcomings of our FA plan.

We still have needs at WR (sorry, I am not buying Mingo as a viable #2 at this point). We have a need at DT (it's a wasteland again outside of Odi). We could have used a talented back. And all of those could have been addressed in the draft but if they had been, then we would have holes at the interior OL, DL, CB, etc.

When you refuse to fill legitimate holes with players that can actually fill those holes with quality play, you get what we've gotten the last who knows how many years.

We sign reclamation projects and washed up players because they are cheap. Williams at TB? Great, he was once a high pick but has done nothing in the league. I'd rather spent the money on JK Dobbins, who yes, has an injury history but has also been far more productive than Williams. Thomas at DT? Oh, he played for Eberflus? Great. He's been mediocre and can't stop the run. Poona Ford was out there and signed a pretty reasonable deal with a small signing bonus and only $15MM guaranteed over 3 years.

Imagine pairing this draft class with a FA class that was highlighted by Ford, Dobbins and maybe even Keenan Allen to be a #2. And they absolutely could have afforded all three if they wanted.

It's always the same with this front office, the ship is taking on water and they're bailing it out with little playskool buckets. Their efforts are "positive" but never enough, they're just barely keeping the ship afloat and they NEVER go all in despite the ramblings of the owner. When was the last season their DL was worth a damn? In the 90s?

 

[DenCWBY]

Nice offseason?........when this FO starts utilizing free agency like most of the other 31 teams i can see a "nice offseason" possibility.

They're roster building with one hand tied behind their back and there's no sane reason for it .

Hire a real GM with the autonomy to hire and fire

This. It's all been and still is a flea circus until you get a serious GM. Hopefully in our lifetime. Until then, direction on the shampoo bottle.

 

[dreghorn2]

I'm fine with the off season. Like it or not this is a transisition year.

The QB is coming off a serious injury and his mobility is still unknown. The Jones being what they are the Micah contract is still to be ironed out. The Diggs and Overshown injuries really hurt, their impact has rippled through the roster. Butler remains promising but unknown as well. Guyton was a mess, Martin dropping off a cliff etc..

They simply had too many holes to fill in one season. They have a new staff and they all should be given a season to evaluate and hopefully improve on whats already here.

After this season they will have a lot of questions answered and they can move forward. This isn't the season to go all in.

 

[Rockport]

U

When you look at the draft in a vacuum, I have no real issues. I am a Brugler guy and I think we ended up with three of his Top 50 after three rounds. After that, it's always a crap shoot in the later rounds so maybe we hit on a few, maybe we bombed out. The draft will be largely decided by what the first three picks do and I think they are nice selections.

But when you zoom out and put the draft in the context of the entire offseason, it's hard to get excited. Putting aside the fact that we hired a guy that no one ever deemed worthy of a HC gig despite the family name and being in coaching for years, the draft highlights the shortcomings of our FA plan.

We still have needs at WR (sorry, I am not buying Mingo as a viable #2 at this point). We have a need at DT (it's a wasteland again outside of Odi). We could have used a talented back. And all of those could have been addressed in the draft but if they had been, then we would have holes at the interior OL, DL, CB, etc.

When you refuse to fill legitimate holes with players that can actually fill those holes with quality play, you get what we've gotten the last who knows how many years.

We sign reclamation projects and washed up players because they are cheap. Williams at TB? Great, he was once a high pick but has done nothing in the league. I'd rather spent the money on JK Dobbins, who yes, has an injury history but has also been far more productive than Williams. Thomas at DT? Oh, he played for Eberflus? Great. He's been mediocre and can't stop the run. Poona Ford was out there and signed a pretty reasonable deal with a small signing bonus and only $15MM guaranteed over 3 years.

Imagine pairing this draft class with a FA class that was highlighted by Ford, Dobbins and maybe even Keenan Allen to be a #2. And they absolutely could have afforded all three if they wanted.

Uh, the offseason is not over yet.