Mendenhall

Maybe Hurfox don't think tackle is a weakness. The fact that we cut 2/3 of our interior line, and retained - at a high cost - both tackles indicates that they don't think tackle play was a problem.

They also thought RB was a problem - they cut our starter.

Let's recap:

They cut the starting running back.
They cut the starting center.
They cut the starting LG.
We'll likely have a different RG.

They re-signed both tackles.

It looks like they liked tackle, and they disliked the runners and the interior line.

As far as me 'liking' RB - that's not it. I like the panthers, and I think I've got a good feel for what Hurfox is going to do. I absolutely think drafting a back in round 1 is something they would do.

I also think drafting a tackle is something they'd do. I'm not convinced it's what they'll do.

 

Because they have a promising 1st rounder behind him. The reason they drafted Williams was to take Foster's place.

And publicly stated their intention to move one to guard.

 

They cut the interior because it was a clear weakness, and they obviously believe Wharton is part of the answer there. Their statements saying they plan to move Wharton to Guard give credence to this point. But if they did decide to keep Wharton outside, they would now have an immediate need at LG (and no, starting both Keydrick and Hangartner as our Guards is not the answer...or a clear upgrade). So either way, the OL HAS to be addressed with the addition of a starting calibre player. But the problem with sliding Wharton back to OT is that there are not any clear starting level guys at G in this draft, while there are several OT's that are believed to be capable of starting from day 1.

As for RB, they cut Foster because of cost + legitimate starter already in house...and, IMO, Williams had surpassed him as the future starter, making DF expendible They don't need to waste another 1st round pick on a RB. If Williams hadn't shown the ability he has, this might have more weight. But he has shown he is legitimate, and he has earned the right to be given the opportunity to start. And don't be fooled, a RB at #13 is not picked to be a backup...if Mendenhall is selected, it's to be the starter. So I cannot see any way that pick happens.

 

Sure. But I don't think that makes it a matter of keeping the OTs where they are. They stated they wanted to put Wharton inside, possibly next to a rook OT.

Also, I don't believe it's "runners". It's "runner". I have no idea why they would have a problem with Williams or would want to replace him. And, if we're going by the "Fox script", he has always had experienced runner, young runner. DW isn't that experienced runner, he's the young runner.

I think, in a year like 2005, where we think we're really good, we can afford to make a pick of a player that is a junior, a green junior at that, and a player that had one year of real success. I don't know if we can right now. Doing so, IMO, sacrifices either pass rush or offensive line, and to be both are priorities.

Maybe getting a DE in the 2nd like Ellis that can rush immediately, then a G/T and DT in the 3rd could work, though.

 

I don't think what Hurfox says this time of year needs to be taken very seriously. Before the draft it is the season of blowing smoke. They do not want anyone in the draft to know who the target is, else the price goes up or some one leap frogs us.

 

Yep. And last year we were all sure it was safety.

Also - I recall that we ( and the media ) moved Wharton to guard, and I recall Wharton saying he'd play wherever they put him. I also recall Hurney stating he liked his flexibility.

I don't recall Hurney flat out saying he'd like him at guard. Did I miss that? Is there a link?

 

http://fantasyfootball.usatoday.com/content/player.asp?sport=NFL&id=2818

 

Did I miss the part where Hurfox said he's going to guard? All I saw was clips from Gantt and Chandler articles.

 

Except me.

 

well, the below quote isn't a "quote", but it also isn't the writer's speculation.

edit - fwiw, I don't think Toefield is enough. He's a vet, which is solid. We do stand to get younger, and I'm fine with that. I just feel like it's a backup need, and if we can get solid production out of a 4th round pick, then that adds to the talent we'll rely on from earlier in the draft while we're building.

It's not hard to get production out of a 3 or 4. That player doesn't have to run a 4.4 even and be a perfect player - as I see it, DW is our starter and he'll be playing on 3rd down.