Let's talk 2025 roster build (12/7)

[pugsnotdrugs19]

I know we got a threepeat to complete, but I'm thinking ahead today... let's take this position by position:


QB: I'd bring Wentz back. Perfect backup and IDK where else he can go and find a better job unless (God forbid) he plays this year.

RB: I'd bring Hunt back on a minimum deal. Go into the draft with Pacheco and Hunt, find a speed back in the draft who is capable of taking the job post-2025.

WR: If not for Rice's impending suspension, I'd feel good here. I'd look to bring Hopkins and Hollywood both back on 1-2 year deals. If the group will stay healthy, I think we will find they're really good. Rice and Worthy will be perfect complements to one another as WR 1 and 2. But you need to get by while Rice is out and you need depth for injury. I'd be fine with Hardman and Watson as WR 5 & 6.

TE: Does Kelce retire? If he doesn't, this can be left alone probably unless they think Wiley sucks. If Kelce does retire... I'd think you need to at least slap a solid vet bandaid on and see if Gray can take the TE1 reigns. I think he can simply because he's so steady. Not Kelce, but damn solid.

OT: Biggest need obviously. We will see if Humphries earns a new deal. Scares me with his injury history but if he looks good... we can't let a good LT walk away. Hopefully Kingsley can become a legit swing tackle at minimum with a shot to take over a starting job in 2026. Taylor is here another year, perhaps two more.

IOL: I'd give Thuney a short extension to alleviate his cap hit if he plans to play much longer. Let Wanya, Nourzad, and Hanson compete for the RG job. If someone falls to you in the draft, take it and run. Protecting Pat is always priority #1.

---

DL: Need another legit pass rusher with juice. I'd hope that also retaining Omenihu is a priority. I'd prefer that over Trey Smith and maybe even Bolton at this point, especially if it can be a one-year deal that he takes to try and get paid in 2026. Need to bring our big run stuffers back on 1-year deals per usual.

LB: Tranquill hasn't been as good this year, which makes keeping Bolton seem a bit more important. I hope he can be retained at a reasonable cost, and if he can, we can roll with the same trio into 2025.

CB: Have to get another slot corner who can be there in case Trent can't -- which only takes a single injury to the room. Get another young guy or two in the room for in the inevitable departures of some of our 2022 Fab Five guys. Preferrably mid rounds.

S: I think Hicks is ready to take over Reid's role by next year. Not an urgent need at the position, especially if you add another viable slot corner that lets Conner stay at safety.

Specialists: Bring Araiza back on RFA deal, everything should stay the same there.

Rough stab at what a 53-man could look like in '25:

QB - Mahomes, Wentz
RB - Pacheco, Hunt, draft pick
WR - Rice, Worthy, Hopkins, Hollywood, Hardman, Watson
TE - Kelce, Gray, Wiley
LT - Vet (Humphries?), Morris
LG - Thuney, Nourzad
C - Humphrey, Nourzad
RG - Kingsley, Hanson
RT - Taylor, Driscoll

-

DE - Karlaftis, Danna
DT - Jones, Wharton or an early draft pick
NT - A couple cheap fatties, vets or rookies
DE - Omenihu, FAU, draft pick (first two days)
LB - Bolton, Tranquill, Leo
CB - Trent, Watson, Williams, vet slot corner, draft pick
S - Hicks, Cook, Conner

Feel like I'm probably leaving out a fairly nice FA signing or two but hard to project there until we see what the market will be.

[RunKC]

Agree with most things you said Pugs. I differ in a few different areas:

-they are 100% letting Trey walk
-Thuney is the best OL on the team and they will work on his contract to free up space IMO
-Hopkins or Hollywood need to stay next year due to Rice’s suspension
-I think Omenihu needs to be a high priority player to keep since we have not had the success we want with Felix and Karlaftis

OL predicament:
-We aren’t trading the house to move up for a “maybe” prospect at LT. I don’t think that is something Veach will do. He’s aggressive but not stupid.
-There will be possibilities for us at LT I. The market. Humphries (if he plays well) and Cam Robinson seem to be the guys. They are Donovan Smith level at worst and we’ve seen that’s good enough.
-I have heard Verderame say Kingsley should/will move to G for weeks. Nate Taylor floated it and so did Matt Derrick. That’s not a coincidence. I think that’s exactly what they’re planning. I’ve read some scouting reports on Kingsley and the big takeaway was he fell so far bc teams weren’t sure if he was a tackle or a G but loved his size/athleticism.
Read this. This guy nailed Kingsley and his issues from what we’ve seen. Suggested he would be far better (and good) at G and I agree.
https://firstroundmock.com/2024/04/u...oogle_vignette

-Assuming we have figure out LT before the draft, I’d say our biggest needs are interior rusher, corner, RB and ball hawking safety.

RB and LB is easy to fill to fill in FA or mid rounds. I would not be surprised if we took multiple DB’s with 2 of our 4 top 100 picks. That’s a huge part of Spags defense

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Hey, if Kingsley becomes a legit replacement for Trey, that's a much better use of the pick than what it appears so far. We can work with that.

I mean, could he be a nasty demeanor guy too just like Trey and his cousin Penei?

Could do a lot worse and would think the change alone allows for a confidence reset. That scouting report appears spot on and I recall Nick Jacobs also pre-draft saying he didn't have great feet.

In our scheme, it's just a must with the drops Patrick takes. You HAVE to be able to move laterally, back and forth even.

