Who would you build a franchise around?

MrDNA · 01-04-2009, 01:15 PM

Watching the playoffs got me thinking about what player of any in the NFL I would want to build a team around if I had my pick. Now this is any current player, so age/years in league is a consideration.

I think QB would be where I want to spend this pick and I'd have picked Brady or Peyton, but I don't think my fledging franchise would get too many years out of them. Other than those guys, I don't see any "can't miss" QBs: guys like Cutler and Ryan have had one good year, but that could be a fluke.

On O, the only other position I would consider is RB, but I think you can get an above average to very good RB later on in the amateur draft, so no need to spend my pick there, especially since every RB is running on borrowed time. A note on the o-line: I think it's incredibly important, but one player an o-line does not make.

So I looked to defense: to make a long story (somewhat) shorter I wanted a playmaker who can change the game while also being a leader of the team on and off the field. Add in the youth factor and I came up with one name: Troy Polamalu.

Ta-da? So who would you pick, and why?

DeToxRox · 01-04-2009, 01:24 PM

On offense: Joe Thomas.
On defense: Kevin Williams

Give me the best young LT and the best young DT in the game. Win in the trenches.

jeff061 · 01-04-2009, 01:29 PM

Brady. Granted I'm a Pats fan of course. But it's the attitude as much of the skill. He'd help build a culture that would hopefully last after he's gone.

With the Pats everyone is always trying to give someone the credit(or take it away from someone). The common debate is Belichick or Brady, when Crennel and Weiss were around some were saying it's because of them.

But it comes down to a combination of all of them putting a particular culture in place during and shortly after their first bowl win, after those first couple years it's just been about maintaining the culture.

Brady not only led that change off the field but has the on field skills as well.

Crapshoot · 01-04-2009, 01:42 PM

Randomly enough, my cousin and I were having this discussion the other day:

Building a franchise, my priority would be:

1. LT
2. DT
3. QB
4. RT
5. CB

I'm guessing my last choices would be HB, FB, and TE respectively.

stevew · 01-04-2009, 02:00 PM

Offense. Probably Joe flacco. He's going to be amazing. He can make every throw and has the moxie I want out of a signal caller.

Defense. Ed reed just makes so many plays I'd almost have to do it.

Special teams. Either Leon Washington or Josh cribbs.

Logan · 01-04-2009, 02:11 PM

Yeah this question should probably come up on a day where Ed Reed isn't singlehandedly winning the game for the Raves.

kcchief19 · 01-04-2009, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

On offense: Joe Thomas.
On defense: Kevin Williams

Give me the best young LT and the best young DT in the game. Win in the trenches.

Williams over Haynesworth? Albert's even a year younger.

A superstar mid-20ish DT is where I would start. The term "franchise quarterback" is a bit of a misnomer. There are maybe two guys I'd label "franchise quarterbacks" in the league and both of them are sitting home right now.

DaddyTorgo · 01-04-2009, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcchief19

Williams over Haynesworth? Albert's even a year younger.

A superstar mid-20ish DT is where I would start. The term "franchise quarterback" is a bit of a misnomer. There are maybe two guys I'd label "franchise quarterbacks" in the league and both of them are sitting home right now.

one of them through no fault of his own

MrDNA · 01-04-2009, 02:14 PM

Interesting responses, especially as Ed Reed was the other defensive player I considered (and him being beastly on TV in front of me right now is a powerful influence) and if I decided to go o-line it would've been Joe Thomas.

As for Flacco, he's a guy like Ryan where if he performs this well next year he would probably be my pick. Also, now that I'm thinking, Haloti Ngata would be a pretty good D pick, as well, for those who favor the trenches.

Geez, I hate how many Ravens are coming up in my conversation! I'm going to go put on my brown and orange pajamas and cry myself to sleep (don't worry, that's usually how I end my Sundays).

DeToxRox · 01-04-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcchief19

Williams over Haynesworth? Albert's even a year younger.

A superstar mid-20ish DT is where I would start. The term "franchise quarterback" is a bit of a misnomer. There are maybe two guys I'd label "franchise quarterbacks" in the league and both of them are sitting home right now.

Well, Albert is amazing this year, but I still wonder if it's because it's a contract year.

Kevin Williams has been dominate his entire career. He just gets better and better.

