Group Think II

[Tasan]

Originally posted by Blade
I am interested in participating, but I must confess, I did not follow the old Group Think threads. How does this work? Do you need FOF4 to do this?

Well, if we do it right and post enough printouts, you may not need FOF4 for some jobs. However, having it, playing it, and knowing its nuances is good though. Basically, a group think takes a team, and uses several people's input in making decisions for that team. Someone puts all this into the game and we sim, and see how everything comes out.

[Mike47]

Blade, I would recommend having the game. It would just make things easier on everyone. There is a post in this thread that sort of describes what a RBs coach would be responsible for. That should give you an idea of what to expect for any position group. A scout...I'm sure you can figure it out :-)

Let me know what you think.

[strait8]

My picks for the expansion draft
here are my choices for the expansion draft. I have noted the costs beside each ball player. The overall costs will be lower because FOFC4 will strip the bonus from them when we select them. Houston had to pickup these charges in the NFL.
The advantage is we can drop these guys without penalty if they do not pan out or even before camp if better FA are found.
They are listed by position and there are really ony 19 viable choices
QB None
RB-None
FB- Bryan Johnson $450K
TE Brody heffner-Liddard- 380K
TE-John Jones- 400K
WR Derius Thompson-400K
WR Nate Turner-300K
WR Bryan Gilmore-300K
C-david Infante-Diaz-550K
T-Flozell Adams 4.920K
DE-John Hilliard 380K
DT Ryan Picket-550K
MLB-jeff kelly 530K
MLB Keith Burns- 750K
SLB Ted Johnston-3800K
SLB- Don Davis-850K
CB-None
S-john dale Carty-450K
S-Chris Atkins-530K
S-Anthoy Dorsett-720K

Total cost of this group of has beens and never will be's is 16.3 million.

Your scout
Strait8

[Mike47]

Opps, I didnt see Tasan's response to Blade. Sorry 'bout that.

As I've said before, I like to let my coordinators dictate what type of team we should build. After all, they are the ones working directly with the players, they should have what they work best with.

With that said, I do think we need to put emphasis on the OL first and foremost on offense and on defense, the front 7 (I would say DL but I'm still not sure what Tasan wants to use (4-3, 3-4)).

I think you guys nailed right on the head when discussing bringing in an elite RB to build around. I agree we need this type of player to fit our offense, but I am not sure he needs to be brought in right away. I've always been a believer that RB is probably the easiest position to just get "thrown in to" unlike a young QB for instance. I don't think we should jump the gun and force ourselves to find our franchise RB, especially with the draft class that we know awaits. I doubt Willie Green or TJ Duckett are the answer here.

As far as the expansion draft goes, I have to select 20 players. I will not be taking a player who makes a significant amount of money (over 8 or 900K) unless they are going to be a starter (or close to it). I also will try to stay away from taking players who have long contracts. Idealy, I would like to use the expansion draft to get players that will be low on the depth chart; fillers. A 3rd string QB (not Ty Detmer), a backup FB, our dimeback, a #4 DE or OLB etc. The only exception may be Amani Toomer.

Toomer is scheduled to make 3.8M this season and 4M the next. The FOF scout has him rated as a 44 for both current and potential. He may be the one player we can land and use as a starter from the expansion draft. I don't see why we wouldn't want to take him. He may be overpaid slightly, but it's one less hole we'd have to fill and he has a short contract.

Well that's it for now, I'm going to start looking at some players. I'll let you guys know my specific plan of attack for the expansion draft once I have a chance to look at it more carefully. But in order to do that I need one thing from the coordinators:

Now that I know what kind of systems we want to use I need to know what kind of players, specifically, will fit this system. Possesion WRs? Big bulky building moving OL? Fast DEs? Cover CBs? Let me know what you guys are looking for. I'll wait to make a selection until I have your guys' blueprints.

[Mike47]

To sum up that last post:

We've established our approach. Now I, as general manager, need to know what kind of players are going to work for the systems our coordinators are going to use.

