AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
I took Richard Marshall to be one of my starting safeties. He has the versatility to play both corner and safety which is nice.
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Build a FRANCHISE draft year 2 (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter AwesomeAuger
- Start date
Hey guys...I'd love some feedback on how my roster looks so far:
Offense
QB: EJ Manuel
RB: none yet
WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Aaron Dobson, Dexter McCluster
TE: Coby Fleener, Jermaine Gresham
OL: Justin Pugh(RT), Jeremy Zuttah(C or RG), Dallas Thomas(LT or LG)
Defense(4-3)
DE: Olivier Vernon, Adrian Clayborn
DT: Muhammad Wilkerson, Corey Peters
SLB: Joplo Bartu
MLB: Kiko Alonso
WLB: DeAndre Levy
CB: Joe Haden, Prince Amukamura, Micah Hyde(can also play safety)
SS: Shamarko Thomas
FS: Harrison Smith
I think this team could be a wild card contender year one, and for the future has potential to be one of the league's best. I think this is a top 5 defense(both now and the future) and the offense is in the bottom half for now, but could be top 10 in a couple years if guys like Manuel, Hopkins and Dobson all reach their potential. The offensive line is the only real weakness I see, but Pugh is a great player at RT and I view Zuttah as a decent(not really good or bad) player to have in the middle, plus I am in position to add a couple quality linemen early in the rookie draft. If I can get the o-line sorted out, I think Manuel should be able to have plenty of success with the weapons I've surrounded him with.
I love the defense...strong safety is probably the only hole here, but I think in my base D if Shamarko was to struggle I could put Micah Hyde at safety and then in nickle and dime formations move Hyde to corner and Shamarko comes in then. My front 4 can all generate pressure on the QB, and 3 of the 4 are great against the run as well(Vernon being the only one I'm not sure of for run defense). Haden-Amukamura has to be one of the top few if not the best CB duo in the league, and Harrison Smith is a great safety to have lurking back there. I also really like the LBs, but Bartu is a bit of an uncertainty at this point despite looking good this past year.
Anyways..enough of my thoughts, please let me know what you think
Offense
QB: EJ Manuel
RB: none yet
WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Aaron Dobson, Dexter McCluster
TE: Coby Fleener, Jermaine Gresham
OL: Justin Pugh(RT), Jeremy Zuttah(C or RG), Dallas Thomas(LT or LG)
Defense(4-3)
DE: Olivier Vernon, Adrian Clayborn
DT: Muhammad Wilkerson, Corey Peters
SLB: Joplo Bartu
MLB: Kiko Alonso
WLB: DeAndre Levy
CB: Joe Haden, Prince Amukamura, Micah Hyde(can also play safety)
SS: Shamarko Thomas
FS: Harrison Smith
I think this team could be a wild card contender year one, and for the future has potential to be one of the league's best. I think this is a top 5 defense(both now and the future) and the offense is in the bottom half for now, but could be top 10 in a couple years if guys like Manuel, Hopkins and Dobson all reach their potential. The offensive line is the only real weakness I see, but Pugh is a great player at RT and I view Zuttah as a decent(not really good or bad) player to have in the middle, plus I am in position to add a couple quality linemen early in the rookie draft. If I can get the o-line sorted out, I think Manuel should be able to have plenty of success with the weapons I've surrounded him with.
I love the defense...strong safety is probably the only hole here, but I think in my base D if Shamarko was to struggle I could put Micah Hyde at safety and then in nickle and dime formations move Hyde to corner and Shamarko comes in then. My front 4 can all generate pressure on the QB, and 3 of the 4 are great against the run as well(Vernon being the only one I'm not sure of for run defense). Haden-Amukamura has to be one of the top few if not the best CB duo in the league, and Harrison Smith is a great safety to have lurking back there. I also really like the LBs, but Bartu is a bit of an uncertainty at this point despite looking good this past year.
