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Tell the Sharks what your team's Biggest Needs are going into the off season and NFL Draft '25 (1 Viewer)

Ministry of Pain

Footballguy
In your own words and observations, please share what you would like to see happen with your home team or the teams you tend to root for and watch almost on a weekly basis
I have several teams I want to examine/look further into and by the end it will enable some of us to have a more complete picture of how things are going to appear

Some of you have a 2nd, 3rd and 4th team you enjoy watching so feel free to jump in and fire away.
I will lead with an example of some quick notes, what the team needs to try for say the next 2-3 steps to improve the team as quickly as possible.

Miami Dolphins

-Head Coach Mike McDaniel - Year 4 in 2025, zero Playoff victories, last season he had his worst record (8-9) and should be under close scrutiny for the '25 season, under contract thru '28
The OC is Frank Smith but I doubt it matters, MM does most of the play calling and game planning himself. Weaver is the DC and will be entering Year 2, I'll discuss the Defense in more detail ahead.

QB - Tua Tags is the starter in 2025 and likely 2026 so you are likely to see the QB1 spot go down for any numerous reasons but Tua sustained another major concussion this year and you do wonder what the Dolphins might be thinking about. Yeah they inked him to 4yr/$210M+ but there are ways for them to shorten this up. I could see a restructure almost immediately to dissolve the auto '26 salary. Tua has no guaranteed money in 2026 and it's like $50M against the cap vs save $40M parting ways, we'll see what happens.

Miami would be wise to draft a back up QB somewhere after the 1st or 2nd round, they need to have a back up that's cheap and can also progress and learn and perhaps be there in case Tua gets injured again which in all likelihood is bound to happen when you read his medical chart and previous injuries.

RB - This is one of Miami's strengths. They have Achane and Wright, they don't need to spend a penny more on this position except maybe a late round pick or UDFA, even Mostert might need to be cut.

WR - Hill suddenly wants to stay and cash his $30M per season, remarkable. Waddle is an overpaid WR2 that gets WR1 hype. He has had B2B subpar seasons and yet everyone is still red hot on this guy. Miami is top heavy at WR and because they pay the combo about $55M+ and then you add Tua at $50M, Phins are not going to be adding a lot at WR. Plus they have a rookie from last season, Malik Washington that they want to bring along and hopefully turn into their WR3. Injuries can bring this unit down quickly some infused talent at WR4/5/6 would be nice but a luxury this team cannot entertain

TE - Smith is under contract but Miami might want to extend him further. He should not be Miami's lead receiver most weeks but he's open a lot with such speed at receiver around him. Smythe is going to be cut and I could see Miami going Tight End in the Draft if they can add some picks and find something in the 2nd-3rd.

OL - Armstead and Jackson are set at Tackle for now, Paul was drafted last season and that's your trio right now. Nobody is taking Armstead's job soI say he stays for now. No guaranteed money and his salary is actually decent at around $12-$15M right now. Jackson was not having a great season when he went down last year, Tua's blind side is this Right Tackle spot.

Where Miami needs help is inside at both the LG and RG spot. Brewer is the starting Center and is undersized but ranks fairly high on PFF.
Miami is likely going to snag at least 1 OL in the 1st-2nd Round of the NFL Draft, they could possible fill the Guard spots like most normal teams in the 4th-6th rounds but it's the Phins...
Miami does not have the cap space to go out and do a ton trying to fill their holes. It would be wise if they tried to plug a couple of big holes on both sides of the Lines and do it thru the Draft

Edge: Chop was drafted in the 1st, mix of good and bad, hoping to see some more improvement in Year 2. Chubb is likely to get cut after missing all of 2024, at best a restructure. Phillips coming back from another injury. Miami is a candidate to take an Edge rusher in the Draft, most teams are. It's not the most pressing need but it wouldn't hurt to add something there

IDL - Miami needs to try and invest thru the Draft. There are some very good Defensive Tackles that Miami can look at. They won't be sexy picks or get a lot more pressure on the QB but it will plug up and stop teams on short yardage to force more punts and get the offense on the field more often.

LBs - Brooks is going to be released, Miami will try and address 1 LB position thru free agency after they free up some cap space in the coming weeks.

DBs -Ramsey and Fuller will return and start at both corner spots. Miami will sign or put the franchise tag on Holland, they can't afford to open holes in the Secondary. Miami has some other DBs including Storm Duck and I feel like the Phins are above average in the Secondary overall, a little more help from the Edge rushers and Miami will appear better at stopping the pass.

Overall: Miami has great weapons at the skill positions so logic would tell you their biggest needs are along their OL
They should want to build the strongest OL possible to protect Tua and exploit a couple RBs/WRs
Why it has taken them this long to figure it out is a mystery and I'm still not convinced they will do the right thing, more likely they just keep applying band aids

Biggest needs: LG/RG, IDL/NT, LB/EDGE
 
One team i want to learn a lot more about is Washington.
Sure they have their QB but when you go up and down their roster, it's hard to understand how they made it as far as they did
It's also safe to assume or gamble they might not return so quickly.
They have a lot of positions they could use an upgrade and have something like 28 UFA, no way they can keep everyone and they likely shouldn't.
Wagner and Fowler were big impacts as veterans on the Defense, not sure you want to invest big dollars on older players but how do you replace them?

I found an article that looks interesting and might be better than anything I can come up with so maybe we can start here

These types of articles are the ones I want to try and post/share in here for feedback
 
Falcons

QB - Penix/Cousins -
In typical Falcons form, trying to follow the footsteps of another organization who tried the 1st round pick behind an established vet dynamic didn't exactly work out as planned. While the Falcons have sabre-rattled with respect to keeping Cousins as a back-up, ignoring downside consequences of such an action would be unwise.

Verdict: Penix is the guy and the Falcons will figure out QB2 options outside of Cousins by waiving him prior to a $10M roster bonus scheduled to be paid out mid-March.

WR - London & Mooney - The acquisition of Mooney was schrewd and provided the passing attack another reason to ignore Kyle Pitts. Ray-Ray McCloud provided yeoman like work as a WR3 when Rondale Moore went down in training camp. But the depth at this position feels rough and for a 2nd year QB only making his 4th start come the start of the 2025 season, a Day 2 selection here isn't off the table.

Verdict: Probably more of a Day 3 fortification area...

