07dleigh

Man, I am realllly starting to get frustrated... I've always liked Ballard.. a lot. I'm typically all for what he stands for: methodical vs rapid, effective vs flashy, sticking to your guns regardless of pressure.. I liked his rare "build the trenches and play physical" philosophy in contrast to today's game, heck, I just like the guy.. I like his swagger and confidence. But wth are we doing, man? WHY is he so okay with having NONE of the top ANYTHING in the game? Year after year.. in a division that's so winnable? Is he trying to win an award for best cap management or is he trying to get over a hump? THESE ONE YEAR DEALS AREN'T GOING TO GET IT DONE. This isn't about Sneed.. frankly I'm not even sure how I'd feel about paying a 28 year old corner so much. I wouldn't mind but that's not what I'm on about. I feel like this was a great FA (and trade candidate) class in positions we could use, and we did NOTHING... while letting our division rivals open a gap. If there was a year to do something that ACTUALLY made a difference, I thought it'd be this year given we actually have the QB. Sorry, had to rant with my morning coffee before I took it out on my coworkers 😆. Go Colts, nonetheless.

Man.. if Bowers makes it past 9… we better go get him. one can dream

This is about as excited as I've been with our skill positions since... a long time. All of a sudden, I think we have a very exciting group. This team + staff feels different. We may finally be getting with the times LOL. Side note: I wonder what our TE depth chart looks like.

Let's be delusional what if we look "good" this year? We have a cake walk of a schedule. What if Steichen is exactly who we think he is? What if AR's learning curve is successfully masked by a great running game + vertical capability and our usual (when Shaq is healthy) opportunistic defensive play? I think we give the Jags a run for their money, I don't think they sweep us. What if instead of a mere 3 or 4 win season that's being predicted by many, which is completely valid and understandable btw, this team under Shane and our rookie knocks off 9+ wins and scrapes into the playoffs? We obviously won't win it all this year, but I think the experience of playing in even a losing playoff game goes a long way in terms of experience and confidence. Exciting times. I'll admit that I wanted us to go the Lamar route given that I do believe we have a team that can compete now, but I'm happy that we drafted Anthony! I'm okay with swinging for the fences and missing, I think ONLY a swing is going to get you past the gauntlet that is the AFC QB landscape. Our guy GENUINELY seems intent on growing and reaching his full potential.. he seems so down to earth and self aware.. I know a sponge when I see one. He seems ready to soak up everything and quickly. He is BIG and strong and vibrant and easy to like, and I'm ready to see him earn the "face of the franchise" title. What if we don't suck this year? What if AR5 goes 23/13 + 8 rushing TDs and this team shows that we picked the right HC/QB combo?

Am I the only one who doesn't see the Jags beating us twice? I don't think they run away with the division like the national media would imply.

Don't forget that we have Mckenzie... who is very good in his own right. That's a great battle that I'm not even sure Downs wins right away. Good problem.

Let's gooooo! Called it in my group chat a few picks ago lol. I suddenly like our receiving group.. pretty well rounded. Any good iOL left?

But don't get me wrong, I know CB/OL are substantially more needed than another TE at this point in time. Just wondering if we could finesse it.

I'm really hoping CB and iOL are deep enough to where we can go sorta more luxury at 35 with TE or WR.. or even trade back and go TE/WR with the first pick.. and then still snag starters at those positions. Are they you think? What would that look like best case scenario?

What do you all think we'll do as far as RECIEIVING TE goes? Should we have faith in Granson or Jelani taking steps? (Not a rhetorical question.. I genuinely don't know what to make of them rn.) Best thing you can do for a young QB is give him an intelligent pass catching TE, right?

Man... we better have something up our sleeve. This whole cool, collected "take it easy" "we'll stay the course" "we won't overpay" from CB is officially getting old. I was originally on board with his philosophy but.... that philosophy is not winning these days. We have no elite players at any of the positions that matter today. If we don't splash at WR, TE, or QB... man... and by splash I mean Lamar Jackson, Gesicki, a D Hop trade... we are so content with average it seems... because we wont overpay... or won't bring in "questionable" character... get with the times CB

I started the offseason wanting Young, and Young only. Now... give me Stroud. I was downplaying the touch and coolness in favor of Young's hero-ball. I'll take Stroud's floor.

Man.. the thought of Richardson is growing on me.. even if that means we have to redshirt him. The Bills, Chiefs, Ravens and Chargers are all reaping the results of taking physical freaks at the position that had question marks. I know Herbert wasn't a huge "question mark", but there were questions about his desire and the mental aspect. Way I see it, "pretty good" isn't going to edge Herbert, Mahomes, Allen, Jackson, Hurts, Burrow etc in AFC championship or SB. Seems like these teams taking the swing are the ones being set up for a decade+ of success. I was all in on the you-know-what-you're-getting of Bryce Young, but that all or nothing swing is starting to grow on me. I'd maybe want to ride that wave. I'll admit that this is a stretch of a scenario comparison considering we're picking so early.. but ngl.. been watching more Richardson throws/runs and

I would. I don't personally think any of the top draft guys have the ceiling Fields does... do they? I admittedly have only ever watched much of Young, I feel like he has the IT factor and would love to have him, but I still think Fields is better. Those pointing to Fields' passing stats... please acknowledge the dumpster fire that is the Chicago Bears and their offensive planning.

He was the most exciting football player in the league for a good two months or so.. Look at his passing yards? Look at his surrounding cast. The Bears are probably the only team with a worse receiving group than us lol.. what has that organization done to help him whatsoever? His passing yards won't look good, but he makes a "wow" throw every game, reminding you that it's there. I cannot wrap my head around "Fields is not good"

I am. He was playing at MVP level the second half of the season! You genuinely don't think he's worth a 1st?

huh?

Wow.. with Houston ALSO moving down to two from one, that adds some drama! I wonder if we have more incentive to try to jump them! Obviously we would have to love one QB more than the other two. Feels gooood sitting at 4.