Anyways..enough of my thoughts, please let me know what you think
deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
I think the offense is definitely one of the weakest, but I guess that was by design as you attempted to build that defense. I do really like the front 7 with Bartu as an uncertainty. Will be important to have a solid backup there. The CBs are rock solid and Hyde's ability to play some safety may come in handy. Again, this defense is probably somewhere in the top 10. Hard to say right now without seeing the depth.
Offensively, you are really going to lack playmakers. While your WRs are young, you lack a proven presence there. I think a veteran would have really helped this WR core. You have Hopkins and Dobson who are both in similar phases of their careers. Wouldn't want them both starting for me at this point. Combine inexperienced WRs with an inexperienced Manuel and I think your stout D could be put in some bad spots by your offense.
Your offensive line will be one of the weakest. Dallas Thomas largely unproven. In addition, there is little starting talent to fill out the last 2 spots on the offensive line which will bring the unit down.
Obviously, you went into the draft with a defense-first mentality.
Thanks for the feedback, I always appreciated other people's input. I'm not too worried about having the 2 young guys, Hopkins and Dobson as my top 2 WRs. There will be some growing pains, but having Fleener and Greshem at TE will really take the pressure off of them and Manuel. McCluster is also somewhat of a unique weapon and will give defenses something to account for, which should also help those guys out. Not a great offense right now, but this team was definitely drafted with the future in mind... only 2 of my players are older than 25(Zuttah and Levy).
I don't have huge hopes for this season, but I don't think it's out of the question that this team could sneak in as a wild card team if everything goes right.
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deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
22.04 - Jeremy Lane CB
Young slot corner who has shown nice flashes playing for Seattle. I really think he could develop into a solid corner. In addition, he is a major contributor on special teams as well. I feel like our trio at CB: DRC, Kareem Jackson, and Lane should be pretty solid.
Young slot corner who has shown nice flashes playing for Seattle. I really think he could develop into a solid corner. In addition, he is a major contributor on special teams as well. I feel like our trio at CB: DRC, Kareem Jackson, and Lane should be pretty solid.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
Yea, I had him sitting on the pre-draft since round 18 or 19....finally pulled the trigger. Really thought he might get scooped up, but I guess he's a lesser-known name.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
After 22 rounds, my starting lineups:
Redskins
QB Aaron Rodgers
RB Joique Bell
WR Demaryius Thomas
WR DeSean Jackson
TE Martellus Bennett
Joker Darren Sproles
LT Ryan Clady
LG Andrew Whitworth
C Evan Dietrich-Smith
RG Larry Warford
RT Cordy Glenn
DE Kawann Short
NT Akiem Hicks
DE Quinton Coples
OLB Everson Griffen
ILB Daryl Smith
ILB Jon Bostic
OLB Anthony Spencer
CB Tramaine Brock
CB Orlando Scandrick
FS Richard Marshall
SS Duron Harmon
I was originally planning on playing 4-3 but due to who I have drafted, I'm most suited for 3-4 at this particular moment. I'm still looking to draft a 2-down SLB and play 4-3 in base. I envision in subpackages Spencer and Griffen will play DE and Coples and Short will play DT. I think Harmon and Bostic are potentially holes but they are also potentially solid players also. I'll look to draft veteran stopgaps as backups in case Harmon and Bostic are disasters. Outside of those 2, I feel pretty comfortable with my other defensive starters.