TE - Pitts - somehow, someway...the Falcons thought it wise to pick-up Pitts' 5th year option last off-season. But it feels like a divorce here is best for both parties.

Verdict: the Falcons get back a Day 3 pick

C - Drew Dalman - despite an unenviable salary cap situation, the Falcons can't let one of the better young C's in the NFL get away. He'd have a fairly robust market.

Verdict: 4 years $48M should get it done

Defensive Front 7: The Falcons saw the front 7 log 6840 defensive snaps last year. 62.4% of those were logged by players who'll be at least 29 next season including Grady Jarrett, Matthew Judon, David Onyemata & Kaden Ellis - who are all 30+. To say the Falcons need to rebuild this with youth would be an understatement since veteran capability here wasn't exactly setting the world on fire to begin with.

Verdict: Expect most moves in the draft on Day 1-2 to be here, although they gave up the 3rd rounder in the trade for Judon. Who was underwhelming.

CB2 - AJ Terrell is a legit player, but when you play a cascade of journeymen across from him...it's easy for teams to scheme around having to throw his way. The Falcons would be wise to look at trying to get someone better than a mike Hughes level guy, but the combination of bad cap management and limited draft capital may make this tough.

Verdict: Unless an optimistic scenario like Will Johnson dropping to #15 occurs...likely another stopgap coming

OVERALL: There is alot of excitement in Atlanta about Penix as well there should be as he showed an electric arm and some nice grit in his 3-game audition. But GM Terry Fontenot has been abhorrent in his 4 draft classes when not picking in the top 10 and the Falcons got off to a great 6-3 start behind Kirk Cousins playing like Kirk Cousins. So another 7-8 win season feels like a likely outcome.
 
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Philadelphia Eagles

-Head Coach Nick Sirianni - Needs a new contract. After winning the Super Bowl probably looking at becoming the highest paid coach in the league. The Eagles will need a new OC after losing Kellen Moore to New Orleans.

TE - Goedert is getting long in the tooth and has issues staying healthy. A viable replacement for Goedert isn't really on the roster as Calcaterra is more of a backup/depth guy.

OL - Lane Johnson has already said he's coming back for next season. The Eagles should look to find his replacement sooner rather than later. RG Mekhi Becton is the only FA and the he will probably be lost to FA but the Eagles already have Tyler Steen who Becton beat out in camp ready to go.

Edge: Josh Sweat is a FA and Brandon Graham is going to retire. Nolan Smith might have been the Eagles best Edge rusher and Jalyx Hunt really came on at the end and both guys are signed on their rookie deals. Not sure what the Eagles will do with Bryce Huff, maybe he'll get his act together, he just seemed like a bad fit for Fangio, my guess is he's a potential cut/trade guy. Eagles could use some depth edge rushers as I don't see them re-signing Sweat.

IDL - Jalen Carter, Moro Ojomo and Jordan Davis are still on rookie deals. Milton Williams is a FA and will likely be lost. Really just need a depth guy here.

LBs - Nakobe Dean is probably going to miss most of 2025 and Zach Baun is due a monster contract. Philly typically doesn't value the LB position, but I think if they bring any of their FAs back, Baun is the most likely. This would be a definite need, but Eagles usually just scrap heap this position so I have no idea where they're going here.

DBs -All the starters are signed for 2025. Rumor was Slay wasn't going to be brought back. They might go bargain in his spot and bring back Isaiah Rodgers to be the starter or they have Kelee Ringo who might take the role. DB is not a high priority.

Overall: I'd say LB is potential a weakness heading into 2025 if they let Baun walk. Edge rusher is a weakness, but I expect the Eagles top pick to be edge, but hoping that Colston Loveland drops to them. The entire offense, sans Becton will be back so any offensive guys will be depth. Howie Roseman has really set the team up for sustained success as he just keeps cycling guys in and out.

Biggest needs: LB/EDGE, TE, Depth OL/DL
 
OL - Lane Johnson has already said he's coming back for next season. The Eagles should look to find his replacement sooner rather than later. RG Mekhi Becton is the only FA and the he will probably be lost to FA but the Eagles already have Tyler Steen who Becton beat out in camp ready to go.
Great summary. I don’t think you can overstate how important Lane is for the teams’ success. A replacement won’t be easily found in the draft…makes me wonder if they might see Becton as an eventual replacement. Sign him to a four year deal at guard money with escalators if he moves to tackle. Just because he failed in NY doesn’t mean he can’t play the position and he’s still just 25.
 
Chicago Bears

Despite their disappointing 5-12 season, the 2024 Bears roster was pretty solid, with at least decent starters in most spots. The biggest problems last year were a lack of high-end talent (just 1 Pro Bowler, CB Jaylon Johnson, and no one else who came close to deserving it), poor QB play (Caleb Williams struggled as a rookie), poor coaching, and a lack of depth (especially at OL, and also DL).

My roster analysis from a month ago

This offseason: new coaching staff, landing the top HC candidate, Ben Johnson. The hope is that Caleb Williams will take a step forward in year 2, with Johnson's help. And the Bears have been busy in free agency, and with trades, mainly making their roster even more solid. They've replaced 4 starters with upgrades (OG Joe Thuney replaces Teven Jenkins, C Drew Dalman replaces Coleman Shelton, OG Jonah Jackson replaces Matt Pryor, EDGE Dayo Odeyingo replaces DeMarcus Walker), and they're returning 17 other starters, with just 1 downgrade among their starting 22 (WR Olamide Zaccheaus replaces Keenan Allen). Those 4 upgrades each cost $14M-$18M/yr, as does FA signing DT Grady Jackson who bumps last year's starter Andrew Billings down to a rotational DT3 role.

For high end talent, Thuney gives them a second 2024 season Pro Bowler, and Dalman joins DJ Moore as players in the talent tier just below that. Having more high-end talent than that will probably depend on hitting on early draft picks (or development from previous early picks like Rome Odunze), though it's possible that they have another splash move still to come.

The roster is still short on depth in most places, especially EDGE, OL, WR, and LB, but it's still early in FA and the draft is still to come.