Once that is done, I'll make the 20 selections on paper, I'll post them here and get feedback. If you guys approve I'll upload a new league file.

Stay tuned...

[Tasan]

Originally posted by Mike47
Toomer is scheduled to make 3.8M this season and 4M the next. The FOF scout has him rated as a 44 for both current and potential. He may be the one player we can land and use as a starter from the expansion draft. I don't see why we wouldn't want to take him. He may be overpaid slightly, but it's one less hole we'd have to fill and he has a short contract.

....

Now that I know what kind of systems we want to use I need to know what kind of players, specifically, will fit this system. Possesion WRs? Big bulky building moving OL? Fast DEs? Cover CBs? Let me know what you guys are looking for. I'll wait to make a selection until I have your guys' blueprints.

We should grab toomer if he is available. That 2 year contract will be gone by the time we need the money. We will go with a 4-3 this year. I want run stopping DLs for now, and pass rushing LBs. I like my CBs high on man-to-man, and my FS needs good cover skills, and the SS needs to be a big hitter. This being said, we may just fill in with whatever we have this year. I eventually want us in a 3-4, but its usually easier to fill in a 4-3 early.

[strait8]

Deleted messages

[Mike47]

Tasan, it may be better for the team to use a 3-4 right off the bat. With team cohesion taken into account and all, why don't we just start fresh with a 3-4? If that's what you want to use I don't see any benefit in waiting. No use getting some players used to 4-3 and then switching, it will only set us back.

[SaintAnselm]

I agree with Mike on the defensive alignment. We might as well start out with what we evetually plan to go with. As far as picking up a RB, I agree that it can wait, and that there will not be one in this draft most likely.

[strait8]

I was just wondering as i do not have Armani toomer as FA in my WR's.

In regard to FA's. I can llok at the potential FA group and see some spectacular guys who will be available inexpensively.

I used the two followig settings to filter:
Future potential Up to 6 years Max salary 2.3 mill
Current value up to 9 Years Max salary 3.23 Mill

On the Oline look at
Jeff Smith Under 2.3Mill. This guy looks like the type of guy who will get 35-45 KRB and only allow 4-5 sacks per season.

Kevin long C-is also available at around 970K per season.

Kerry jenkins NJ Jets 6years<3.2 mil/yr. This guy would also be a great additon.

Three FA prospects that cone up under Future potential filter are:
All of these guys are available for minimum salary. They usually can be signed to two years for a 20K bonus. At least one of the three sHould develop into a starter.
Darryl Allen -T. Patrick vickers-G Robert Benson T

Another area of Strength in the draft is Safety.

Look at Tony Parrish SS and Kieth Lyle are asking for 1.8 and Eric Brown is 2.3. We should be able to sign any 2 of them and have two great ball hawkig safeties.

Other potential bargins are Ricky Dudley and Cam Cleeland at TE and Earl holmes at SLB.

At receiver Bill schroeder looks like the best and should be signed.

The biggest question I see is Drew Bledsole his asking price is under 1.84. I would think he could be ours for 4 years 10 million.
Or do we go after David carr aka Robert ingersoll at 20 Mill+ in the draft.

[Blade]

Well, I don't have FOF4 yet, so I am out.

[Mike47]

Allright here it is. My Mock Expansion Draft. I haven't actually selected this players as of yet, but plan on doing so if you guys approve.