Saints
QB Tom Brady
RB Danny Woodhead
WR Brian Hartline
WR Jeremy Kerley
TE Jimmy Graham
TE Vernon Davis
LT Eugene Monroe
LG Brandon Fusco
C Dominic Raiola
RG Todd Herremans
RT Mitchell Schwartz
DE Trent Cole
DT Terrance Knighton
DT Ray McDonald
DE Jabaal Sheard
WLB Lance Briggs
MLB Stephen Tulloch
SLB Akeem Jordan
CB Keenan Lewis
CB Adam Jones
FS Nate Allen
SS William Moore
Redskins
QB Aaron Rodgers
RB Joique Bell
WR Demaryius Thomas
WR DeSean Jackson
TE Martellus Bennett
Joker Darren Sproles
LT Ryan Clady
LG Andrew Whitworth
C Evan Dietrich-Smith
RG Larry Warford
RT Cordy Glenn
DE Kawann Short
NT Akiem Hicks
DE Quinton Coples
OLB Everson Griffen
ILB Daryl Smith
ILB Jon Bostic
OLB Anthony Spencer
CB Tramaine Brock
CB Orlando Scandrick
FS Richard Marshall
SS Duron Harmon
I was originally planning on playing 4-3 but due to who I have drafted, I'm most suited for 3-4 at this particular moment. I'm still looking to draft a 2-down SLB and play 4-3 in base. I envision in subpackages Spencer and Griffen will play DE and Coples and Short will play DT. I think Harmon and Bostic are potentially holes but they are also potentially solid players also. I'll look to draft veteran stopgaps as backups in case Harmon and Bostic are disasters. Outside of those 2, I feel pretty comfortable with my other defensive starters.
Saints
QB Tom Brady
RB Danny Woodhead
WR Brian Hartline
WR Jeremy Kerley
TE Jimmy Graham
TE Vernon Davis
LT Eugene Monroe
LG Brandon Fusco
C Dominic Raiola
RG Todd Herremans
RT Mitchell Schwartz
DE Trent Cole
DT Terrance Knighton
DT Ray McDonald
DE Jabaal Sheard
WLB Lance Briggs
MLB Stephen Tulloch
SLB Akeem Jordan
CB Keenan Lewis
CB Adam Jones
FS Nate Allen
SS William Moore
deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
Solid teams. I'd expect both offenses to be somewhere in the top 10, not gonna break it down further but obviously 2 high level offenses.
Both defenses could use some work, but I really like the idea you mentioned of using some veteran stopgaps while some of your younger guys develop. Good idea for both teams with offenses ready to compete at the highest level. I should also mention that every team will have a weakness somewhere. A great offense normally means a weaker defense in a draft like this.
Still a lot of solid vets on defense available.
deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
Seattle Seahawks
22.26 - Chris Clemons DE
My quest continues to build this Seahawks team into a respectable unit from where it was when I took over.
Solid Veteran Pass Rusher that will be used in a rotation with Kamerion Wimbley at DE opposite of Chris Long. Could even use all 3 in a sub-package look to get after the QB.
22.26 - Chris Clemons DE
My quest continues to build this Seahawks team into a respectable unit from where it was when I took over.
Solid Veteran Pass Rusher that will be used in a rotation with Kamerion Wimbley at DE opposite of Chris Long. Could even use all 3 in a sub-package look to get after the QB.
Soulfly3
Footballguy
Finding a balance was so difficult.
Never been in a league remotely close to this size, so it was such a steep learning curve.
I like my team... dont love it... there are moves Id take back and some I like... fun regardless.
Will be interesting and funny to see how this plays out in madden,
Never been in a league remotely close to this size, so it was such a steep learning curve.
I like my team... dont love it... there are moves Id take back and some I like... fun regardless.
Will be interesting and funny to see how this plays out in madden,
deadlyrange0321
Footballguy
FUBAR
Footballguy
Yep
Carlos Rogers as our 3rd corner, good veteran presence and can either play the slot or captain might cover the better slot receivers.
Willie Young could start and I expect him to find a starting job in the real world.
I find it a little weird that there has been absolutely no activity today, either in this thread or in the draft, even if it is a Saturday. We've already discussed some about the top offenses in this league, so I was going to try and facilitate a little discussion about defense on this slow weekend.
