ColtStrong2013

I’m going to answer this below the following post, as my answer to what he possibly contributes is correlated… my answer to what Gus Bradley contributes to on defense is development of players. I’m not sure we’ve seen it yet, but @chad72’s observation (and a good one by the way) could be what Ballard has studied and views as a strong development coach. I hope that is the case. And in that case, he likely won’t be the guy that leads our defense to a championship level as a defensive coordinator. It would be the next guy.

He’s already ripped on it being proposed.

exactly…

I’m not sure that he was in on sneed either. Trying hard to ignore the irony that the main organizations involved (and ultimately both players were traded to) are our division rivals.

That’s not something I recall at all. The top 10 was very good that year and the defensive end class was not good. I remember an article saying he could go top 13-15 and that may be too high. I know we were fortunate to get him at the time at 21, but he was never a top 5 or even 10 pick, imo.

Of course you would... You and everyone else that has bashed him nonstop like broken records on this forum. You all will try and gaslight the hell out of everybody on here like you didn't want him fired for the entire duration of his career. It's hypocrisy at best. I won't support the team while they are trying to build it the right way instead of the way I think we should be approaching it from my living room couch/ipad... but you better believe I'll be the first one on here pumping myself up when the tide is turned, and the titles start flying.

I'm not sure depth and elite talent at the top of the class are entirely correlated. There could be a view of tiers, where teams don't exactly view much difference between the top few and the next three to five of the same "tier." I would think that would suggest that you could afford to trade back and still get a similar player at that position, or take the bpa regardless of position, knowing the class is deep on day 2. I don't have many expectations for the first round, and i'm always excited to see what plays out. I think we can make an argument for cornerback, receiver, or edge rusher at 15, (or brock bowers)... and i can also see the argument to take one of the top tackles if they would somehow fall to 15. I just don't put a lot of weight into position need. I'm hopeful we address the secondary in the next few weeks so we have some clarity on how they view the room going into the draft (even though it could just be smokescreens to avoid showing their hands). I guess you could argue that not addressing the cornerback position leading up to the draft could be the same smoke and mirrors approach, so that teams may think you are targeting cb when you have your eyes on someone else entirely. I do like the corners and receiver options in the 1st round though. More than anything, I just want talent.

Eh, I'd be done trading with the Eagles for a while quite frankly. I think they are always looking to fleece somebody. If they don't want him, there's probably a reason or two.

There's always the possibility that several teams think 2 or 3 of the edge rushers are elite and go above us. That would push some really good players to 15. If we think anyone is elite, then there is a high likelihood that we aren't going to see them at 15.

I won’t be surprised/upset if we get one of those guys. Preferably Verse/Turner. I also wouldn’t be upset if we traded back and picked up chop Robinson.

Possibly 2, but time for reaching that ceiling is running out in this organization… I understand he hasn’t had exactly a fair shake with the qb situation, so I’m hopeful we see more of his potential downfield especially. But he’s not exactly the ideal 2. I would think you would want a 2 that has the ability to become a 1 in the next 3 years when Pittman is looking at a new deal. That’s where options come in with a very important offensive position. But- I agree with this.

I like Lewis. I thought he was peaking when he blew his knee against the Titans in 2022. He recovered well and was good for us last year. I would expect him to see increased usage, especially if he is performing bigger than Paye. The Lewis, Dayo, Paye trio going into next year is interesting to me. Little chance we don’t keep one of them, but it sure feels like it isn’t going to be Paye. So it’ll be interesting to see how it plays out.

All aboard.

might as well get comfortable…

the run unc had to put them up 4 after down what was think 12 points was the difference. They pulled away and kept the Spartans at arms length the rest of the way. There have been some dang good games. I always like this time of year, and then it’s crickets until football, for me anyways.

where are the excuses? Please do share. I simply stated what I believe to be the case of Ballard being safe through this season and likely into 2026…

you are a broken record.

If anything expectations were increased because of what the organization saw, even though I think they are still tempered. Ballard said they were surprised by some things they saw that they thought would take time to develop.

I know. I should have clarified that- I was more or less expanding on your comment.

I think we all saw enough to know if he can stay healthy (and I know it’s a big if) he is undoubtedly going to make big plays. That’s why he was brought here. He can win in this league, and especially with Steichen. It’s not going to come overnight, so expectations are far more tempered behind the doors at 56th street than they are on this forum.

and on… I’ve said it before on here, it’s not a short term mindset anymore. They felt they were close in 2020-2021, but they reset the clock after 2022. I think they are hopeful that the current vets that were just extended helps them win now and for the next 3 years, but they are resetting expectations for a longterm with a new franchise qb.

something would be seriously wrong with 3 wins. That’s utter meltdown. Team’s floor is 7 wins, in my opinion. I think we easily split series (or go 2-4) with our division opponents, steal a few games we aren’t expected to win, and win more than not at home. I say that with or without Richardson.

I don’t think so. I think he’s got minimum two years. If Anthony is healthy and shows he is progressing (even with struggles at times, or not being an immediate winner), they will continue the same path into 2025. Go watch the next pick from last year and tell me that’s a front office/coaching staff that is worried about their future. They believe they are building an environment to develop Anthony Richardson. The clock was reset for Ballard. 3 year deals across the board is not ironic. It ties the current veterans to AR’s rookie deal. Unless it’s just an utter meltdown in ‘24 or ‘25 and it’s obvious Richardson is not the guy, there’s no reason to assume that Ballard and company are not safe through the 2025 season and into 2026, playoffs or not. Everyone on here saying otherwise is just wishful thinking on their part.