Welcome to the second article in my “Draft or Sign” series. In each piece, I breakdown what each team’s needs are, and compare the talent available in free agency and the draft. I finish my analysis of each position by answering a simple question – if you need an upgrade at ______, is it better to draft or sign a player this offseason?
In the second instalment, I will be looking at the quarterbacks and the offensive line – tackle, guard and center. If you missed the first piece, which concentrated on backs and receivers, it can be found here. Make sure you also check out the rest of Last Word on Sports NFL Draft Coverage.
Quarterback
Who needs one? Texans, Jaguars, Browns, Raiders, Vikings (note- these are the teams that I believe need a new starter)
This is a fairly weak free agent QB class, with no players who are good enough to be a team’s 1st choice QB now that Jay Cutler has re-signed with the Bears. If any player available has shown throughout his career his is capable of doing this, it is Tim Tebow Michael Vick. The former Eagle started the season strong last year, showing he can still pass and run and had the 12th best game of the year according to ESPN’s total QBR. Unfortunately he is old, did not have a 16-game season at Philly, and comes with baggage. Other viable options include Josh McCown, who was a more than adequate replacement for Cutler and the Bears but is aging, and Josh Freeman, who is young enough to have the chance to return to his 2010 form in the right situation.
This year’s draft class offers a lot more promise a quarterback. Coming into the season, Louisville’s Teddy Bridgewater was seen by many as the best signal caller available. Although his slender fame is a concern for some, he has a fantastic arm and has shown the ability to lead an offence. In recent weeks, multiple names have come up as players who could go ahead of Bridgewater in the first. Both Johnny Manziel and Blake Bortles have the reasons for people to fall in love with them, but they also come with flaws. Later in the draft, look out for the likes of Jimmy Garoppolo, Zach Mettenberger and Brett Smith, who could all develop into franchise QBs in the future.
Draft or Sign? Draft- There are no players you would want to be your starting QB for the next few years in this group of free agents. There are countless players who could do just that in the draft.
Offensive Tackle
Who needs one? Texans, Jaguars, Falcons, Buccaneers, Bills, Titans, Rams, Steelers, Cowboys, Dolphins, Cardinals, Colts, Saints, Panthers, Chiefs
There are multiple free agent tackles who could be given a sizable contract come March. The most appealing option to many will be Eugene Monroe. The 27-year-old was a huge upgrade for the Ravens after they traded for him, and if he hits the market will be paid accordingly. There are four other FAs who could be respectable starting left tackles, namely Jordan Gross, Jared Veldheer, Michael Oher and Brandon Albert, but all come with question marks over age, fitness or concentration.
It would be a shock to see three tackles go in the top five for the second year in a row, but I expect more of them to go in the top three rounds this May than did in 2013. The two top blindside blockers in the class are Jake Mathews and Greg Robinson. Mathews has been a crucial part of Johnny Football’s ride to stardom as both his left and right tackle, and Robinson played a huge part in Auburn’s run the BCS championship. Other big name players who are likely to go in the first include Zach Martin and Taylor Lewan, with small school prospects Joel Bitonio and Billy Turner likely to offer mid-round value.
Draft or Sign? Draft- although there is a decent selection of tackles to choose from in free agency, this year’s draft class includes countless players with the potential to become top players at the next level.
Offensive Guard
Who needs one? Browns, Falcons, Vikings, Bills, Giants, Rams, Bears, Dolphins, Patriots
Last year’s free agency saw two guards get contracts worth over $40 million. That won’t happen this year, with none of the available players more than decent starters. The best available is Geoff Schwartz, who spent this season starting at guard for the Chiefs. Other players who will be popular include Travelle Wharton, who although being 33 was excellent for the Panthers this year, and Kevin Boothe, who offers both quality and versatility.
For the first time since 2009, this year’s draft could have no guard picked in the top 25. There is a lack of a consensus best player currently, with Stanford’s David Yankey popular with most. Yankey has good experience at both guard and tackle as well as being a proficient run and pass blocker. Other candidates to go early include Xavier Su’a-Filo, Cyril Richardson and Gabe Jackson.
Draft or Sign? Sign – Although there are some solid players in this year’s draft class, no one stands out as Chance Warmack and Jonathan Cooper did last year. As a result, it would be better to bring in one of the solid free agents with a proven record in the league.
Center
Who needs one? Browns, Falcons, Ravens, Lions, Jaguars, Patriots, Saints, Giants
This year’s free agency will include a rich class of centres. The best of them is Alex Mack, who many see as one of the top five at his position. Although Evan Dietrich-Smith and Brian De La Puente aren’t as good as Mack, they are still both decent starters with a good few years left to play. There are also some decent veterans available, with Roberto Garza and Johnathan Goodwin both experienced players who could be a good option for most teams for a year or two.
Although the group of centers in this year’s draft are not even close to those who were taken in 2009, 2014 could be the first time since that three or more centers are taken in the first three rounds. Most people see Arkansas’ Travis Swanson as the best available, after starting 50 consecutive games for the Razorbacks. The other main contender to be the first player at his position taken is Weston Richburg, who will become the first Colorado State lineman drafted since 2010. Other notable players include Bryan Stork and Tyler Larsen.
Draft or Sign? Sign – There is a good number of high quality centers to be had in free agency this year, including a number of elite players not available in the draft.