Draft picks: 10, 39, 41, 72, 148, 233, 240

Extension candidates (in a contract year): LT Braxton Jones, OG Joe Thuney, SCB Kyler Gordon, S Jaquan Brisker, DT Andrew Billings

Positional Needs
Glaring needs: none
Biggest needs: HB, WR, EDGE, CB
Other needs: LB, OL, DT, S
Not much of a need: TE, QB


Biggest Needs: HB, WR, EDGE, CB
Setting aside quarterback, the weakest players among the Bears current projected starting 22 are HB D'Andre Swift, WR3 Olamide Zaccheaus, and CB2 Tyrique Stevenson, which puts those 3 positions among the Bears' biggest needs. EDGE3 is as important as some starters, given the premium on pass rush and how much guys rotate in & out, and the Bears don't have one (they lost last year's EDGE3 Darrell Taylor to free agency). These are the 4 most obvious directions for their rd1 pick (possibly after a trade-down), and for day 2.

HB: D'Andre Swift was a bad signing last offseason (and Ben Johnson has already moved on from him once), and Roschon Johnson is nothing special. They could look for a receiving back (like Gibbs), a power back (like Montgomery), or a do-it-all back. Possible draft targets: Ashton Jeanty at pick 10, various others later in the draft.

WR: DJ Moore & Rome Odunze are a nice duo, potentially a great one, but Zaccheaus is just a stopgap and they have nothing behind him (Tyler Scott led the rest of their WRs with 1 reception last year). Possible draft targets: Emeka Egbuka after a round 1 trade-down, various others

EDGE: Montez Sweat & Dayo Odeyingbo are the starting duo, but currently pencilled in at EDGE3 is Austin Booker, last year's 5th round pick who was pretty awful as a rookie. Possible draft targets: Shemar Stewart (if they value size), Mike Green (if they value success rushing the passer in college and don't mind his character issues), various others

CB: Jaylon Johnson is great, but Tyrique Stevenson was probably their worst defensive starter last year (and not just for the lowlight of the season against Washington), and slot corner Kyler Gordon is going into the last year of his contract (though he's good and ideally will get extended this offseason). Possible draft targets: Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, various others


Other Needs: LB, OL, DT, S
These are mainly about depth, preparing for the future, and prioritizing the trenches. These are more plausible as day 2 options or later, but could be worth considering in rd1 if they love the player.

LB: Starters Tremaine Edmunds & TJ Edwards aren't great and could be gone after this year, with Edmunds in his last year of guaranteed money (and overpaid) and Edwards in the last year of his contract (and 29 years old). Last year's LB3 Jack Sanborn was solid depth but they didn't bring him back as a RFA, so their LB depth is a career special teamer Amen Ogbongbemiga and a 2023 5th rounder who hasn't played much Noah Sewell. LB isn't a priority position, but they could use a 2026 starter, depth this year, and possibly an upgrade in the starting lineup this year, so I can see a case even for (say) Jihaad Campbell in rd1 after a trade-down.

OL: They have a good starting 5, with 3 expensive new veterans on the IOL and tackles Braxton Jones & Darnell Wright on their rookie deals, but poor depth. Ryan Bates is maybe adequate IOL depth, and Kiran Amegadjie (2024 3rd round OT out of Yale) was awful last year but might improve into an adequate swing tackle. The big question is whether they see Braxton Jones as their long-term answer at LT; I think that he is and they should try to extend him now (he's going into the last year of his rookie contract), but if they don't then they could draft his successor in rd1 (e.g. Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks). If they extend Jones then everyone besides Thuney will be under contract for 2026, so a round 1 OL pick wouldn't make much sense, but it would still be reasonable to add depth later in the draft.

DT: They have a strong trio of Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, and Andrew Billings, but it's great to have a disruptive interior pass rusher, the DT rotation can go 4 deep, and Billings is in the last year of his deal. So it wouldn't be crazy to take one rd1 (e.g. Mason Graham if he falls to 10, Walter Nolen or Derrick Harmon after a trade-down), or later on.

S: Jaquan Brisker & Kevin Byard are a good starting duo, and Jonathan Owens & Eliljah Hicks are solid depth (both played well last year when Brisker missed most of the season with a concussion). However, all 4 are in the last year of their contracts, Byard turns 32 this year, and Brisker's history of concussions is a concern and if he is healthy he's likely to be expensive to re-sign. Depending on how worried they are about Brisker, safety could move up or down a tier of needs.


Not Much of a Need: TE, QB

TE: Cole Kmet is a solid TE signed long-term, and they added Durham Smythe on a 1-year deal as depth. They do need a 3rd TE who can take snaps (though that could be a cheap FA), an improvement on Smythe would have some value if they run a lot of 2 TE sets (which they could do if they have the personnel for it and don't upgrade on Zaccheaus at WR3), and they could move on from Kmet in a year or two if they have someone better (2025 is his last year of guaranteed money).

QB: Caleb Williams wasn't good last year, but he's the guy. Tyson Bagent is an adequate backup but they could look to improve at QB2 late in the draft.


Specialists
KR/PR is a need, with last year's primary returner DeAndre Carter a FA. The top candidates on the roster are probably CB Josh Blackwell, WR Tyler Scott, and WR Olamide Zaccheaus.

They're set at P, K, and LS.
 
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Chicago Bears

Despite their disappointing 5-12 season, the 2024 Bears roster was pretty solid, with at least decent starters in most spots. The biggest problems last year were a lack of high-end talent (just 1 Pro Bowler, CB Jaylon Johnson, and no one else who came close to deserving it), poor QB play (Caleb Williams struggled as a rookie), poor coaching, and a lack of depth (especially at OL, and also DL).

My roster analysis from a month ago

This offseason: new coaching staff, landing the top HC candidate, Ben Johnson. The hope is that Caleb Williams will take a step forward in year 2, with Johnson's help. And the Bears have been busy in free agency, and with trades, mainly making their roster even more solid. They've replaced 4 starters with upgrades (OG Joe Thuney replaces Teven Jenkins, C Drew Dalman replaces Coleman Shelton, OG Jonah Jackson replaces Matt Pryor, EDGE Dayo Odeyingo replaces DeMarcus Walker), and they're returning 17 other starters, with just 1 downgrade among their starting 22 (WR Olamide Zaccheaus replaces Keenan Allen). Those 4 upgrades each cost $14M-$18M/yr, as does FA signing DT Grady Jackson who bumps last year's starter Andrew Billings down to a rotational DT3 role.

