We pretty much know what we have for 2018 pre-draft. What should Mac focus on in these rounds?
Offensive Line - A MUST. If we get a guy like Frank Ragnow or Mason Cole, we have a legit backup center for this year and a starter for 2019. Long can then move to guard and we can let Winters/Carpenter go. That frees up a lot of additional cap space. Nab a guy like Branden Smith in the fourth round and Mac get let both of the current starters go while getting younger and more athletic. Unless there's a project that Mac has identified the LT of the future will be a 2019 get.
OLB - Mac doesn't have a great record in this area. Jenkins is a decent run stopper but doesn't put pressure on the QB. Mauldin is a complete unknown at this point. To take the next step this teams needs to find better-than-average starters in the third and fourth round. Obo Okoronko is another potential third round LB. Mac needs to get this done this year.
TE - Can't imagine Mac intends to go with the three TE currently on the roster. A mid-round pick is likely.
CB - Unless someone too good to pass us is sitting there I don't expect Mac wants to use another pick on a corner.
WR - Not at this point.
DL - Entire possible but not as critical.
RB - Mac may be hoping for a guy like Rashaad Penny to be there in the third round. There are a lot of possible names to take in rounds 4 or 5.
If I had my druthers we would nab an OLB in round 3 and a C/G in round 4. Or the other way around.
Offensive Line - A MUST. If we get a guy like Frank Ragnow or Mason Cole, we have a legit backup center for this year and a starter for 2019. Long can then move to guard and we can let Winters/Carpenter go. That frees up a lot of additional cap space. Nab a guy like Branden Smith in the fourth round and Mac get let both of the current starters go while getting younger and more athletic. Unless there's a project that Mac has identified the LT of the future will be a 2019 get.
OLB - Mac doesn't have a great record in this area. Jenkins is a decent run stopper but doesn't put pressure on the QB. Mauldin is a complete unknown at this point. To take the next step this teams needs to find better-than-average starters in the third and fourth round. Obo Okoronko is another potential third round LB. Mac needs to get this done this year.
TE - Can't imagine Mac intends to go with the three TE currently on the roster. A mid-round pick is likely.
CB - Unless someone too good to pass us is sitting there I don't expect Mac wants to use another pick on a corner.
WR - Not at this point.
DL - Entire possible but not as critical.
RB - Mac may be hoping for a guy like Rashaad Penny to be there in the third round. There are a lot of possible names to take in rounds 4 or 5.
If I had my druthers we would nab an OLB in round 3 and a C/G in round 4. Or the other way around.