Great thread, Garth!
Offense:
1. OT and an OG to replace Iupati and Smith. It is possible that Iupati will come back for another year, but even if he does, we'll still need an eventual replacement. And it's possible Cunningham could replace Smith, but that's a long shot.
Yes, I would like that too. There is supposed to be some very good offensive tackles in next years draft, but I don’t know about guards. Maybe they can sign one in free agency, or maybe some of their young guys will step up.
2. WR, since Larry will probably retire.
Yes, but do you think we should wait and see with Christian Kirk and Chad Williams? I thought they stepped up in the last game. Obviously, they would still need depth, but I think that’s easier to find than the primary weapons.
Defense:
1. DE as Golden is a question mark, and depth is needed at the position.
I honestly don’t think that can wait, Garth. Right now, Chandler Jones is obviously a monster, but behind him I don’t see anything good. Obviously, Markus Golden could be that guy, but I simply can’t figure out if he will be ready for week one, since he is still on the PUP (if they don’t activate him before the season starts, the rule is that he will have to stay on the list for at least six weeks), and even if they do, I don’t think you can trust what shape he will return in. He has been out for a very long time with no training.
2. DT, since it doesn't look like Robert Nkemdiche is starting material (hope I'm wrong).
I think this might be another thing where we should wait and see. Maybe Nkemdiche steps up bigtime and becomes what we all dreamt of. Not that I think he will, but stranger things have happened. Also, I really believe they have something in Olsen Pierre, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he supplanted Nkemdiche some time during the season, if Nkemdiche continues to be invisible. I also really like Corey Peters, so maybe Peters and Pierre will be the next starting duo with Rodney Gunter backing them up.
3. LB/MLB in order to upgrade positions.
Absolutely yes! I mean, most often defenses only deploys two linebackers since that is the lineup in a nickel- or dime defense, and the goal for every defense is to get in those packages as fast as possible, but I am not sold on either Bucannon or Reddick as two great linebackers that every offense fear. Maybe Al Holcomb can coach them up like he coached up some fantastic linebackers in Carolina, but right now I don’t feel comfortable with those two as basically the only good three down-linebackers on the team, at least until Gerald Hodges proves in more than a preseason game that he can play.
Garth, I would go after another tight end as well. Again, let’s see what Seals-Jones (and maybe even Gabe Holmes) can do, but right now I think the unit looks somewhat average. A stud tight end would take some of the pressure off of the young wide receivers as well.
I would also think about an upgrade at safety, provided that none of the undrafted free agents proves otherwise. Tre Boston is only on a one year deal, and even if they brought him back, I would not like the depth at that position. It’s also worth noting in that regard, I think, that Bethea is no spring chicken anymore.