Hoover UFA - correct?

And if he is, why not pursue Lorenzo Neal?

 

I think it is true. We could use Lorenzo Neal to block for one of our injured or drunk RB's.

 

I really see replacing Hoover as a low priority. He's done pretty well this year, given another year to develop, who knows. I'd resign him!

 

Hoover is awesome. We need to keep him. He's a top 10 FB and should be paid like one. He's also great at catching the ball. He's got that frame too that he could still build on. Fan favorite, puts in the work, class guy on and off the field and all that. He stays.

 

I think Henning likes him, too.

 

Hoover reminds me of Bob Christian for some reason... I'm guessing its their demeanor, but I was always a fan of Christian's... I'd like to see Hoover return... he's cheap... he's local... he busts his ass... and there are bigger needs on this team.

 

Brad is my 2nd favorite Panther, right behind Morgan. He's got awesome qualities, but I don't know that I would say he's an awesome fullback. Tom Rathmann was an awesome fullback. Daryl Johnston was an awesome fullback. There are several playing today that are well on their way to becoming awesome: i.e. Jon Ritchie, Cory Schlessinger... (I so want to put Alstott in there, but he's a tailback, not a true fullback.)

I am all for going after Lorenzo Neal, but not at the expense of Hoover. Neal is a beast of a lead blocker. Hoover is more versatile. Hoover is a third down/goal line weapon. Both are needed in this offense, and I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility to have both.

 

Neal and Gash are FAs this year as I've noted, and both are above average blockers obviously. Neal has connection to Kelly Skipper, as I've noted as well, but the Pro Bowl thing might make him want a multiyear deal. Gash has a slight connection to Del Rio. Either way we need a real fullback.

Hoover's RFA I believe, this being his third playing year. I'd like him back but he shouldn't be starting. In the WCO that'd be fine but here we're depending on sheer force instead of, well, strategy or anything silly like that, so let's take someone with some pop.

 

I like the kid coming out of Wake Forest. Dont remember his name.

 

Hoover could take over Mangum's job.

Neal could be the lead blocker.

Mangum could walk away.