FB Bryan Johnson
A blocking FB who might catch a ball or two out of the backfield. However, no promises on whether or not he'll hold on to it for very long.
Projected Roster Spot: FB2 of 2

TE Brody Heffner-Liddiard
A potential pass blocking TE with good hands who seems to be a shoe in for some easy third downs conversions.
Projected Roster Spot: TE2 of 3

TE Ryan Prince
This guy was picked on his potential. Not much to say about someone who will be your 3rd string TE, but he does seem to have a nack for getting open.
Project Roster Spot: TE3 of 3

WR Amani Toomer
I can't wait to see what this guys Yards per catch will end up being. Toomer will be one of the only significant cap hits we take out of this expansion draft at $3.0M this year and $3.2M the next. Regardless, pulling a starter out of an FOF expansion draft is too hard to pass up. Especially since he'll be our featured punt returner as well.
Projected Roster Spot: WR2 of 6

WR Brian Gilmore
I'm not sure what all the hype is about this guy (40 potential) but I'd rather take a chance on him than some of the other scrubs available. He's cheap and is a hometown boy from Lufkin, TX. There's my excuse.
Projected Roster Spot: WR6 of 6

WR Isaac Byrd
Nothing special about Isaac, just your average filler WR. Welcome to Houston!
Projected Roster Spot: WR5 of 6

WR Tai Streets
Another WR out of U of M, Streets is basically a more finely tuned version of our very own Isaac Byrd. However, Tai is 3 years younger and has just enough talent, in just the right places, which should allow him to make an impact on this team.
Projected Roster Spot: WR4 of 6

C David Diaz-Infante
Just about the only C available who can actually run block. Here's our first OL guys, he should make for a nice backup at the center position.
Projected Roster Spot: C2 of 2

C Lonnie Paxton
Lonnie was originally overlooked, but being that the expansion draft does not offer one respectable G who can actually run-block, Lonnie Paxton gets the nod. We'll fit him in somewhere.
Projected Roster Spot: G4 of 4

T Melvin Tuten
Melvin is a rare run-blocking T who will fit our offense nicely. Granteed, he's a career reserve at best but Mr. Tuten just might pop open a few holes from the depths of his roster slot.
Projected Roster Spot: T4 of 4

T Flozell Adams
Flozell was the last pick I made. Having passed on him originally, it came down to a combination of him being the best available player, by far and him fitting a team need. He is certainly overpaid for what his role will be, a #3 T (2 at best) but he only had one year remaining on his contract and can always be released.

DEFENSE

DE Joe Tafoya
What do you know!? A 4th string run stopping DE.
Projected Roster Spot: DE4 of 4

DT Leif Larsen
This Texas-El Paso grad could hold his own on run support and should supply an added incentive with his pass rushing potential...If he gets on the field.
Projected Roster Spot: DT3 of 3

ILB Tommy Hendricks
Hendricks was selected because he's a role player. Simply put; this guy is a blitzer. As long as he's not left hung out to dry in pass coverage Houston, Texas' own Tommy Hendricks should add a spark to our pass rush when he comes in on 3rd and longs.
Projected Roster Spot: ILB3 of 4

ILB Dhani Jones
Dhani Jones is a more well-rounded ILB than his former Michigan Wolverine teammate Hendricks, and will add solid depth to the inside of our LB corps. Look for Jones to be a solid contributer on special teams in the near future as well.
Projected Roster Spot: ILB4 of 4

OLB Brant Boyer
A well rounded reserve, Boyer will be best served giving the starters a quick breather and contributing to special teams.
Projected Roster Spot: OLB3 of 4

OLB Don Davis
Davis was one of the last picks I made. It was between him and Atlanta's Arlie Ulmer. Davis can't play run defense at all and he's not much of a cover LB. His strengths lie in blitzing and his role on special teams.
Projected Roster Spot: OLB4 of 4

CB Ken Lucas
Lucas isn't exactly what we're looking for in a corner but he will work as a #5 guy. He is pretty well rounded and may chip in occasionally on kick returns.
Projected Roster Spot: CB5 of 5

S David Gibson
Gibson could be a solid SS on guaranteed passing downs, but I'd look for this big hitter to make a name for himself on special teams.
Projected Roster Spot: S3 of 4

S John Dale Carty
Carty is listed as a SS but he gets selected, along-side Gibson, for his ability to (hopefully) handle both safety positions within our defense. One dimensional in his pass coverages, Carty, if anything else, will knock a few heads on special teams.
Projected Roster Spot: S4 of 4

Well that's my take guys. Let me know what you think!

