- Joined
- Jun 3, 2014
- Messages
- 5,342
So hard to emulate what NE has accomplished over a very long time.
First, and foremost, it takes developing depth... but how to do that?
My plan?
1] Keep only absolute key players (Donald, for example. Guys who have proven they are:
a) Still on the rise
b) Mainly not injury-prone
c) Highly productive
2] Let players go that hamper your cap (even if they are important)
Guys like Watkins, Sullivan (age), Barwin, Johnson, Joyner, Robey-Coleman, etc.
This is something NE does effectively. If they believe a player is:
a) On the downside of his career
b) Injury-prone
c) Has not fit into the system as much as they believe they should
They let him go.. period. And, yes, it might be a big name...
AND... they accumulate picks... lots of picks. They draft well and know how to identify players that fit their system. They build depth!
3] Similarly, they identify free agents that fit their system. Sometimes, they take chances on "character issues guys" (like Britt)... but they structure deals that they can exit out of with minimal hassle and financial impact.
The Rams did a great job of that this year with Whitworth and Sullivan. I believe Sullivan comes up this year and he'll be 33 in August.
I see both these guys as band-aids (good ones, but band-aids nonetheless) and , when their contract comes up, got to move them for picks.
I know... it's hard... they worked hard for you, did a good job... but, it's a business... got to keep the tank (quality players early in their careers) full for the engine to run.
As fans who fall in love with players, this is particularly difficult. But, it's exactly why some franchises fail (GMs "fall in love") while NE remains successful.
I do not think the Rams are nearly there yet (next man up, with little drop off).
I'd also suggest that it's not only only depth. I think you also have to have a scheme that allows for lesser players to come in and still excel. I'm not sure McVay has all of that yet... but I think he is smart enough to develop that "back-up plan".
So... keep only the key players and ones that have a proven record of production, health and are on the upside of their careers.
Let as many of the others go for as many draft picks as you can accumulate.
And, this goes without saying but... you need good scouting!
Absolutely great season... the challenge now is to improve that roster.
First, and foremost, it takes developing depth... but how to do that?
My plan?
1] Keep only absolute key players (Donald, for example. Guys who have proven they are:
a) Still on the rise
b) Mainly not injury-prone
c) Highly productive
2] Let players go that hamper your cap (even if they are important)
Guys like Watkins, Sullivan (age), Barwin, Johnson, Joyner, Robey-Coleman, etc.
This is something NE does effectively. If they believe a player is:
a) On the downside of his career
b) Injury-prone
c) Has not fit into the system as much as they believe they should
They let him go.. period. And, yes, it might be a big name...
AND... they accumulate picks... lots of picks. They draft well and know how to identify players that fit their system. They build depth!
3] Similarly, they identify free agents that fit their system. Sometimes, they take chances on "character issues guys" (like Britt)... but they structure deals that they can exit out of with minimal hassle and financial impact.
The Rams did a great job of that this year with Whitworth and Sullivan. I believe Sullivan comes up this year and he'll be 33 in August.
I see both these guys as band-aids (good ones, but band-aids nonetheless) and , when their contract comes up, got to move them for picks.
I know... it's hard... they worked hard for you, did a good job... but, it's a business... got to keep the tank (quality players early in their careers) full for the engine to run.
As fans who fall in love with players, this is particularly difficult. But, it's exactly why some franchises fail (GMs "fall in love") while NE remains successful.
I do not think the Rams are nearly there yet (next man up, with little drop off).
I'd also suggest that it's not only only depth. I think you also have to have a scheme that allows for lesser players to come in and still excel. I'm not sure McVay has all of that yet... but I think he is smart enough to develop that "back-up plan".
So... keep only the key players and ones that have a proven record of production, health and are on the upside of their careers.
Let as many of the others go for as many draft picks as you can accumulate.
And, this goes without saying but... you need good scouting!
Absolutely great season... the challenge now is to improve that roster.