Article on starting spots open and FA #'s to fill them (1 Viewer)

[netnalp]

2013 Free Agency Preview

 

[msommer]

Good article, but would be improved by a list of what he considers starting quality free agents

 

[netnalp]

Good article, but would be improved by a list of what he considers starting quality free agents

I agree it would be nice if he included those. But if those were included it's possible readers would argue over the writer's list of whom is considered starter quality or not. I think he will get into who those starter quality FA are in future articles. I just liked the approach of looking at the demand/supply for each position and how it could impact the size of contracts.It would have been nice if he further broke it down into players that can fit the 3-4 and 4-3. Because the way the article is written, it looks like teams going to a 4-3 are going to be fighting over a few DTs and those going to a 3-4 are screwed when it comes to LB's.

 

[jonboltz]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

 

[Biabreakable]

Good article, but would be improved by a list of what he considers starting quality free agents

The Author states that they will be doing that in future installments. This article is based on players becoming a starter by their 4th season.

The real market, and where the big bucks will be spent are on starters. This is why if you’re not a starter after your 4th season, your time in this league will be very short lived. (pay attention future draftees) Based on some research I’ve done, and bear in mind this is not completely scientific as I don’t know every teams’ rosters that well, there are about 159 open starting spots in the NFL following the 2012 season, broken down as followsositionOpen Positions (<10 openings)TE 10T 18G 13DT 18LB 25S 17CB 15Some of these positions are going to be in greater demand than others. For example, the Defensive Tackle market will be an interesting one to watch as there are 18 starting spots available, a weak free agent class, and an average draft class. This will probably increase the values of players such as Henry Melton (Chi) and Desmond Bryant (Oak),

I happen to think this draft class is above average at the DT position, which may be in part why teams have 18 open spots at this time across the league. I do not think Melton would do as well as a 3-4 DE. Bryant could I suppose but I think Melton is best used as a under tackle/3 technique in a 4-3 defense.I am surprised there are 25 LB spots open across the league. Far more than at any other position.

 

[netnalp]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:ColtsBengalsSteelersJetsPackersRamsCardinalsLions

 

[jonboltz]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:ColtsBengalsSteelersJetsPackersRamsCardinalsLions

Maybe I read it wrong, but it appeared like the article was only suggesting 3 RB spots. I think that number is very low.

 

[Jeff Pasquino]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:ColtsBengalsSteelersJetsPackersRamsCardinalsLions

Maybe I read it wrong, but it appeared like the article was only suggesting 3 RB spots. I think that number is very low.

I'd include the Falcons on that list, and the Dolphins as well if Reggie Bush leaves.

 

[netnalp]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:ColtsBengalsSteelersJetsPackersRamsCardinalsLions

Maybe I read it wrong, but it appeared like the article was only suggesting 3 RB spots. I think that number is very low.

I'd include the Falcons on that list, and the Dolphins as well if Reggie Bush leaves.

Aren't the Dolphins likely to stay with Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller?

 

[netnalp]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:ColtsBengalsSteelersJetsPackersRamsCardinalsLions

Maybe I read it wrong, but it appeared like the article was only suggesting 3 RB spots. I think that number is very low.

You're right, my mistake. The article is off saying only 3, it is more in the 8-10 range.

 

[plastik]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:

Colts

Bengals

Steelers

Jets

Packers

Rams

Cardinals

Lions

Maybe I read it wrong, but it appeared like the article was only suggesting 3 RB spots. I think that number is very low.

You're right, my mistake. The article is off saying only 3, it is more in the 8-10 range.

With RBs I think you have to look a bit deeper too. I think there are other teams that seem likely to draft or add RBs, and with this position in particular, the chances of them becoming a starter at some point during the season (due to injury or otherwise) are fairly good.In addition to the teams you've listed, I'd look for the following (with Jeff's suggestions first) to add a RB:

Falcons (Turner gone?)

Miami (If Reggie leaves)

Jacksonville (Jennings is UFA, MJD injuries an issue)

Tennessee (Ringer UFA)

KC (Hillis is UFA)

Oakland (Goodson UFA, McFadden injury issues)

Chargers (Ronnie Brown and Battle UFAs and competition for Matthews?)

Dallas (Felix UFA and Murray often injured)

Washington (another late round flyer?)

Chicago (In need of 3rd, developmental RB?)

Minnesota (Gerhart UFA in 2014)

Tampa (Blount UFA)

 

[jonboltz]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:ColtsBengalsSteelersJetsPackersRamsCardinalsLions

Maybe I read it wrong, but it appeared like the article was only suggesting 3 RB spots. I think that number is very low.

I'd include the Falcons on that list, and the Dolphins as well if Reggie Bush leaves.

Aren't the Dolphins likely to stay with Daniel Thomas and Lamar Miller?

As a big Miller fan/owner, I hope so. Though I would be surprised if they didn't at least bring in some type of vet insurance there.

 

[Donnybrook]

There are at least double the amount of starting RB spots that are open for 2013.

I think the intent of the article is discussing starting spots that teams will look to fill in FA or the draft. There are more than 8 starting RB spots that change but some of those will filled by a RB already on the roster.To me it seems like 8 is about right. The teams I think might be looking for a RB to start in FA or the draft:

Colts

Bengals

Steelers

Jets

Packers

Rams

Cardinals

Lions

Maybe I read it wrong, but it appeared like the article was only suggesting 3 RB spots. I think that number is very low.

You're right, my mistake. The article is off saying only 3, it is more in the 8-10 range.

With RBs I think you have to look a bit deeper too. I think there are other teams that seem likely to draft or add RBs, and with this position in particular, the chances of them becoming a starter at some point during the season (due to injury or otherwise) are fairly good.In addition to the teams you've listed, I'd look for the following (with Jeff's suggestions first) to add a RB:

Falcons (Turner gone?)

Miami (If Reggie leaves)

Jacksonville (Jennings is UFA, MJD injuries an issue)

Tennessee (Ringer UFA)

KC (Hillis is UFA)

Oakland (Goodson UFA, McFadden injury issues)

Chargers (Ronnie Brown and Battle UFAs and competition for Matthews?)

Dallas (Felix UFA and Murray often injured)

Washington (another late round flyer?)

Chicago (In need of 3rd, developmental RB?)

Minnesota (Gerhart UFA in 2014)

Tampa (Blount UFA)

You both missed Denver. McGahee is 31 years old.

 

[netnalp]

The writer responded to my comment and says his 3 teams looking for a RB are Pittsburgh, NY Jets, and Dolphins.I told him the Bengals, Packers and Falcons are as likely as those teams to be looking for a starting RB. Colts, Cardinals, Lions might stick with RBs currently on their roster since they have more pressing needs, so I can understand them not being included. Rams, hard to say, they might go with the 2012 rookies, but it wouldn't surprise if they go after a RB to compete for the starting spot.

 

[netnalp]

In addition to the teams you've listed, I'd look for the following (with Jeff's suggestions first) to add a RB:

Jacksonville (Jennings is UFA, MJD injuries an issue)

Tennessee (Ringer UFA)

KC (Hillis is UFA)

Oakland (Goodson UFA, McFadden injury issues)

Chargers (Ronnie Brown and Battle UFAs and competition for Matthews?)

Washington (another late round flyer?)

Chicago (In need of 3rd, developmental RB?)

Minnesota (Gerhart UFA in 2014)

Tampa (Blount UFA)

Those teams may look to improve their depth, but they are unlikely to be looking to fill an opening at the starting RB spot in the draft or FA. One may open up with injury but the article isn't looking at that, it's looking at expected starting vacancies this spring.