[Mike47]

These 20 players would count $16,350,000 against the cap. A bit more than what I wanted to spend, but Flozell and Amani definetly contributed to the inflation.

[SaintAnselm]

I think you did a fine job, I can accept 16 mil of the cap being taken up especially because we can always release Flozell. Taking Toomer is alright with me. Getting a starter out of the draft is a big plus.

[Tasan]

Thats not a bad cast of characters there. I have no problems with them. I think I'm getting a little different view of the players though, must be associated with our other problem.

And for the 3-4, we can go ahead and start with it this year I guess. I'll need 4-5 DEs, 3 DTs, and 8 OLB/ILBs. CBs and Ss as we can fit them.

Anyway, I think we can just go ahead and run this draft with these players listed here, anyone concur?

[Tasan]

The 16.3 mil figure is about 23% of our total cap. The players total to about 38% of our roster, so we are doing good with that figure.

[strait8]

Do we not sign UFRA"s before the draft?

[Mike47]

Yeah, Straight8, that should be the next thing to do. Well, aside from setting ticket prices etc. I'll post the new file shortly. Hopefully it will work.

BTW, here is a quick run down of how I will distribute roster space (off the top of my head).

3 QBs
3 HBs
2 FBs
3 TEs
6 WRs
2 Cs
4 Gs
4 Ts
K
P
4 DEs
3 DTs
4 OLBs
4 ILBs
5 CBs
4 S

[Mike47]

The new file is up. Get it here.

Quick FYI, the latest file will always be at the very beginning of this thread as well. Where the positions are posted.

[Tasan]

Alright folks, here we are after the Expansion draft.

Front Office Football: The Fourth Edition
Houston Texans Roster, Standard View
   
  Player                #   Pos  HT   WT   Exp  Birthdate   College  
Johnson, Bryan          33  FB   6-1  234  2    01/18/1978  Boise State           
Prince, Ryan            87  TE   6-4  254  2    05/16/1978  Weber State           
Heffner-Liddiard, Brody 88  TE   6-4  234  3    06/12/1977  Colorado              
Byrd, Isaac             81  SE   6-1  188  6    11/16/1974  Kansas                
Streets, Tai            85  SE   6-2  206  3    04/20/1977  Michigan              
Gilmore, Bryan          86  SE   5-11 196  2    09/21/1978  Midwestern State      
Toomer, Amani           89  SE   6-3  202  7    09/08/1974  Michigan              
Adams, Flozell          66  LT   6-7  335  5    05/18/1975  Michigan State        
Tuten, Melvin           72  LT   6-7  320  6    11/11/1971  Syracuse              
Diaz-Infante, David     50  C    6-3  295  7    03/31/1964  San Jose State        
Paxton, Lonie           57  C    6-2  260  3    03/13/1978  Cal. - Sacramento     
Larsen, Leif            71  LDT  6-4  295  3    04/03/1975  Texas - El Paso       
Tafoya, Joe             98  RDE  6-3  270  2    09/06/1978  Arizona               
Davis, Don              54  SLB  6-1  234  7    12/17/1972  Kansas                
Hendricks, Tommy        52  MLB  6-1  223  3    10/23/1978  Michigan              
Jones, Dhani            58  MLB  6-1  237  2    02/22/1978  Michigan              
Boyer, Brant            91  WLB  6-1  230  8    06/27/1971  Arizona               
Lucas, Ken              29  RCB  6-0  203  2    01/23/1979  Mississippi           
Gibson, David           43  SS   6-1  210  3    11/05/1977  Southern California   
Carty, Johndale         45  SS   6-0  202  4    08/27/1977  Utah State            
   
$$ - player is in starting lineup, ## - player is inactive.  
   