For high end talent, Thuney gives them a second 2024 season Pro Bowler, and Dalman joins DJ Moore as players in the talent tier just below that. Having more high-end talent than that will probably depend on hitting on early draft picks (or development from previous early picks like Rome Odunze), though it's possible that they have another splash move still to come.

The roster is still short on depth in most places, especially EDGE, OL, WR, and LB, but it's still early in FA and the draft is still to come.

Draft picks: 10, 39, 41, 72, 148, 233, 240

Extension candidates (in a contract year): LT Braxton Jones, OG Joe Thuney, SCB Kyler Gordon, S Jaquan Brisker, DT Andrew Billings

Positional Needs
Glaring needs: none
Biggest needs: HB, WR, EDGE, CB
Other needs: LB, OL, DT, S
Not much of a need: TE, QB


Biggest Needs: HB, WR, EDGE, CB
Setting aside quarterback, the weakest players among the Bears current projected starting 22 are HB D'Andre Swift, WR3 Olamide Zaccheaus, and CB2 Tyrique Stevenson, which puts those 3 positions among the Bears' biggest needs. EDGE3 is as important as some starters, given the premium on pass rush and how much guys rotate in & out, and the Bears don't have one (they lost last year's EDGE3 Darrell Taylor to free agency). These are the 4 most obvious directions for their rd1 pick (possibly after a trade-down), and for day 2.

HB: D'Andre Swift was a bad signing last offseason (and Ben Johnson has already moved on from him once), and Roschon Johnson is nothing special. They could look for a receiving back (like Gibbs), a power back (like Montgomery), or a do-it-all back. Possible draft targets: Ashton Jeanty at pick 10, various others later in the draft.

WR: DJ Moore & Rome Odunze are a nice duo, potentially a great one, but Zaccheaus is just a stopgap and they have nothing behind him (Tyler Scott led the rest of their WRs with 1 reception last year). Possible draft targets: Emeka Egbuka after a round 1 trade-down, various others

EDGE: Montez Sweat & Dayo Odeyingbo are the starting duo, but currently pencilled in at EDGE3 is Austin Booker, last year's 5th round pick who was pretty awful as a rookie. Possible draft targets: Shemar Stewart (if they value size), Mike Green (if they value success rushing the passer in college and don't mind his character issues), various others

CB: Jaylon Johnson is great, but Tyrique Stevenson was probably their worst defensive starter last year (and not just for the lowlight of the season against Washington), and slot corner Kyler Gordon is going into the last year of his contract (though he's good and ideally will get extended this offseason). Possible draft targets: Will Johnson, Jahdae Barron, various others


Other Needs: LB, OL, DT, S
These are mainly about depth, preparing for the future, and prioritizing the trenches. These are more plausible as day 2 options or later, but could be worth considering in rd1 if they love the player.

LB: Starters Tremaine Edmunds & TJ Edwards aren't great and could be gone after this year, with Edmunds in his last year of guaranteed money (and overpaid) and Edwards in the last year of his contract (and 29 years old). Last year's LB3 Jack Sanborn was solid depth but they didn't bring him back as a RFA, so their LB depth is a career special teamer Amen Ogbongbemiga and a 2023 5th rounder who hasn't played much Noah Sewell. LB isn't a priority position, but they could use a 2026 starter, depth this year, and possibly an upgrade in the starting lineup this year, so I can see a case even for (say) Jihaad Campbell in rd1 after a trade-down.

OL: They have a good starting 5, with 3 expensive new veterans on the IOL and tackles Braxton Jones & Darnell Wright on their rookie deals, but poor depth. Ryan Bates is maybe adequate IOL depth, and Kiran Amegadjie (2024 3rd round OT out of Yale) was awful last year but might improve into an adequate swing tackle. The big question is whether they see Braxton Jones as their long-term answer at LT; I think that he is and they should try to extend him now (he's going into the last year of his rookie contract), but if they don't then they could draft his successor in rd1 (e.g. Armand Membou, Kelvin Banks). If they extend Jones then everyone besides Thuney will be under contract for 2026, so a round 1 OL pick wouldn't make much sense, but it would still be reasonable to add depth later in the draft.

DT: They have a strong trio of Gervon Dexter, Grady Jarrett, and Andrew Billings, but it's great to have a disruptive interior pass rusher, the DT rotation can go 4 deep, and Billings is in the last year of his deal. So it wouldn't be crazy to take one rd1 (e.g. Mason Graham if he falls to 10, Walter Nolen or Derrick Harmon after a trade-down), or later on.

S: Jaquan Brisker & Kevin Byard are a good starting duo, and Jonathan Owens & Eliljah Hicks are solid depth (both played well last year when Brisker missed most of the season with a concussion). However, all 4 are in the last year of their contracts, Byard turns 32 this year, and Brisker's history of concussions is a concern and if he is healthy he's likely to be expensive to re-sign. Depending on how worried they are about Brisker, safety could move up or down a tier of needs.


Not Much of a Need: TE, QB

TE: Cole Kmet is a solid TE signed long-term, and they added Durham Smythe on a 1-year deal as depth. They do need a 3rd TE who can take snaps (though that could be a cheap FA), an improvement on Smythe would have some value if they run a lot of 2 TE sets (which they could do if they have the personnel for it and don't upgrade on Zaccheaus at WR3), and they could move on from Kmet in a year or two if they have someone better (2025 is his last year of guaranteed money).

QB: Caleb Williams wasn't good last year, but he's the guy. Tyson Bagent is an adequate backup but they could look to improve at QB2 late in the draft.


Specialists
KR/PR is a need, with last year's primary returner DeAndre Carter a FA. The top candidates on the roster are probably CB Josh Blackwell, WR Tyler Scott, and WR Olamide Zaccheaus.

They're set at P, K, and LS.
:goodposting:
 
Titans had the top ranked D for most of the season by yards allowed. Say whatever ya want about that metric but they were even at historically great levels around week eight with Ravens and Bears and Haynesworth Titans graphics on the screen.
They had insane ILB depth with like ten starters and managed that oh so poorly with bad trades and subs but still the Eagles crossed them late to be first/tops in defense.

Sweat is OMG could he be a hall of famer? Teams have taken a lot bigger risks than he was to be passed on on draft day. He and Simmons were quietly dominant much of the year and their journeyman CB played great and star WRs were complimenting their fifth round CB. Not to mention their 23 off-season was about adding two pro bowl CBs already.

