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Once and for all. Post your views on the positives and negatives that you feel Telesco has managed in his first offseason as GM.
Positives -
1) D Line depth - This was a MASSIVE hole prior to the draft and post draft. It continued to be a massive hole at DE through the preseason. Telesco then got to work. He traded for Lissemore from Dallas who didn't fit a 4-3 scheme. He was perfect for our needs however as a run stuffing 3-4 DE. Check. He then went on to acquire Nevis via waivers who projects as a pass rushing 3T DT in our nickel scheme's. Combined with Geathers, this group now has the makings of a solid rotation, ALL with upside given their age and experience. Very solid work here.
2) Nickel CB shored up - Getting Richard Marshall seemed to fall into our laps after being a cap casualty. I've been down on Patrick since he was acquired and hope he never needs to see the field. Marshall has been very solid in the slot throughout his career. It's not a major upgrade, but he should improve the position if he maintains his 82-88 qb rating against.
3) Cutting Meachum - I'm glad they decided to eat his salary and move on. He continued to show nothing throughout preseason and didn't merit a roster spot. It helps that he brought in a personal favorite in Tutu as well. I'm not the biggest fan of Royal, but let's see how he does in this short passing game that should be tailor made for his strengths.
4) Picking up Fozzy - I'm higher on him than most, but I see him as a clear upgrade to all our backup RB's last year. He can pass protect, catch balls out of the backfield, and brings a physical running style that we lack on the team. With Goodman being cut, he's taking over KR duties as well, which he excelled at in college. A lot to like from a very low cost addition.
5) Signing Woodcock for virtually nothing - We haven't seen him at all in preseason, but I saw enough of him in NE to know what he brings to the table. He can be a 70 catch guy if we use him as expected. Great acquisition for the cost.
6) Not overpaying for Starks - Loved that we didn't commit anything of worth bringing him in. It was a gamble I thought was worthwhile, but it was a gamble that did not bite us in the ass vs. acquisitions from last season.
Negatives
1) Oline - I'll preface this by saying this is subject to change. We likely won't have a clear picture of the O line for a few weeks and any injuries to starters is likely to be seriously detrimental. We did replace 4 starters essentially with Clary moving positions, I'm just not sure it will be enough for the line to be at least NFL average. We were fairly hamstrung in regards to FA options this offseason and the draft didn't do us any favors either. Still, as it stands, the line is a negative.
2) Overpaying for Freeney - I love what Freeney has brought to the team, but I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that we overpaid for him. That being said, I've loved what I've seen from him and he has a chance to justify his contract. His off field help with the young D line should also not go unnoticed. He's the mentor Philips never was.
Undetermined
1) Butler extension - We've heard twice now that the team has been trying to get an extension done. It needs to get done. Negotiate, but get it done. Price will only go up. There's plenty of cap space to get it done now.
2) Will the Cox acquisition prove worthwhile and by extension was it the right decision to retain John Pagano? We needed a press corner to run what Pagano wants to run. We got him one. Will he stay healthy? Will Pagano prove he is as good as his brother designing schemes? His blitz scheme's last year left much to be desired. Our 3rd down efficiency, while improved, was still awful. He's got some new horses, let's see how he puts them use. His rookie year as DC was OK, players seemed to be in good position to make turnovers AND take them to the house. The defense needs to make that next step and become dominant. It is littered with high draft picks throughout. Time to pay dividends.
3) Trading up to get Te'o - I was tempted to put this as a negative, but I just haven't seen enough of Te'o to make that determination. He was all world in college. Will it translate? I've come around on the pick, but he needs to show it on the field.
Positives -
1) D Line depth - This was a MASSIVE hole prior to the draft and post draft. It continued to be a massive hole at DE through the preseason. Telesco then got to work. He traded for Lissemore from Dallas who didn't fit a 4-3 scheme. He was perfect for our needs however as a run stuffing 3-4 DE. Check. He then went on to acquire Nevis via waivers who projects as a pass rushing 3T DT in our nickel scheme's. Combined with Geathers, this group now has the makings of a solid rotation, ALL with upside given their age and experience. Very solid work here.
2) Nickel CB shored up - Getting Richard Marshall seemed to fall into our laps after being a cap casualty. I've been down on Patrick since he was acquired and hope he never needs to see the field. Marshall has been very solid in the slot throughout his career. It's not a major upgrade, but he should improve the position if he maintains his 82-88 qb rating against.
3) Cutting Meachum - I'm glad they decided to eat his salary and move on. He continued to show nothing throughout preseason and didn't merit a roster spot. It helps that he brought in a personal favorite in Tutu as well. I'm not the biggest fan of Royal, but let's see how he does in this short passing game that should be tailor made for his strengths.
4) Picking up Fozzy - I'm higher on him than most, but I see him as a clear upgrade to all our backup RB's last year. He can pass protect, catch balls out of the backfield, and brings a physical running style that we lack on the team. With Goodman being cut, he's taking over KR duties as well, which he excelled at in college. A lot to like from a very low cost addition.
5) Signing Woodcock for virtually nothing - We haven't seen him at all in preseason, but I saw enough of him in NE to know what he brings to the table. He can be a 70 catch guy if we use him as expected. Great acquisition for the cost.
6) Not overpaying for Starks - Loved that we didn't commit anything of worth bringing him in. It was a gamble I thought was worthwhile, but it was a gamble that did not bite us in the ass vs. acquisitions from last season.
Negatives
1) Oline - I'll preface this by saying this is subject to change. We likely won't have a clear picture of the O line for a few weeks and any injuries to starters is likely to be seriously detrimental. We did replace 4 starters essentially with Clary moving positions, I'm just not sure it will be enough for the line to be at least NFL average. We were fairly hamstrung in regards to FA options this offseason and the draft didn't do us any favors either. Still, as it stands, the line is a negative.
2) Overpaying for Freeney - I love what Freeney has brought to the team, but I would be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that we overpaid for him. That being said, I've loved what I've seen from him and he has a chance to justify his contract. His off field help with the young D line should also not go unnoticed. He's the mentor Philips never was.
Undetermined
1) Butler extension - We've heard twice now that the team has been trying to get an extension done. It needs to get done. Negotiate, but get it done. Price will only go up. There's plenty of cap space to get it done now.
2) Will the Cox acquisition prove worthwhile and by extension was it the right decision to retain John Pagano? We needed a press corner to run what Pagano wants to run. We got him one. Will he stay healthy? Will Pagano prove he is as good as his brother designing schemes? His blitz scheme's last year left much to be desired. Our 3rd down efficiency, while improved, was still awful. He's got some new horses, let's see how he puts them use. His rookie year as DC was OK, players seemed to be in good position to make turnovers AND take them to the house. The defense needs to make that next step and become dominant. It is littered with high draft picks throughout. Time to pay dividends.
3) Trading up to get Te'o - I was tempted to put this as a negative, but I just haven't seen enough of Te'o to make that determination. He was all world in college. Will it translate? I've come around on the pick, but he needs to show it on the field.
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