Players Under Contract: 20
On Active Roster: 20
   
Salary Cap: $71,100,000
Cap Room: $54,760,000
Maximum for New Player: $49,240,000
Cap Room Lost (to old contracts): $0
   
Cap Room Lost Next Year (to old contracts): $0
Cap Room Required Next Year: $9,150,000

Next up is ticket pricing, then Free Agency. Before you go running off looking at the upcoming FA market, bear in mind it might change. When you hit the Continue to FA button, it can randomize a bit, and since that hasn't been done yet to the main files, some guys might not make it to FA for whatever reasons. Just a heads up, you can prolly look now and get a real good feel for them at least.

[Tasan]

And here's what our scout things of this rag tag bunch:

Front Office Football: The Fourth Edition
Houston Texans Roster, Scout Overview
   
  Player                #   Pos  Exp  Current Estimate  Future Estimate Cntrct  
Johnson, Bryan          33  FB   2    21                29                2 yrs.  
Heffner-Liddiard, Brody 88  TE   3    22                37                2 yrs.  
Prince, Ryan            87  TE   2    14                25                1 yr.   
Byrd, Isaac             81  SE   6    23                23                2 yrs.  
Gilmore, Bryan          86  SE   2    16                20                1 yr.   
Streets, Tai            85  SE   3    23                27                4 yrs.  
Toomer, Amani           89  SE   7    41                41                2 yrs.  
Adams, Flozell          66  LT   5    33                33                1 yr.   
Tuten, Melvin           72  LT   6    9                 14                2 yrs.  
Diaz-Infante, David     50  C    7    19                26                1 yr.   
Paxton, Lonie           57  C    3    6                 15                1 yr.   
Larsen, Leif            71  LDT  3    9                 16                1 yr.   
Tafoya, Joe             98  RDE  2    9                 16                2 yrs.  
Davis, Don              54  SLB  7    20                22                1 yr.   
Hendricks, Tommy        52  MLB  3    16                23                2 yrs.  
Jones, Dhani            58  MLB  2    15                28                2 yrs.  
Boyer, Brant            91  WLB  8    21                23                2 yrs.  
Lucas, Ken              29  RCB  2    12                20                3 yrs.  
Carty, Johndale         45  SS   4    17                25                1 yr.   
Gibson, David           43  SS   3    15                26                2 yrs.  
   
$$ - player is in starting lineup, ## - player is inactive.  
   
Players Under Contract: 20
On Active Roster: 20
   
Salary Cap: $71,100,000
Cap Room: $54,760,000
Maximum for New Player: $49,240,000
Cap Room Lost (to old contracts): $0
   
Cap Room Lost Next Year (to old contracts): $0
Cap Room Required Next Year: $9,150,000

[Tasan]

My initial thoughts.....Whats up with the state of Michigan???

[strait8]

Boy compared to the NFL Texans we got crumbs indeed. The only silver lining is wwe won't have to go throuugh restrucuring Boselli's contract like Houston did.

We probably will weed out some of these guys during the next 20 week process. There are a lot of good 1st year free agents with way more potential who can fill roster poositions 4-6 at lower cost with more upside.

There are also a lot of excellent high value vets waiting to be signed.
Lets get at it.

[Mike47]

How strange, I have Toomer as a 44/44 instead of a 41/41 like you have posted. What about the rest of you? What is our scouts name on your game? Mine is Will Stratico. They should match, but who knows. Should this be happening?

[Mike47]

Let's get these ticket prices out of the way. What approach are we thinking?

[Mike47]

Bad bad bad news guys. For whatever reason, when I reinstalled the game before we started this I apparently did not install the patch correctly. I didn't notice the problem until I looked at the free agents. There are a ton of 1st year free agents with great potential.

This probably explains why I was getting a different read than the rest of you (Toomer etc).

We're going to have to restart. Good news is, nothing will really change for you. The bad news is I will have to reselect our 20 players from the expansion draft.