One observation so far on the defensive side is how the talent is so spread around. I skimmed through the teams to pull some names for a quick list of some of the top defenses, and what I found is that so many teams, even the ones who spent a lot of early picks on defense, are strong in one of their corps, but merely solid (or fielding unproven players) in the others, making there few "elite" defenses in my mind. Therefore I think individual assessments of each defense are going to vary greatly based on what that individual looks for first in a strong unit. For example, at first glance the Broncos defense didn't appeal to me all that much (meaning I didn't see it immediately as a top unit) because I saw an average D-line and little pass rush. Upon a second look though, I see he has what may be the best secondary in the league, which will certainly cause others to first look at his defense and say "wow, really really tough to throw on. Fantastic D."
That being said, here are a couple of defenses that I personally really like and I think could contend for top defense status:
Jacksonville Jaguars - deep front seven headlined by Von and Jurrell, corners go four deep, one of the better safety pairs in the league. This is one of the few defenses that is filled with great talent top to bottom.
Atlanta Falcons - the front seven is just incredible with Suh, Poe, and Lamarr Houston backed up by a well above average linebacker corp. The secondary isn't elite but that front seven puts this unit in the conversation for me.
San Francisco 49ers - along with the Jaguars I think this is another unit that is filled from top to bottom with legitimate, proven talent.
I feel like I could keep going because again so many teams put together solid or better units, but these just happened to be the three that really stood out to me.
One observation so far on the defensive side is how the talent is so spread around. I skimmed through the teams to pull some names for a quick list of some of the top defenses, and what I found is that so many teams, even the ones who spent a lot of early picks on defense, are strong in one of their corps, but merely solid (or fielding unproven players) in the others, making there few "elite" defenses in my mind. Therefore I think individual assessments of each defense are going to vary greatly based on what that individual looks for first in a strong unit. For example, at first glance the Broncos defense didn't appeal to me all that much (meaning I didn't see it immediately as a top unit) because I saw an average D-line and little pass rush. Upon a second look though, I see he has what may be the best secondary in the league, which will certainly cause others to first look at his defense and say "wow, really really tough to throw on. Fantastic D."
That being said, here are a couple of defenses that I personally really like and I think could contend for top defense status:
Jacksonville Jaguars - deep front seven headlined by Von and Jurrell, corners go four deep, one of the better safety pairs in the league. This is one of the few defenses that is filled with great talent top to bottom.
Atlanta Falcons - the front seven is just incredible with Suh, Poe, and Lamarr Houston backed up by a well above average linebacker corp. The secondary isn't elite but that front seven puts this unit in the conversation for me.
San Francisco 49ers - along with the Jaguars I think this is another unit that is filled from top to bottom with legitimate, proven talent.
I feel like I could keep going because again so many teams put together solid or better units, but these just happened to be the three that really stood out to me.
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3 more specific players I want for 49ers D and if I get them I will be very pleased with how defense turned out.
Okay I'm glad I wasn't missing anything. I was googling Dent and Rivers to see if there was something about them that I didn't know.
Yes, although I love Indy's pass rush, their LB corps is very weak. That's not to say it isn't a great defense, because it is, just that linebackers keep me from thinking truly elite.
Soulfly3
Footballguy
Im the type that puts major emphasis on LBs, to the point where some say I overvalue them.
But I truly feel like they're the cog of a wicked and consistent defense.
Would like someone to review my defense. I know it's not the best, but I tried to go heavier on youth and then add some vets to bring the leadership:
Jenkins, Cullen NYG DT 144.0 0 Williams, Sylvester DEN DT 73.0 0 Jones, Chandler NEP DE 236.5 0 Ninkovich, Rob NEP DE 243.8 0 Allen, Russell JAC LB (P) 109.0 0 Burnett, Kevin OAK LB 199.9 0 Kuechly, Luke CAR LB 265.4 0 Washington, Daryl ARI LB 168.5 0 Kirkpatrick, Dre CIN CB 96.4 0 Powers, Jerraud ARI CB 182.5 0 Barron, Mark TBB S 189.3 0 Bethea, Antoine IND S
But I truly feel like they're the cog of a wicked and consistent defense.