The defense is "don't mess this up" and (late to the thread) they decided to tinker some more with LBs and cut Awuzie and we're all hoping Snead's health isn't an issue.
They added a DL in free agency and woah. If they add another in the draft...telling ya, they could be the best DL in football.

Special teams was historically bad. Like beyond setting records but setting new way worse ones. They had a top punter and a kicker that had a streak of this many games without a miss. Note the LB depth earlier and OMG was their ST coach ineffective.

The offense was a clown show. Someone on YouTube took away Pollard's runs and just showed all? a lot? of plays and OMG. The only way Callahan and their OC kept their jobs is because the Titans owner didn't watch that video.

They drafted the top tackle in each of the last two drafts but umm one is a guard and one is maybe moving to RT. The lack of understanding pick value has me screaming they need to hire an FF guy to consult but...that GM is gone and now all our metrics for when to draft a RT or G are skewed.
Cush at C, new G from Detroit. Looking good just need a RT.
Welp they signed Moore to 20 mil per and he allowed the most sacks at LT soooo idk if they just added another bad tackle or it's solidified now. It's debatable if Latham is RT or LT.
Buss was signed and quickly jnjured so everyone forgot him but they actually have another T/G that can start.
Anywho four talented lineman for Daddy Callahan and maybe the offense has order now and isn't just chuck it before ya get sacked or do something stupid.

Prior GM turned over the roster 60+ percent twice.
New GM had 31 of 60ish free agents this year and only re-signed about seven. They will be different again in 2025.

I don't see any reason why they couldn't replace everyone else on offense.
OMG athletically blessed Ridley ran wrong routes and dropped passes. Chig still can't block. He did his patented explosive few plays to have us talk about him again but otherwise he doesn't box out so he's a WR pretending to be a TE. Whyle always looks fine and has long arms he knows how to use. DMR looks like a stud but they didn't play him much at all.

Oliver was a UDFA that came out of nowhere and he could really be a player. He doesn't care the scenario or who is covering him in such a glorious way. Ya want that mindset in a WR. He made a few big third down catches and the coach continuously said he'd play more and didn't. No idea if he's anything.

Jahquan Jackson was drafted to be a return guy but had some spark to him in camp and made a few plays and then fumbled on returns and spent the season in the coach's doghouse.

It's ridiculous to not know if Oliver and DMR and Jackson are anything noteworthy. They were the worst team and it's terrible oversight to not put em in and find out. They're each preseason darlings with like five catches in season.

I go back to everyone on offense is replaceable and Callahan looks bad bad.

He is well regarded as an offensive guru And QB guru but his one season put his career at a crossroads. The Titans need a ton of added talent on offense and he needs to "prove his mettle." There's no time. New coaches don't coach the worst team (twice?) and get more opportunities as a head coach. I'd look for more n more players to be added on offense.

Spears and Burks probably got injured while I typed this
 
Bills quick summary

In general the Bills do not give much opportunity or even playing time to rookies. Not many exceptions in this stretch with McDermott, they tend to make their mark in year 2 or 3.

Would not be surprised if the first three picks are all defence (1st and two 2nds)

QB - Allen likes to pick his QB2, it seems so the Bills are set there.

RB - with three locked in, there isn’t even a roster space for anyone. Expect a later round pick to put on the practice squad, but they already have a player there (Gore Jr)

WR - hard to see targets in year one for anyone at this spot. They swung and missed with C Samuel but gave him a bunch of money on a three year deal last year. Now adding Palmer on a three year deal and extending Shakir (great move) hard to imagine them picking one before the 4th. Thing is, I can see them needing one year after next if Coleman is a bust (worried) and they cut Samuel.

TE - A big contract and a first round draft pick occupying all the snaps. Not enough production. Hard to see the Bills investing here as they can’t get out from their current players. Maybe Kincaid will catch the ball next year…

Oline - pretty good shape here. Both tackles are locked up long term. McGovern at C is in his last year but they have a potential replacement in Van Pran Granger. RG is in year three of rookie deal (Torrence) I could see them adding Guard depth in Rd 3+

DE/DT - catch 22 at these positions. They have a lot of players on one year deals. They rotate a lot and don’t give many snaps to anyone. It is hard to see anyone getting many snaps but they need long term certainty here so it wouldn’t surprise me to see one player at each position taken with the first three picks.

LB - The Bills mostly just field two but have three decent (+) ones. Milano is aging, Bernard at MLB just resigned and D Williams is next up to replace Milano. After that they have bodies but it is a crap shoot, they had to pull a guy off his family RV trip to the Florida Keys two years ago to play against Mahomes in the Divisional Rd (literally 😕). Expect a later round pick here.

S - Expect Rapp and Bishop to start, Hamlin will lose his starting spot but signed a one year deal to stay with the club. Don’t know much about Forrest. Late round pick here for sure for depth.

CB - the worst need on the team, or is it? McDermott has a lot of faults. But he is able to turn CBs into gold. Tre White was the first pick in his tenure and turned into a premium CB who was sidelined by two year long injuries. He has done the same for Benford, a name some in the league may not know. A 6th round pick he has been top 5 in almost every CB metric the last two years. But not yet resigned going into year four 😢.

Behind him the Bills are threadbare. Their other starting CB (R Douglas) is a FA who hasn’t landed anywhere yet. They missed badly on first round pick Elam three years ago and had to send him for peanuts to the Cowboys, but get a pass due to getting Benford later in that draft.

Still wonder what would have happened if KC hadn’t jumped them to get McDuffie 😢

The Bills have been able to turn journeyman players into very serviceable or better CBs. Might need to do it again this year. On the positive side, they are locked in with nickel corner T Johnson.


Look for DE, DT, CB in the first three picks.
 
Titans had the top ranked D for most of the season by yards allowed. Say whatever ya want about that metric but they were even at historically great levels around week eight with Ravens and Bears and Haynesworth Titans graphics on the screen.
They had insane ILB depth with like ten starters and managed that oh so poorly with bad trades and subs but still the Eagles crossed them late to be first/tops in defense.

Sweat is OMG could he be a hall of famer? Teams have taken a lot bigger risks than he was to be passed on on draft day. He and Simmons were quietly dominant much of the year and their journeyman CB played great and star WRs were complimenting their fifth round CB. Not to mention their 23 off-season was about adding two pro bowl CBs already.

