[The Goat]

There's a big difference between what most of us would like to see in the off-season and what it realistic: i'll make a few guesses at what seems realistic.

1) O-line is our worst unit at this point; however, I believe it will only get limited upgrades. On draft day if there is a top tackle available @ 13 I do believe we'll grab him... and I think that's the very best decision. We need a franchise RT, period. Heyer isn't a franchise anything at this point. Elsewhere on the line I would bet at this point we don't see changes. Jansen, as many have pointed out cannot be cut because of the cap hit, will compete for an interior position and while i won't be surprised if he beats someone it's still more likely he serves as an all purpose backup. This is actually ok - while i've crapped on JJ as much as anyone i believe his lack of lateral movement is what kills him @ RT. He's a damn good run blocker and will be decent pass blocker on the interior. Won't be surprised if Jansen steps in at some point and does well. Starting o-line: Samuels, Kendell, Rabach, Thomas, Bad-ass Rookie. Backups: Heyer, Rhinhart, Jansen... oh God please not Fabini.

2) Zorn doesn't look likely to bring in a new OC but if logic exists Hixon is replaced w/ a savvy WCO WR coach. This is the ONLY change we should expect among the WR unit and it should yield good results as Hixon has never developed a WR in the NFL to my knowledge... there has got to be someone much better suited than Stan or we might as well give me the friggin job (I'll work 24/7!!!).

3) Defensively I expect very few changes. I know a lot is being made of DT but I don't expect an addition/subtraction. Two reasons: GTripp has mentioned our DTs have very specific assignments that probably negate the impact phenomenal talent might make at this position, and secondly we probably have bigger needs at DE and OLB. Daniels is in all likelihood too old to be an effective end (he gets cut) and that leaves only Evans as a decent run blocking left end. We'll either pick up a starter in FA or use our 3rd draft pick on a backup to Evans. Strong side LB is similar situation: either we cut Washington and grab a starter in FA or keep Marcus and draft an OLB in the 3rd round (sort of swapping w/ the DE scenario).

4) Springs and Smoot gone, Hall and Rogers starters. We need a third CB and it comes in FA or possibly 5th(?) round draft pick.

Honestly, I think that's the most we'll see. My preference is to grab a great DE starter in FA, as in this is where Danny spends his dough (Evans moves to backup); keep Marcus because he is very effective and does everything he can to play but draft the best OLB in 3rd round (I'm ok w/ this even though Marcus won't play 16 games because it gives Blades and/or the rookie some work); obviously, draft a franchise RT w/ our first pick.