Would like someone to review my defense. I know it's not the best, but I tried to go heavier on youth and then add some vets to bring the leadership:
Jenkins, Cullen NYG DT 144.0 0 Williams, Sylvester DEN DT 73.0 0 Jones, Chandler NEP DE 236.5 0 Ninkovich, Rob NEP DE 243.8 0 Allen, Russell JAC LB (P) 109.0 0 Burnett, Kevin OAK LB 199.9 0 Kuechly, Luke CAR LB 265.4 0 Washington, Daryl ARI LB 168.5 0 Kirkpatrick, Dre CIN CB 96.4 0 Powers, Jerraud ARI CB 182.5 0 Barron, Mark TBB S 189.3 0 Bethea, Antoine IND S
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Looking through the rosters, I don't see a single defense that scares me. I think the Redskins and Saints will be scoring at least 30 most weeks. There are some good defenses but none that I would categorize as being able to be dominant like the Seahawks were.
I think stylistically, the Eagles defense is very similar to the real life 49ers defense. Bowman, Johnson, Hali, and Worilds are similar to the 49ers's core of linebackers. Wilfork and Smith are getting old but they fit into this defense well. The defensive backfield is pretty weak but the front 7 will make them look better than they are (like the real life 49ers defensive backfield).
What's scary about the Eagles is this is one of the top defenses in the league and they also have Peyton Manning.
I think stylistically, the Eagles defense is very similar to the real life 49ers defense. Bowman, Johnson, Hali, and Worilds are similar to the 49ers's core of linebackers. Wilfork and Smith are getting old but they fit into this defense well. The defensive backfield is pretty weak but the front 7 will make them look better than they are (like the real life 49ers defensive backfield).
What's scary about the Eagles is this is one of the top defenses in the league and they also have Peyton Manning.
It seems you're running a 4-3, but you don't have a true strong-side OLB. Do you plan on putting Washington in that role? Or Kuechly? I like your front seven a lot in reading their names but I'm unsure of how they fit together scheme wise. I'm not a huge fan of your secondary; it seems like an average group. If you can figure out how to make your front seven work to work together and pressure passers, then I like your defense because they'll lift up the secondary. Otherwise, I can see you stopping the run very well (this will happen with your D no matter what) but getting thrown on a lot.
Soulfly3
Footballguy
I had to shift from a 3-4 to 4-3 as the draft progressed. My plan got #### on big time round by round.
Gonna try to pull it off and see how she goes.
I wish Id have played madden once in my life to see if they prioritize defense or offense more in a team. (And i kno this isnt a madden draft, but its the only 'sim' we have)
Gonna try to pull it off and see how she goes.
I wish Id have played madden once in my life to see if they prioritize defense or offense more in a team. (And i kno this isnt a madden draft, but its the only 'sim' we have)
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
I would prioritize personally:
1. Elite shutdown CB
2. Interior pressure
3. Edge Pressure
4. A single middle linebacker
5. Safeties
6. Other linebacker(s)/Corner(s)
Pimpin Joe
Footballguy
Colts owner here. LB is definitely a weakness for me. I went for a strong line and and secondary, and think I more than succeeded with that.
I'm from the uk and only been watching American Football for around 5 years, so this is definitely a learning experience for me. Enjoying doing some research on players I otherwise don't have too much insight on, but ultimately I'm likely to make a few mistakes on the way.
Still, I like my team overall. I missed on the elite QBs, and skill guys. But I think I've built a good Defense and a solid O-line. I likely wouldn't change too much from the strategy I've used if I was to draft from the 16 spot again.
I'm from the uk and only been watching American Football for around 5 years, so this is definitely a learning experience for me. Enjoying doing some research on players I otherwise don't have too much insight on, but ultimately I'm likely to make a few mistakes on the way.
Still, I like my team overall. I missed on the elite QBs, and skill guys. But I think I've built a good Defense and a solid O-line. I likely wouldn't change too much from the strategy I've used if I was to draft from the 16 spot again.