The defense is "don't mess this up" and (late to the thread) they decided to tinker some more with LBs and cut Awuzie and we're all hoping Snead's health isn't an issue.
They added a DL in free agency and woah. If they add another in the draft...telling ya, they could be the best DL in football.

Special teams was historically bad. Like beyond setting records but setting new way worse ones. They had a top punter and a kicker that had a streak of this many games without a miss. Note the LB depth earlier and OMG was their ST coach ineffective.

The offense was a clown show. Someone on YouTube took away Pollard's runs and just showed all? a lot? of plays and OMG. The only way Callahan and their OC kept their jobs is because the Titans owner didn't watch that video.

They drafted the top tackle in each of the last two drafts but umm one is a guard and one is maybe moving to RT. The lack of understanding pick value has me screaming they need to hire an FF guy to consult but...that GM is gone and now all our metrics for when to draft a RT or G are skewed.
Cush at C, new G from Detroit. Looking good just need a RT.
Welp they signed Moore to 20 mil per and he allowed the most sacks at LT soooo idk if they just added another bad tackle or it's solidified now. It's debatable if Latham is RT or LT.
Buss was signed and quickly jnjured so everyone forgot him but they actually have another T/G that can start.
Anywho four talented lineman for Daddy Callahan and maybe the offense has order now and isn't just chuck it before ya get sacked or do something stupid.

Prior GM turned over the roster 60+ percent twice.
New GM had 31 of 60ish free agents this year and only re-signed about seven. They will be different again in 2025.

I don't see any reason why they couldn't replace everyone else on offense.
OMG athletically blessed Ridley ran wrong routes and dropped passes. Chig still can't block. He did his patented explosive few plays to have us talk about him again but otherwise he doesn't box out so he's a WR pretending to be a TE. Whyle always looks fine and has long arms he knows how to use. DMR looks like a stud but they didn't play him much at all.

Oliver was a UDFA that came out of nowhere and he could really be a player. He doesn't care the scenario or who is covering him in such a glorious way. Ya want that mindset in a WR. He made a few big third down catches and the coach continuously said he'd play more and didn't. No idea if he's anything.

Jahquan Jackson was drafted to be a return guy but had some spark to him in camp and made a few plays and then fumbled on returns and spent the season in the coach's doghouse.

It's ridiculous to not know if Oliver and DMR and Jackson are anything noteworthy. They were the worst team and it's terrible oversight to not put em in and find out. They're each preseason darlings with like five catches in season.

I go back to everyone on offense is replaceable and Callahan looks bad bad.

He is well regarded as an offensive guru And QB guru but his one season put his career at a crossroads. The Titans need a ton of added talent on offense and he needs to "prove his mettle." There's no time. New coaches don't coach the worst team (twice?) and get more opportunities as a head coach. I'd look for more n more players to be added on offense.

Spears and Burks probably got injured while I typed this
Are you a fan of the Titans taking a QB at No 1 overall?
Is there any other path the Titans could take that you would support?
Great summary, exactly the kind of posts I want to read, written by folks who watch 80-90%+ of the snaps in real time
 
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Reactions: Bri
Titans had the top ranked D for most of the season by yards allowed. Say whatever ya want about that metric but they were even at historically great levels around week eight with Ravens and Bears and Haynesworth Titans graphics on the screen.
They had insane ILB depth with like ten starters and managed that oh so poorly with bad trades and subs but still the Eagles crossed them late to be first/tops in defense.

Sweat is OMG could he be a hall of famer? Teams have taken a lot bigger risks than he was to be passed on on draft day. He and Simmons were quietly dominant much of the year and their journeyman CB played great and star WRs were complimenting their fifth round CB. Not to mention their 23 off-season was about adding two pro bowl CBs already.

The defense is "don't mess this up" and (late to the thread) they decided to tinker some more with LBs and cut Awuzie and we're all hoping Snead's health isn't an issue.
They added a DL in free agency and woah. If they add another in the draft...telling ya, they could be the best DL in football.

Special teams was historically bad. Like beyond setting records but setting new way worse ones. They had a top punter and a kicker that had a streak of this many games without a miss. Note the LB depth earlier and OMG was their ST coach ineffective.

The offense was a clown show. Someone on YouTube took away Pollard's runs and just showed all? a lot? of plays and OMG. The only way Callahan and their OC kept their jobs is because the Titans owner didn't watch that video.

They drafted the top tackle in each of the last two drafts but umm one is a guard and one is maybe moving to RT. The lack of understanding pick value has me screaming they need to hire an FF guy to consult but...that GM is gone and now all our metrics for when to draft a RT or G are skewed.
Cush at C, new G from Detroit. Looking good just need a RT.
Welp they signed Moore to 20 mil per and he allowed the most sacks at LT soooo idk if they just added another bad tackle or it's solidified now. It's debatable if Latham is RT or LT.
Buss was signed and quickly jnjured so everyone forgot him but they actually have another T/G that can start.
Anywho four talented lineman for Daddy Callahan and maybe the offense has order now and isn't just chuck it before ya get sacked or do something stupid.

Prior GM turned over the roster 60+ percent twice.
New GM had 31 of 60ish free agents this year and only re-signed about seven. They will be different again in 2025.

I don't see any reason why they couldn't replace everyone else on offense.
OMG athletically blessed Ridley ran wrong routes and dropped passes. Chig still can't block. He did his patented explosive few plays to have us talk about him again but otherwise he doesn't box out so he's a WR pretending to be a TE. Whyle always looks fine and has long arms he knows how to use. DMR looks like a stud but they didn't play him much at all.

Oliver was a UDFA that came out of nowhere and he could really be a player. He doesn't care the scenario or who is covering him in such a glorious way. Ya want that mindset in a WR. He made a few big third down catches and the coach continuously said he'd play more and didn't. No idea if he's anything.

Jahquan Jackson was drafted to be a return guy but had some spark to him in camp and made a few plays and then fumbled on returns and spent the season in the coach's doghouse.

It's ridiculous to not know if Oliver and DMR and Jackson are anything noteworthy. They were the worst team and it's terrible oversight to not put em in and find out. They're each preseason darlings with like five catches in season.

I go back to everyone on offense is replaceable and Callahan looks bad bad.

