2026 Needs?

[3wt]

(06-11-2025, 04:35 PM)Hammerstripes Wrote: Seems like they are the same needs as we have every year:

1.  IDL - Even though we passed on a DT, I still don't see a true pass rushing DT on the roster.  We may fill that role with one of the DEs, but it's still a major need.
2.  DE - Sure, we drafted Stewart, but until a guy steps up and has 8+ sacks on the edge, it's still a major need.
3.  CB - I wasn't impressed with this group last year and this year the jury is out.
4.  S - Do we have a true pass defender back there?  I don't think so - yet.
5.  IOL - every year it's the same story.

I certainly agree with 5.   I think it will be interesting to see if the current players develop into a solid unit under Golden and hopefully a revised (less bend don't break) game plan.  I also hope his game plan allows Stone to be the guy he was in Baltimore.

But if it had been me I either would have drafted Ratledge in the 2nd or signed one of the available guards in FA.   I think signing Slayton restored the interior DL to a degree, but we haven't had a real force at 3 technique since Geno.   Apparently Golden has been impressed by Ossai (hopefully not just rhetoric), but no one has said diddly about Murphy - other than he is in good shape - which is disturbing.   But I think Stewart (if he signs) and Sample will make for a solid group of DEs.   Praying that Jackson and Jenkins make a significant step up in the middle.

But you are right, there are too many questions and not enough answers.  They tend to camp on their assumptions rather than being proactive.