1. Joe Haden.
2. Muhammad Wilkerson(10.5 sacks last year) and Corey Peters(5). + Sealver Sliga(3 sacks in 5 games) as the 3rd guy
3. Olivier Vernon(11.5 sacks last year). Adrian Clayborn isn't great as a pass rusher but still young and improving with 13 sacks in his 2 seasons.
4. Kiko Alonso. One of the top MLBs in the league last year, and was only a rookie
5. Harrison Smith has been one of the best safeties in the league through his first 2 years.
6. Deandre Levy was Lions D MVP last year, 6 INTs and excellent in pass coverage. Prince Amukamura could be a #1CB for at least half the league and is my #2. Micah Hyde is also a great option to have as a nickel corner.
And yet no mention of the Giants D so far as one of the best.
The Giants D is definitely among the best. I definitely overlooked the strength of your secondary while skimming through for my original list. That being said, I don't think I'm quite as sold as you are. I am not 100% on Vernon's year. His sack numbers just seem inflated by playing across one of the league's best. Perhaps I'm wrong about him. I also don't know about Peters coming back from a serious injury (achilles) that has shown to really take it out of some players. I know nothing about Bartu and I am probably wrong about Levy but to me he seemed nothing more than a solid linebacker.
Fair enough, I guess it's possible I'm very biased towards my own guys as we all are. On Vernon...the inflated numbers are definitely possible, but on this defense he'll still be lining up with one of the league's best D-linemen in Wilkerson so he probably won't see many double teams. On Peters, the injury definitely does scare me so he is somewhat of a gamble. However, I was very impressed with how Sealver SIliga looked in his time with the Patriots last year after Wilfork and co. went down with injuries, so I wouldn't be too worried if I had to start him at DT.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Everson Griffen just got a B+ player contract. Maybe the Redskin's defense isn't hopeless!
RBM
Footballguy
I can't take a D serious that can't get to the qb. QBs and WRs are too good in this day and age. You give them time there's no such thing as a shutdown corner.
RBM
Footballguy
Yeah you're right...I shouldn't have said no weak spot. I really don't value LBs that highly though. Think you can get by with one real good one and then just some athletes. Plus at least half the time you only will have 2 on the field with today's game the way it is.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
I'm going to not include Watt in this statement because he's a different beast. However, given the choice of Sherman/Revis or McCoy or Suh or Geno or Von Miller or Quinn, I'll take Sherman/Revis every time.
When I say elite, shutdown CB, I don't mean a very good CB1. I mean a player on the level of Revis or Sherman. Haden and Peterson are very, very good but I would not consider them shutdown corners currently. I agree that pressure is the key to building a very good defense and it is a requisite. However,I personally believe that having that elite, shutdown corner is necessary to have a truly elite, dominant defense in today's NFL.
RBM
Footballguy
I'm so far on the opposite end of that. And I got news for ya....there is no difference between Revis, Sherman, Peterson and Haden. More news for ya....none of them can handle any of those big, fast, strong receivers one on one if the qb had time. Maybe 3-4 yrs ago Revis could, but none of these guys are near that level.
AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
I'm not saying an elite corner will automatically make a defense elite by himself. Being able to pressure the quarterback is necessary to have a very good defense. To have a truly dominant, elite defense though, you need both the ability to generate pressure and also an elite cornerback.
An elite #3 maybe ha
FUBAR
Footballguy
top corner on one of the two elite defenses this year.AwesomeAuger
Footballguy
Carolina defense was very mortal last year.
Nate Blough
Footballguy
I was able to alter some settings and enter this pick.
Also, whoever had Dallas and wanted Delmas - I changed that as well.
Nate Blough
Footballguy
Regarding the Madden input, would anyone be willing to help. With the new roster share feature, I can start on some of the teams then someone else can enter some and back and forth. If anyone is able, I have it for XBOX 360. Please let me know ASAP.
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