“I don’t want to pay more money for the same team”

[Whatever]

(08-06-2025, 06:42 PM)ochocincos Wrote: If this FO had a history of hitting on defense and OL draft picks who could contribute well early, I think we'd have more confidence in the likes of Fairchild, Stewart, Knight, and Jenkins and Jackson from last year to be good contributors this year.
I think these draft picks can become decent starters or role players, but how long will it take them is my worry.

Lucas Patrick was not a well-known OL on the FA market (I even said WHO?!?!), and RG might be his worst position out of the 3 IOL spots, so we'll see on that.
Might be better than 2024 Cappa, but it's really hard not to be. Is better than 2024 Cappa really the bar though to get to and win a Super Bowl? That's my concern.
Same thing with Fairchild over Volson.

Slaton is an upgrade in the run game for sure, but not pass rush.

Battle and Chase are upgrades over 2024 Moss and Bell, but for Battle, is he good enough to be at least middle of the pack SS in the league?

Out of the adds, the really only one I would is a clear upgrade is Fant.
Dude was a first rounder and has had consistently good production in the NFL since coming into the league.
He is a well-rounded TE and not just a pass catcher, but I think he's more of the Erick All replacement than Sample.
Sample will still have a role as a blocker.

Slaton I think is a pretty undervalued addition. Hill played a ton of snaps out of position as the NT last year.  Getting a true run stuffing NT puts Hill back as the 3 tech, where he'll see more single blocking.  While Hill is by no means an elite pass rusher, he is solid and if Jenkins has improved as Golden has claimed, we might have a decent 1-2,  there.  Jackson showed some pass rush ability last year, as well.

Stewart and Knight have both been extremely impressive in camp, and let's face it, it wouldn't be too much of an accomplishment to play better than Hubbard and Pratt last year.  

Cappa, out of 136 qualifying G's, gave up the most pressures(51), 11th most hits(7), and the 2nd most sacks.  Dude was an absolute turnstile out there.  Not saying Patrick is good, but it would be tough for him to be that bad.  Fairchild I don't see being a big immediate upgrade, but should pay dividends in a year or two.