DeToxRox · 01-04-2009, 02:18 PM

Just a comparison:

Williams - 267 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 4 FF, 4 INT
Haynesworth - 271 tackles, 24 sacks, 6 FF

Granted, they do play a bit differently. Haynesworth is more of a clogger, take on double team guy, but Williams does it all. I think all around he's better.

jeff061 · 01-04-2009, 02:19 PM

Oh, defense. I'd be leaning towards Ed Reed. Guy has been a consistent beast for years now.

sabotai · 01-04-2009, 02:20 PM

Offense: Peyton Manning. Even if he only plays for another 3-4 years, that's enough time to build a franchise and find a young QB with a lot of potential.

Defense: Julius Peppers

DeToxRox · 01-04-2009, 02:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jeff061

Oh, defense. I'd be leaning towards Ed Reed. Guy has been a consistent beast for years now.

It was Williams or Reed for me. Reed is going to wind up the Greatest of all Time, but on an expansion like team he'd have to play a different type of game.

Logan · 01-04-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Well, Albert is amazing this year, but I still wonder if it's because it's a contract year.

Kevin Williams has been dominate his entire career. He just gets better and better.

Yeah, from reading comments of people on other boards who are definitely more knowledgeable about this stuff than me...it seems like the consensus is that Haynesworth gets lazy, and anyone who gives him a ton of guaranteed money will be disappointed. We'll see though.

stevew · 01-04-2009, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan

Yeah this question should probably come up on a day where Ed Reed isn't singlehandedly winning the game for the Raves.

Fwiw I haven't watched the game today. Every time I see the ravens he's been making huge plays. Crazy nose for the ball.

If you can get flacco one stud receiver he will shine. The ravens should make a huge push for Boldin this offseason.

MIJB#19 · 01-04-2009, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Logan

Yeah, from reading comments of people on other boards who are definitely more knowledgeable about this stuff than me...it seems like the consensus is that Haynesworth gets lazy, and anyone who gives him a ton of guaranteed money will be disappointed. We'll see though.

I've read that too and felt it sounds silly. As a first round pick and pro bowler in 2007, you'd have to feel Haynesworth already passed the money and media attention test.

ISiddiqui · 01-04-2009, 02:59 PM

Well Derrick Mason ain't that bad

.

Though, I admit, he isn't a "stud" receiver.

stevew · 01-04-2009, 03:00 PM

Clady or Thomas would be my left tackle picks. I think clady has less injury issues so I'd probably take him.

JPhillips · 01-04-2009, 03:01 PM

I know we're supposed to be focusing on players, but I'll take Ozzie Newsome to build my franchise.

sterlingice · 01-04-2009, 03:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Kevin Williams has been dominate his entire career. He just gets better and better.

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/dominate.html

SI

DeToxRox · 01-04-2009, 04:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sterlingice

http://www.wsu.edu/~brians/errors/dominate.html

SI

Take your small market words out of here!

Cringer · 01-04-2009, 08:16 PM

It would have to be QB or LB for me. I think of Superbowl teams and they have one or the other who is great (if not both). I am sure someone can poke holes in that but I am not going over every SB team right now.

Which player exactly, I am not sure though. Ryan, Flacco, and Rodgers seem to be decent choices after one season each. At LB I am not sure, would have to be young so Ray Lewis is out. I would say DeMarcus Ware possibly.

Anthony · 01-04-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabotai

Offense: Peyton Manning. Even if he only plays for another 3-4 years, that's enough time to build a franchise and find a young QB with a lot of potential.

Defense: Justin Tuck

i can agree with this, i just made a change from Peppers to Tuck. Manning isn't going anywhere for the next 5 years, and even then he'll likely be a Favre play till he's 39 type just to break all of Favre's records. i'll take Manning at 37, 38 and still a top 10 QB. by that time i'll have assembled some good weapons for him and we'll be in playoff caliber mode by then. Tuck is good and won't cost me as much as Peppers would, freeing up some salary space for other talent. Tuck can play DT if i needed him to, also, so versatility makes him the better pick.

sterlingice · 01-04-2009, 09:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Take your small market words out of here!

This is football- small market and big market hardly apply (they do, but to a much less extent)

SI

Galaxy · 01-04-2009, 09:40 PM

I believe that a great offensive line makes the skill positions a level better than they can be. I like Joe Thomas a lot.

On defense, I think that a smart, top-tier free safety is very important. They are game changers in my view, and the quarterback of the defense. Reed is certainly a player I would want.