He is well regarded as an offensive guru And QB guru but his one season put his career at a crossroads. The Titans need a ton of added talent on offense and he needs to "prove his mettle." There's no time. New coaches don't coach the worst team (twice?) and get more opportunities as a head coach. I'd look for more n more players to be added on offense.

Spears and Burks probably got injured while I typed this
Are you a fan of the Titans taking a QB at No 1 overall?
Is there any other path the Titans could take that you would support?
Great summary, exactly the kind of posts I want to read, written by folks who watch 80-90%+ of the snaps in real time
I don't like the lies now. Misdirection? Change of opinion? Not lies what's the word?

It makes me uncomfortable that Ward and Shedeur were not good enough in some capacity for a long time but now people are comparing Ward to Mahomes. Really?
Kiper has Shedeur better than Ward but Titans picking Ward... huh?

Carter supposedly had issues against the run but somehow that's not a problem anymore.

The top T has short arms?
The top WR isn't tenacious enough to be a 1 or fast enough or ...I don't really understand how he's worse since people drooled at his potential in November.

Ya know who I want? Hunter. The negatives (if any!) are so minimal and during this dig up or create dirt phase, he still shines.

I'm comfortable with a trade down.

I'm comfortable with the concept that Callahan will lame duck struggle again and unavoidably be fired due to whatever scrap heap or later drafted QB - because I think Denard Wilson is absolutely hidden as one of the best in football and he will be their next head coach. The Titans were the top defense for most of last season and finished second to the Eagles and it's probably fortunate that he's not getting lavished with praise. He is a borderline magician for accomplishing what he did.

I am all for the circus that will be Eddie George wanting to be their next head coach and his coordinator Jeff Fisher's son.
I think it'll be Wilson but the debate will be what the franchise and fan base needs. Let's talk winning and being the best and effort and class. Not this scrap heap stuff.

The OL appears to be fixed and that'll afford some opportunities for the next staff.

Did I mention Manning?
Peyton is enormous in TEN still somehow a celebrity and ...if they draft Hunter and have the top pick next year again...my soul will be whole with Eddie and Fish and Wilson and Peyton probably supporting somehow and...I don't need Ward to win us six games in 2025 so we pick fifth
 
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Detroit Lions

Needs: Not much tbh. Edge, DI, future proofing the OL

OFFENSE

QB
- Goff, Hooker, Kyle Allen/Jake Fromm will compete for QB3
RB - Jah, Monty, Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki

don't see them acquiring anyone for the offensive backfield

WR - ARSB, Jamo, Tim Patrick, Kalif Raymond, Ronnie Bell, Antoine Green, Tom Kennedy
TE - LaPorta, Wright, Zylstra, Kenny Yeboah

long term solution for WR3 is a possibility; might take an inline TE Day 3 or as a UDFA signing

OT - Decker, Sewell, Skipper, Giovanni Manu, Jamarco Jones
OG - Glasgow, Mahogany, Colby Sorsdal, Netane Muti
C - Ragnow, Kingsley Egukan
  • Decker is entering his age 32 season, extended for a couple more years before last season. Manu is the great hope as his replacement but that's a long term project. Definite possibility.
  • Graham (turns 33 during TC) was the weak link last year, Christian Mahogany is set to take over from Zeitler, need more depth and future starter to take over from GG
  • Need a versatile IOL who can play C/G, and given his chronic pain management (inoperable big toe), may need to consider the LT solution at C.
DEFENSE

ED -
Hutch, Davenport, Levi Onwuzurike, Josh Paschal, AQ Muhammed, Issac Ukwu, Nate Lynn

It's not a stretch to say Aidan was headed toward his first DPotY, had the best 5 game start In league history in several categories. Should be fully healed from the broken leg. Davenport was good last year but that's two years in a row playing less than 100 snaps. By far the biggest draft need IMO. They have a strong preference for bigger edge rushers who can set the edge in run defense.

DI - McNeil, Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Roy Lopez, , Mekhi Wingo, Brodric Martin, Myles Adams, Pat O'Connor, Chris Smith

Alim may not be back from his ACL until mid-October or early November. Reader was solid but unspectacular. Onwuzurike, finally healthy, had a good year in 2024 and was resigned. Could use another pocket crusher in the draft.

ILB - Alex Anzalone, Jack Campbell, camp bodies

Anzalone is the heart of the defense, Campbell was much improved but nearing his ceiling IMO. Could see this as a future proof pick.

OLB - Derrick Barnes, Malcolm Rodriguez, Trevor Nowatske, Grant Stuard, Ezekial Turner

Barnes resigned multiyear deal, Rodriguez is coming off ACL so might not be available in September. Good coverage OLB is a day 3 possibility.

CB - DJ Reed, Terrion Arnold, Khalil Dorsey, Rock Ya-Sin, some other camp bodies

Reed takes over at LCB replacing Carlton Davis III. Arnold allowed 2 TDs as a rookie and the Y1 to Y2 leap is a real thing. But you can never have too many CBs.

SLOT - Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr

Amik was all they could have hoped for after coming over from the Raiders, was outstanding v Jefferson Week 18 when injury forced him to play outside.

FS - Kerby Joseph

Lions are in discussions to lock up their All Pro S who led the league in interceptions.

SS - Brian Branch

Outstanding tandem, Branch is a very versatile player who is excellent in coverage and a hard hitter in run support.

K/P/LS - Bates, Fox, Hatten

We're good here.

Detroit has been focused on resigning players they drafted: Sewell, ARSB, Onwuzurike, Barnes. Hutch and Joseph are next in the queue. Other than DJ Reed, relatively quiet offseason.

Lost both coordinators and a few assistants but that can be expected when you are having a successful run. Detroit has played .795 ball (35-9) without a losing streak since Halloween 2022.

John Morton is the new OC, he was on staff for a year earlier in the Campbell tenure. They may be a bit less exotic but not too worried about this role. It's a players league and players make plays.

Kelvin Sheppard takes over from Aaron Glenn as DC. Fiery guy and I am not expecting their core philosophy to change. Focus on stopping the run first, bring pressure and lead the league in press man. They are very aggressive, sometimes to their detriment, but they seem comfortable with the boom/bust approach.

Dave Fipp is back as the best Special Teams coach in the league.

The schedule is much tougher this year, no one is predicting another 15 win season. But they are essentially running it back and hoping that 21 defensive players don't land on the IR again.
 
