[Paintrain]

Originally Posted by GhettoDogAllStars

I've said this many times before, but I feel like it should be said again:
In my opinion, patience in the NFL isn't 3 or 5 years. Having patience means waiting 10 years or more.

Imagine a team in dire straits: no depth and all aging veterans -- basically starting from scratch. If an entire roster has to be trashed, then everyone must be drafted or signed through free agency. So, each team has 7 draft picks per year, and it usually takes about 3 years for the average draft pick to mature to starting NFL caliber. That means -- if the drafting is flawless -- in about 3 or 4 years, 14 players could be starting that were drafted. Pickup the other 8 guys through FA, and you have your starting 22 (don't even talk about depth, yet). Of course, you could pick up undrafted guys, and sign people off of practice squads -- but now you're really reaching beyond the realm of reality.

Everyone wants success in a few years, but it just isn't realistic for a team with many needs. You'd have to hit on every draft pick, and they'd all have to develop well, and get along together as a team.

Teams that go from losing to playoff contenders in just a few years, usually have very few problems to correct.

I don't necessarily think we have too many problems to fix in a few years -- we've already begun the improvement process, IMO. With a few guys here and there, and a season with no injuries, we could go all the way.

Like Matty said, "Overall... minimize any changes." We need stability. The coaches should come up with a conservative 5 year plan, and a 10 year plan. They should strive to draft a couple good guys every year (any more is just gravy), and try to build a TEAM. Then they should stick to their plan, regardless of the media or fan opinion. It's hard, and it probably won't happen, but that is what I'd like to see: commitment to a long-term, well defined plan.

What NFL have you been watching? The NFL I watch has the Saints go from 3-13 to 13-3.. The NFL I watch has been a league with new teams at the top almost yearly.. The NFL I watch has had the Ravens, Panthers, Bears, Rams, Pats, Seahawks, etc. go from obscurity to the Super Bowl almost overnight.. A 10 year plan??