Honolulu Blue · 01-05-2009, 09:08 AM

This is always a fun question. I remember when a similar question was asked and some people "voted" for Michael Vick.

I usually go with Peyton in these polls, though he's getting close to the point where he'll go Brett Favre on us.

Rather than list specific players, I'll rank the positions that I'd be most likely to build a franchise around:

1. QB
2. LT
3. ILB
4. RB
5. DE
6. OLB
7. WR
8. DT
9. S
10. CB

Fidatelo · 01-05-2009, 10:16 AM

I think the most important positions in football are on either OL or DL (so LT and DT). Everything starts at the line. QB would follow, then I'm not so sure. HB is probably the least important position on the field. Then again, I'm a Broncos fan

johnnyshaka · 01-05-2009, 01:14 PM

I'm not one to rock the boat...Thomas/Clady and Williams/Haynesworth are pretty worthy choices for me.

For the guy who picked Brady...a guy who took a handful of snaps in college had a pretty damn good year running his team...not that Brady isn't a great QB...but, it does make you wonder how much BB has to do with Brady's success??

I'm just saying...

sabotai · 01-05-2009, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Anthony

i can agree with this, i just made a change from Peppers to Tuck.

I was thinking either Tuck or Osi, but didn't want to make a "homer" pick.

Anthony · 01-05-2009, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sabotai

I was thinking either Tuck or Osi, but didn't want to make a "homer" pick.

i was gonna say Osi myself, but i don't want to build my franchise around a guy who was out for a whole year due to injury. i don't know how that affects his performance. i rather go with the versatile sure thing. but yeah, we're on the same page here.

QuikSand · 01-18-2009, 02:45 PM

Larry Fitzgerald sure looks like a guy who has the complete package of skills at the WR position. I suspect he'd be effective on any team, in any system. Lot of value in that. Hard not to pick a "franchise QB" with only one guy on offense, but with slightly different rules he'd be a very tempting pick.

DaddyTorgo · 01-18-2009, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyshaka

I'm not one to rock the boat...Thomas/Clady and Williams/Haynesworth are pretty worthy choices for me.

For the guy who picked Brady...a guy who took a handful of snaps in college had a pretty damn good year running his team...not that Brady isn't a great QB...but, it does make you wonder how much BB has to do with Brady's success??

I'm just saying...

i object. he didn't "take a handful of snaps in college". that's grossly understating it

Daimyo · 01-18-2009, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wikipedia

During his four seasons there, Cassel completed 19 of 33 passes for 192 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception.

I think that qualifies as a "handful of snaps in college".

DaddyTorgo · 01-18-2009, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daimyo

I think that qualifies as a "handful of snaps in college".

oh - i thought we were referring to Brady. I misunderstood the reference.

bhlloy · 01-18-2009, 03:47 PM

Pretty hard to argue against Fitzgerald right now. He's about to get a team to the Super Bowl all by himself.

DeToxRox · 01-18-2009, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bhlloy

Pretty hard to argue against Fitzgerald right now. He's about to get a team to the Super Bowl all by himself.

Fitz is amazing, but come on, the difference between he and Calvin Johnson isn't that big, and the Lions were 0-16. Fitz has the most accuerate QB in NFL history throwing to him, plus a top 10 WR opposite him.

Fitz is amazing, but you take away Warner and replace him with Leinart, and Arizona is not here.

FBPro · 01-18-2009, 10:43 PM

Even though it is just one year, as I watched Ryan play this year I could not help but see alot of Peyton in him. Now I don't know that this will continue or that he will even come close to that standard but Ryan's poise and his command of running the team from huddle to LOS(running no huddle as well) reminded me of Manning. Only time will tell.

hoopsguy · 01-19-2009, 06:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeToxRox

Fitz is amazing, but come on, the difference between he and Calvin Johnson isn't that big, and the Lions were 0-16. Fitz has the most accuerate QB in NFL history throwing to him, plus a top 10 WR opposite him.

Fitz is amazing, but you take away Warner and replace him with Leinart, and Arizona is not here.

I think Andre Johnson belongs in the conversation of top WRs as well, although Fitzgerald's playoff run is making this a harder point to argue than it was three weeks ago.

sterlingice · 01-19-2009, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoopsguy

I think Andre Johnson belongs in the conversation of top WRs as well, although Fitzgerald's playoff run is making this a harder point to argue than it was three weeks ago.

