We will still compete for 2nd place in our division, but if we don't make the necessary moves in the draft to sure up some of our vulnerabilities, our season can quickly go south. Our Defensive Line lacks the personnel to create a consistent pass rush. Akeem Hicks is a "slight" upgrade, Eddie Goldman holds his own, generating a mediocre pass rush. Will Sutton is NOT a 5 tech in our 3-4, he plays more like a DT in a 4-3 scheme. He is not good in space, and lacks the speed, quickness, and pass rushing moves to work well at DE. Mitch Urien has great value, but only in certain packages, not as a fully fledged starter. We MUST draft a DL with our 11th overall pick (Sheldon Rankins) If he is available and we pass him up, we lose out on the opportunity of a lifetime, and a give up a rare talent. His speed, quickness, pass rushing moves, and ability to track RBs in the backfield is unmatched compared to our pass rushers on the DL. We either upgrade at that position and draft at least two other DL for more depth and talent, or we lose... it's that simple.
Another aspect of our Defense that will make or break us, is our Secondary. We have been at a steady decline in recent years. We lack talent, speed, and consistency. We have older and inexperienced players in potential starting roles. (Bryce Callahan, Rolle, Bolden, and Prosinski) Not only do I not consider these players reliable, I consider them replaceable. Vonn Bell from Ohio State is projected to be a 2nd Round Pick, If we have a chance to get him in the 2nd, we pounce immediately or suffer another year of incompetence in our secondary. These 1st two rounds are vital, we must draft two players who will make immediate impacts. Vonn can play the nickle and he is a great cover Safety. Versatility is desperately needed, now more than ever. I keep seeing threads about QB's potentially being drafted if available, but I rarely see any talk about our essential needs in our secondary and on our Defensive Line. I see mentions of Miles Jack, Shaq Lawson, and Leonard Floyd. Most of these players won't fall to us, but even if they did, there are more players with out there with far more upside, that WILL work in our system. (Sheldon Rankins, and A'shawn Robinson) We all know Ego got suspended for PED's, and got hurt, missing most of the season. In my opinion, he should be put on notice, and should have to earn his right to stay on this roster.
Austin Hooper and Hunter Henry are also names that should be floating around in the early rounds, Zach Miller needs help, and we could definitely use another receiving threat. All in all, don't expect much in terms of playoff births, if no moves are made withing the upcoming weeks.