I'll repost everything sometime tomorrow. I'm sorry guys! Don't let it get you down, we're just set back one day. No big whoop. Although, with it being V-Day I'm not sure how much I'll actually get accomplished tomorrow (gotta work my REAL job too).

Stay tuned.

[Mike47]

Flase alarm. The patch fixed all of the problems. I'm going to re-upload the files just in case something changed etc etc so that we're all on the same page. Sorry, it's late I'm losing my mind.

[Tasan]

glad to see we have it all cleared up now. My thoughts on ticket prices are that we should be competitive with our in-state rivals the Cowboys, and possibly with New Orleans.

[Swaggs]

What are our goals in FA? Best available players? Build up the lines? Skill players?

I might suggest we find a good punter and a good kicker and go after them early.

[Neel]

In FA I think we should never overspend and strap our future goals, but look hard at OL and a good pass rusher, look hard at getting at least 1 good cover cornerback, and hopefully a service QB to help support our development of a franchise rookie QB.

[Neel]

And yes...a good Kicker is a must. We will rely on him to keep us alive in the early going.

Mike, let me know if you need someone to take on QB coach...I can do the QB's and RB's if needed.

[strait8]

A closer look at the FA market shows a good crop of guys.
Some Criteria I had in mind were:
Try to only sign players with 9 yrs or less experience. Preferably 6 0r less.
Try to find high value players with salaries to 2.3 million.
So here are a few players to take a close at.

Christian Fauria TE
Stalin Colinet DE
Eric Brown SS
Duane Starks CB
Jeff Smith C
Jamie Duncan MLB
Kevin Long C
Donnell Bennett FB
Matt Turk P

Rookies
These guys are very big potential, and cheap 260K. With a 20k bonus they will sign for two years.

I think a lot of these rookies are better than w hat we got in the expansion draft

Search future Potential exp 0-1 Salary under 460K

you can sign all ten below for a total oulay of 2.8 Mill only 200K will count against the Cap. Good roster fillers to take to camp.
Some of these gusys will bust some will be back ups. In a couple of years 1-2 may start.

Darnell Fortenberry RB This guys rated ahead Jamal Anderson-7th overall in RB's

Darryl Allen T
Robert Benson T
Patrick Vickers G
Turner Lewis DT
Eugene Perez Fl
Chad fenderson CB
Bobbi Wallen DE
KC Franks LT
Earl roberts LG

These guys will provide depth and allow us tosign other starters at higher prices. i think many of these rookies are better than players on the roster now.

[Tasan]

I've got to lobby for 2 FAs, SS Tony Parrish and FS Eric Brown. These guys could be the glue that holds our defense together this year. I would really like to have one/both of them if possible. They both come up within the search criteria above.

[Ragone]

I'd like to be Qb Coach if possible.. if not just slot me in as a Wr coach

[strait8]

Definitely sign those two. They are Ball Hawks and run stoppers.

[Mike47]

I'll take a look at some things tomorrow. It's 5am. Im going to bed.

Ragone, you can be QB coach.

[Mike47]

Ok guys, I am setting our ticket prices, based on our rival Cowboys and the Lions (identical fan support/new stadium). I'd rather have the place fill up with lower ticket prices than to be like 80-90% with higher ticket prices. So here they are:

Upper Deck: $20
End Zone: $25
Mezzaine: $35
Sidelines: $50
Club Seats: $150
Luxury Boxes: $75,000

I'm going to advance to the free agency period...well, unless we want to tag one of our highly talented roster players.

Let me know what you guys think, I'll post the file in a few minutes.

[Mike47]

While this is uploading:

I'm looking at the draft class and finding it pretty obvious as to who our selection should be. We have the #1 pick. We're going to be dropping some major cash on whomever we pick so I'd hate for us to give this kind of a contract to like a C, or a S or something. I think QB David Carr is the obvious choice for us here. Get him in the system early, maybe let him sit out year #1 etc. but I think he may be the only player/position worth taking and shelling out that kind of a contract to.

It's either that or trade down in my opinion.