How about Steve Smith?

I mean, I love Fitzgerald but he needs both Warner and Boldin there to make him what he is.

This goes along the lines of why the Football Hall of Fame is just an exercise in futility when compared to Baseball. The first question everyone asks is "how many rings", which is just stupid when it's so much more of a team oriented game where you need so many more good players to make a good team.

SI

johnnyshaka · 01-19-2009, 02:38 PM

SI, did you see the Cards/Panthers game?? No Boldin there...Fitz was pretty good.

DeToxRox · 01-19-2009, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnnyshaka

SI, did you see the Cards/Panthers game?? No Boldin there...Fitz was pretty good.

But you still need a QB to get him the ball which is why I think it's absurd to build a team around WR.

I mean everyone rips on Millen for trying to do just that, and now people here think it'd be a great idea.

01-04-2009, 01:29 PM	#3
jeff061 Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: MA	Brady. Granted I'm a Pats fan of course. But it's the attitude as much of the skill. He'd help build a culture that would hopefully last after he's gone. With the Pats everyone is always trying to give someone the credit(or take it away from someone). The common debate is Belichick or Brady, when Crennel and Weiss were around some were saying it's because of them. But it comes down to a combination of all of them putting a particular culture in place during and shortly after their first bowl win, after those first couple years it's just been about maintaining the culture. Brady not only led that change off the field but has the on field skills as well. __________________

01-04-2009, 02:00 PM	#5
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Offense. Probably Joe flacco. He's going to be amazing. He can make every throw and has the moxie I want out of a signal caller. Defense. Ed reed just makes so many plays I'd almost have to do it. Special teams. Either Leon Washington or Josh cribbs. Last edited by stevew : 01-04-2009 at 02:03 PM.

01-04-2009, 02:14 PM	#9
MrDNA High School Varsity Join Date: Jan 2007	Interesting responses, especially as Ed Reed was the other defensive player I considered (and him being beastly on TV in front of me right now is a powerful influence) and if I decided to go o-line it would've been Joe Thomas. As for Flacco, he's a guy like Ryan where if he performs this well next year he would probably be my pick. Also, now that I'm thinking, Haloti Ngata would be a pretty good D pick, as well, for those who favor the trenches. Geez, I hate how many Ravens are coming up in my conversation! I'm going to go put on my brown and orange pajamas and cry myself to sleep (don't worry, that's usually how I end my Sundays). __________________ Norfolk Flame (Shiba) Jacksonville Bulls (UFL) R.I.P. *Ayr Bravehearts (FOFL)*

01-04-2009, 02:19 PM	#12
jeff061 Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: MA	Oh, defense. I'd be leaning towards Ed Reed. Guy has been a consistent beast for years now. __________________

01-04-2009, 02:59 PM	#18
ISiddiqui Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Decatur, GA	Well Derrick Mason ain't that bad . Though, I admit, he isn't a "stud" receiver. __________________ "A prayer for the wild at heart, kept in cages" -Tennessee Williams

01-04-2009, 01:24 PM	#2
DeToxRox Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Michigan	On offense: Joe Thomas. On defense: Kevin Williams Give me the best young LT and the best young DT in the game. Win in the trenches.

01-04-2009, 01:42 PM	#4
Crapshoot Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Dec 2003	Randomly enough, my cousin and I were having this discussion the other day: Building a franchise, my priority would be: 1. LT 2. DT 3. QB 4. RT 5. CB I'm guessing my last choices would be HB, FB, and TE respectively.

01-04-2009, 02:11 PM	#6
Logan Head Coach Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: NYC	Yeah this question should probably come up on a day where Ed Reed isn't singlehandedly winning the game for the Raves.

01-04-2009, 02:18 PM	#11
DeToxRox Head Coach Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Michigan	Just a comparison: Williams - 267 tackles, 42.5 sacks, 4 FF, 4 INT Haynesworth - 271 tackles, 24 sacks, 6 FF Granted, they do play a bit differently. Haynesworth is more of a clogger, take on double team guy, but Williams does it all. I think all around he's better.