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Baltimore

I'm not gonna list every player on the current roster because a) I'm lazy and b) it's gonna change.

QB: Nothing to see here. If Lamar Jackson gets hurt, they're sunk as a legit contender. They have enough good players to win 9 or 10 games anyway, but Cooper Rush isn't Jackson.

RB: Good here, too. Henry, Hill, Mitchell, and Ali. They'll either draft another late or bring in an UFA.

WR: I like the WR room they have. Flowers, Bateman, and Hopkins are a nice 1/2/3 and they just re-signed Tylan Wallace. They'll grab another, either in FA or the draft.

TE: There's been all kinds of smoke about the Ravens parting ways with Andrews. I can't tell where it's coming from, because I never see a source linked to it. Maybe it's just one person's speculation and everyone is just repeating it. If things stay as they are, they're fine. And even if Andrews goes, they can roll with Likely & Kolar short-term.

OL: Oh, boy. The good - they re-signed Stanley at LT and Rosengarten had a good rookie season at RT. Linderbaum is a Pro Bowl C. The bad - the OGs are a mess and there is no depth across the OL with losing Mekari. I expect them to hammer OL in the draft.

DL: Another spot where I think they'll do some damage in the draft and FA. Michael Pierce retired and, fat tub of goo that he is, took up a lot of opposing OL attention. They still have Mdabiuke (sp?) and Human Mountain Tony Jones, but they need depth there badly.

Edge: I don't freaking know, man. Kyle Van Noy is 900 years old. Oweh had his best sack season last year and maybe the lightbulb has finally turned on. Ojabo and Assisi can't get on the field. They've spent a ton of draft capital on this spot recently, but I think they spend some more.

ILB: There's Roquan Smith and.......??? The Ravens started youngster Trenton Simpson for the first part of last year and, while energetic, had no idea what he was doing. He got benched for graybeard Chris Board (now gone). Maybe Simpson clicks this season.

CB: Humphrey and Wiggins (who had a great rookie season) and I have no clue. Draft Day CBs, thy name has Baltimore written all over it.

S: Kyle Hamilton is one of the 10 best defensive players in the NFL. Ar'Darious Washington shone once the Ravens got fed up with Marcus Washington. They need some depth here.

ST: I'd bet that this unit caused John Harbaugh more sleepless nights last year than the O & D combined. I don't know what advanced metrics say about Baltimore's ST performance in 2024, but I know what I saw with my own eyes: they were awful. They couldn't cover kicks, they were terrible returning kicks, they were missing FGs, and their P was good for a 10-yard shank every other game. The whole Tucker scandal leaves them in a lurch. Lots of work to do here.

Coaches: The Ravens are as good as any organization at developing coaches. It took a bit for Zack Orr to get his defense working last season, but I think they were #1 from week 10 on. Monken's great and I'm a little surprised he didn't get poached.

FO/Owner: Solid as they come. I bet most casual NFL fans couldn't name Baltimore's owner. Eric de Costa is a fine GM and the Ravens scouts are really good.

Overall: Baltimore needs help on the lines and at DB. How they do that is left to smarter folks than me.
 
Baltimore

I'm not gonna list every player on the current roster because a) I'm lazy and b) it's gonna change.

QB: Nothing to see here. If Lamar Jackson gets hurt, they're sunk as a legit contender. They have enough good players to win 9 or 10 games anyway, but Cooper Rush isn't Jackson.

RB: Good here, too. Henry, Hill, Mitchell, and Ali. They'll either draft another late or bring in an UFA.

WR: I like the WR room they have. Flowers, Bateman, and Hopkins are a nice 1/2/3 and they just re-signed Tylan Wallace. They'll grab another, either in FA or the draft.

TE: There's been all kinds of smoke about the Ravens parting ways with Andrews. I can't tell where it's coming from, because I never see a source linked to it. Maybe it's just one person's speculation and everyone is just repeating it. If things stay as they are, they're fine. And even if Andrews goes, they can roll with Likely & Kolar short-term.

OL: Oh, boy. The good - they re-signed Stanley at LT and Rosengarten had a good rookie season at RT. Linderbaum is a Pro Bowl C. The bad - the OGs are a mess and there is no depth across the OL with losing Mekari. I expect them to hammer OL in the draft.

DL: Another spot where I think they'll do some damage in the draft and FA. Michael Pierce retired and, fat tub of goo that he is, took up a lot of opposing OL attention. They still have Mdabiuke (sp?) and Human Mountain Tony Jones, but they need depth there badly.

Edge: I don't freaking know, man. Kyle Van Noy is 900 years old. Oweh had his best sack season last year and maybe the lightbulb has finally turned on. Ojabo and Assisi can't get on the field. They've spent a ton of draft capital on this spot recently, but I think they spend some more.

ILB: There's Roquan Smith and.......??? The Ravens started youngster Trenton Simpson for the first part of last year and, while energetic, had no idea what he was doing. He got benched for graybeard Chris Board (now gone). Maybe Simpson clicks this season.

CB: Humphrey and Wiggins (who had a great rookie season) and I have no clue. Draft Day CBs, thy name has Baltimore written all over it.

S: Kyle Hamilton is one of the 10 best defensive players in the NFL. Ar'Darious Washington shone once the Ravens got fed up with Marcus Washington. They need some depth here.

ST: I'd bet that this unit caused John Harbaugh more sleepless nights last year than the O & D combined. I don't know what advanced metrics say about Baltimore's ST performance in 2024, but I know what I saw with my own eyes: they were awful. They couldn't cover kicks, they were terrible returning kicks, they were missing FGs, and their P was good for a 10-yard shank every other game. The whole Tucker scandal leaves them in a lurch. Lots of work to do here.

Coaches: The Ravens are as good as any organization at developing coaches. It took a bit for Zack Orr to get his defense working last season, but I think they were #1 from week 10 on. Monken's great and I'm a little surprised he didn't get poached.

FO/Owner: Solid as they come. I bet most casual NFL fans couldn't name Baltimore's owner. Eric de Costa is a fine GM and the Ravens scouts are really good.

Overall: Baltimore needs help on the lines and at DB. How they do that is left to smarter folks than me.

Looking forward to visiting M&T Bank again this fall. Also watching road games at the Eagles & at the Commmanders.
 

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