Quote:
Originally Posted by Chief X_Phackter
I feel like the biggest hole is QB. RR made it clear after the season that the QB position is “one of the most important things that we need to get done and get established”. They have made it clear that they want to upgrade at QB, and have they already shown that they are pursuing other options, so I don't think they begin the season with TH and KA battling it out.
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RR made it clear that franchise QBs don't grow on trees. He wants one, but there are more teams that want one than there are such QBs. Give RR credit for not overpaying for retreads at QB, though Rams saved us from ourselves with Stafford.
They see no one in FA or other teams that can actually be traded for without mortgaging future absurdly, which they wisely won't do (1,024 first round picks for the HOLE Watson!). Position most teams are in, at least half, probably closer to two thirds or three quarters. I think we could sign a cut if that happens.
I think we will draft someone at QB. A third developmental prospect. Maybe early, maybe late, but our FO has to have identified at least two or three QBs in draft that have potential, even if late in draft. I think we might be prepared to move up 2-5 spots if a guy we like falls. Some think Trey Lance?
The problem is that most FA QBs don't offer anything Heinecke doesn't. Heinecke is smart and can run a pro O but has weak arm and small size. There are 10+ FA QBs who are the same guy, but possibly with less moxy. Then there are the running QBs or talented guys who aren't accurate and usually mentally slow and can't run a pro O consistently effectively. I'd be much more comfortable giving Heinecke a one year shot, but his arm strength is a real concern. Once Ds and DBs study film on him, his inability to place ball with power, having to completely anticipate, may be exposed, especially in pocket with pressure where he can't go through complete motion. Heinecke does NOT have arm strength to consistently deliver long, accurate throws even with non-optimal mechanics like other QBs like Mahomes, Rodgers. Of course, Brady can't do that either, so who knows. . .
I like Mac Jones, but he is essentially Heinecke 2.0, arm strength real concern. I think a first round QB should have elite athletic traits, and teams often reach for QBs that don't. Mistake. I could see us drafting a LT, CB, FS, LB, etc., to maximize value and then taking QB 3rd - 5th round, which is where QBs with obvious flaws in game should go. If we are going to find a franchise QB without mortgaging the farm, and without blind luck of one dropping which can't be counted on, we have to draft one with talent in the right places and flaws in the right places, that are correctable.
A GM that takes 3 or 4 cracks at drafting a QB over 3 seasons, should find a franchise QB, and if he can't, you need a new GM.
Teams that win the SB without franchise QB--they have never won more than one in salary cap era--load the O up with talent and have a dominant D. I think our FO is preparing to do that, they want to find a franchise QB, but know odds say they won't.