[Mike47]

The file's up. Take a look, I should be on a bit more this afternoon and then not again until tomorrow.

[dread]

I guess I could be the NFC scout as well as helping with the amateur scouting if still needed

[strait8]

Food for thought. Can we sign Bledsoe and trade down from the No.1 to say 3-5 and pick up an extra #1 0r #2 and #3.

What are your thoughts.

We need help in a lot of places.

[Tasan]

thats an interesting thought, although I really don't know if there are too many great players in this draft, you know ones that you would want with the 3-5 picks.

[strait8]

I am not sure you understand what I mean. Trading with Detroit San Diego or Buffalo would give us one these ball players.

Joey Harrington
Julius Peppers
Marc Columbo
Jeremy Shockey
Rohan Davey
Lukey staley
Albert Haynsworth

It would give us two first rounders next year Or a 2nd and 3rd this year. or possibly more.

[Tasan]

No, I'm just not sure if those guys warrent a #3, 4 or 5 pick in the first round. I don't like the top end talent in this draft. But, I guess I should leave that to the scouts. No hard feelings or anything, just the way I see it.

[strait8]

There is lots of talent, but looking up the cost on Bledsoe makes me believe he would not sign under 50/Mil/5yrs. Thats just way to much for him.

It was a thought.

[Mike47]

Yeah, I have no interest in signing Bledsoe. He is a great player, but by the time our team is ready to compete he'll be in the twilight of his career. He wants way too much money. Especially since we'll be running the ball so much.

I have no problems with trading down. Hell, we could probably trade down and still land a QB. I was just saying that if we did pick #1 it would be, with the talent available, David Carr.

[Mike47]

Dread, I added you to the team.

Ok, I'm starting to breakdown FA. I guess we'll just start brainstorming in order.

Quarterback:

Ok, we have a number of options here:

1. Don't bother signing a UFA QB. We could draft a rookie and throw him to the wolves (Couch/Manning etc)

2. We could sign an UFA as our starter etc.

3. We could sign an UFA and draft a rookie.
     a) The rookie could start, meaning we'd sign a dependable backup.
     b) The vet would start, letting the rookie learn the system etc.

I'm open to any suggestions. I'm sure we'll be plucking a QB out of the draft somewhere, I'm just not sure how high he will be on our priority list.

Let's get some QB brainstorming going!

[Mike47]

I think we should sign one of these two QBs:

1. Byron Newman
2. Bubba Manning

With one of these guys we may have our QB of the future without having to spend a draft pick.
PROJECTED ROSTER SPOT: QB2 of 3

I also think we should sign one of these QBs:

1. Charlie Batch
2. Rob Johnson
3. Gus Frerotte
PROJECTED ROSTER SPOT: QB1 of 3

Whomever we decide on, would make a servicable starting QB at a very moderate price. Once our "franchise guy" is ready this UFA would still be a valuable commodity to the team and still be at an affordable price.

[strait8]

I have found in my own FOF careers it is netter to start a maxed out rookie than leave him on the bench. They develop much quicker and the their potential expands rather than shrinks.

If we like D. Carr which we do then play him right away. One of my rookie QB's Cedric cullen went into the 70"s in his second year and maxed out at 98 in year 4. If he is going to hand the ball off anyway, he might as well be in the game.

I would not sign a mediocre QB to play in front of Carr that will only impede his development. Sign them to come in when he is having a tough game or to start when Carr is injured,

For 3rd string we should sign both Bubba and Byron and keep the best one after training camp. They are cheap and can be signed for 2 yrs with a 20K bonus.

[Mike47]

So, we shouldn't even think of starting either Manning or Newman? If that's the case then I think we are left with no other choice but to draft a QB in the first round. Bledsoe costs too much and Chandler is old and also has a hefty price tag. I guess we are left with signing one of the three backups and drafting Carr/Harrington? And of course signing Newman and Manning and letting them battle the 3rd spot out in camp.