01-04-2009, 02:20 PM	#13
sabotai General Manager Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: The Satellite of Love	Offense: Peyton Manning. Even if he only plays for another 3-4 years, that's enough time to build a franchise and find a young QB with a lot of potential. Defense: Julius Peppers

01-04-2009, 03:00 PM	#19
stevew Hall Of Famer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: the yo'	Clady or Thomas would be my left tackle picks. I think clady has less injury issues so I'd probably take him.

01-04-2009, 03:01 PM	#20
JPhillips Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Newburgh, NY	I know we're supposed to be focusing on players, but I'll take Ozzie Newsome to build my franchise. __________________ To love someone is to strive to accept that person exactly the way he or she is, right here and now.. - Mr. Rogers

01-04-2009, 08:16 PM	#23
Cringer Grizzled Veteran Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Edinburg,TX	It would have to be QB or LB for me. I think of Superbowl teams and they have one or the other who is great (if not both). I am sure someone can poke holes in that but I am not going over every SB team right now. Which player exactly, I am not sure though. Ryan, Flacco, and Rodgers seem to be decent choices after one season each. At LB I am not sure, would have to be young so Ray Lewis is out. I would say DeMarcus Ware possibly. __________________ You Stole Fizzy Lifting drinks! You bumped into the ceiling which now has to be washed and steralized, so you get NOTHING! You lose!

01-04-2009, 09:40 PM	#26
Galaxy Coordinator Join Date: Apr 2005	I believe that a great offensive line makes the skill positions a level better than they can be. I like Joe Thomas a lot. On defense, I think that a smart, top-tier free safety is very important. They are game changers in my view, and the quarterback of the defense. Reed is certainly a player I would want. Last edited by Galaxy : 01-04-2009 at 09:41 PM.

01-05-2009, 09:08 AM	#27
Honolulu Blue Dynasty Boy Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Michigan	This is always a fun question. I remember when a similar question was asked and some people "voted" for Michael Vick. I usually go with Peyton in these polls, though he's getting close to the point where he'll go Brett Favre on us. Rather than list specific players, I'll rank the positions that I'd be most likely to build a franchise around: 1. QB 2. LT 3. ILB 4. RB 5. DE 6. OLB 7. WR 8. DT 9. S 10. CB

01-05-2009, 10:16 AM	#28
Fidatelo Pro Starter Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, MB	I think the most important positions in football are on either OL or DL (so LT and DT). Everything starts at the line. QB would follow, then I'm not so sure. HB is probably the least important position on the field. Then again, I'm a Broncos fan __________________ "Breakfast? Breakfast schmekfast, look at the score for God's sake. It's only the second period and I'm winning 12-2. Breakfasts come and go, Rene, but Hartford, the Whale, they only beat Vancouver maybe once or twice in a lifetime."

01-05-2009, 01:14 PM	#29
johnnyshaka College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton, AB	I'm not one to rock the boat...Thomas/Clady and Williams/Haynesworth are pretty worthy choices for me. For the guy who picked Brady...a guy who took a handful of snaps in college had a pretty damn good year running his team...not that Brady isn't a great QB...but, it does make you wonder how much BB has to do with Brady's success?? I'm just saying... Last edited by johnnyshaka : 01-05-2009 at 01:14 PM.

01-18-2009, 02:45 PM	#32
QuikSand lolzcat Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Annapolis, Md	Larry Fitzgerald sure looks like a guy who has the complete package of skills at the WR position. I suspect he'd be effective on any team, in any system. Lot of value in that. Hard not to pick a "franchise QB" with only one guy on offense, but with slightly different rules he'd be a very tempting pick.

01-18-2009, 03:47 PM	#36
bhlloy Coordinator Join Date: Nov 2003	Pretty hard to argue against Fitzgerald right now. He's about to get a team to the Super Bowl all by himself.

01-18-2009, 10:43 PM	#38
FBPro College Starter Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: SE	Even though it is just one year, as I watched Ryan play this year I could not help but see alot of Peyton in him. Now I don't know that this will continue or that he will even come close to that standard but Ryan's poise and his command of running the team from huddle to LOS(running no huddle as well) reminded me of Manning. Only time will tell. __________________ GM RayCo Raiders-est. 2004-2012 Charter member of the IHOF-RayCo GM GM Tennessee Titans PFL 2011-2014 GM Tennessee Titans FOWL 2020-2025

01-19-2009, 02:38 PM	#41
johnnyshaka College Benchwarmer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Edmonton, AB	SI, did you see the Cards/Panthers game?? No Boldin there...Fitz was pretty good.

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