[pugsnotdrugs19]

Maybe you go Wanya as swing tackle then?

He's at least proven capable of getting through games at the position when he's healthy. What, 12-15 career starts now? And especially if it were to be like RT, I wouldn't be overly concerned there.

[Hoover]

Veach has his work cut out for him at the LT position.

I agree, if Thuney wants to keep going by all means extend him to a more cap friendly deal. Smith walks, and someone else pays him handsomely and we get a nice comp pick next season. The good news with our young tackle prospects is that at the very least they can be excellent guards and hopefully a RT in the future.

I don’t know what the answer is at LT, but man if DJ could be transitional LT for a year out two it would be huge. I know we need to see him play, but God I love his mental make up. This is a huge opportunity for him. He’s a lottery ticket. I’m rooting for the dude.

I agree we need to invest on the pass rush. I also think it would be wise to again invest at the CB and LB positions in those middle rounds.

I want them to draft another WR in this draft. Preferably someone who can return kicks and and provide depth. We obviously need a 3 down rounding back with some speed. And keep throwing darts at the TE position if there is a guy you like.

[smithandrew051]

Any idea what Atlanta has planned for Kyle Pitts?

I think he has one year left in Atlanta. If Kelce retires, would you flip them a pick and extend? Or just roll with Gray?

[Hoover]

I do t see any reason why Atlanta would do it. They want to win too.

[smithandrew051]

Originally Posted by Hoover

I do t see any reason why Atlanta would do it. They want to win too.

I have no idea if they would.

He’s been a little disappointing since his rookie year though.

If they don’t want to extend him, then they may take the draft capital and move on.

No clue that that asking price would be.

[RunKC]

Yes Wanya can try at G but ideally he might be the swing tackle. Nobody has a great swing tackle. The hope is they can cover a few games and not **** up.

Wanya fits that role

[Palangi]

Originally Posted by pugsnotdrugs19

I know we got a threepeat to complete, but I'm thinking ahead today... let's take this position by position:


QB: I'd bring Wentz back. Perfect backup and IDK where else he can go and find a better job unless (God forbid) he plays this year.

RB: I'd bring Hunt back on a minimum deal. Go into the draft with Pacheco and Hunt, find a speed back in the draft who is capable of taking the job post-2025.

WR: If not for Rice's impending suspension, I'd feel good here. I'd look to bring Hopkins and Hollywood both back on 1-2 year deals. If the group will stay healthy, I think we will find they're really good. Rice and Worthy will be perfect complements to one another as WR 1 and 2. But you need to get by while Rice is out and you need depth for injury. I'd be fine with Hardman and Watson as WR 5 & 6.

TE: Does Kelce retire? If he doesn't, this can be left alone probably unless they think Wiley sucks. If Kelce does retire... I'd think you need to at least slap a solid vet bandaid on and see if Gray can take the TE1 reigns. I think he can simply because he's so steady. Not Kelce, but damn solid.

OT: Biggest need obviously. We will see if Humphries earns a new deal. Scares me with his injury history but if he looks good... we can't let a good LT walk away. Hopefully Kingsley can become a legit swing tackle at minimum with a shot to take over a starting job in 2026. Taylor is here another year, perhaps two more.

IOL: I'd give Thuney a short extension to alleviate his cap hit if he plans to play much longer. Let Wanya, Nourzad, and Hanson compete for the RG job. If someone falls to you in the draft, take it and run. Protecting Pat is always priority #1.

---

DL: Need another legit pass rusher with juice. I'd hope that also retaining Omenihu is a priority. I'd prefer that over Trey Smith and maybe even Bolton at this point, especially if it can be a one-year deal that he takes to try and get paid in 2026. Need to bring our big run stuffers back on 1-year deals per usual.

LB: Tranquill hasn't been as good this year, which makes keeping Bolton seem a bit more important. I hope he can be retained at a reasonable cost, and if he can, we can roll with the same trio into 2025.

CB: Have to get another slot corner who can be there in case Trent can't -- which only takes a single injury to the room. Get another young guy or two in the room for in the inevitable departures of some of our 2022 Fab Five guys. Preferrably mid rounds.

S: I think Hicks is ready to take over Reid's role by next year. Not an urgent need at the position, especially if you add another viable slot corner that lets Conner stay at safety.

Specialists: Bring Araiza back on RFA deal, everything should stay the same there.

Rough stab at what a 53-man could look like in '25:

QB - Mahomes, Wentz
RB - Pacheco, Hunt, draft pick
WR - Rice, Worthy, Hopkins, Hollywood, Hardman, Watson
TE - Kelce, Gray, Wiley
LT - Vet (Humphries?), Morris
LG - Thuney, Nourzad
C - Humphrey, Nourzad
RG - Kingsley, Hanson
RT - Taylor, Driscoll

-

DE - Karlaftis, Danna
DT - Jones, Wharton or an early draft pick
NT - A couple cheap fatties, vets or rookies
DE - Omenihu, FAU, draft pick (first two days)
LB - Bolton, Tranquill, Leo
CB - Trent, Watson, Williams, vet slot corner, draft pick
S - Hicks, Cook, Conner

Feel like I'm probably leaving out a fairly nice FA signing or two but hard to project there until we see what the market will be.

I’d like to see Thornton as the 5th or 6th WR. The guy we got when the patriots cut him.

I’d bring Pennel back one more year. He is an elite run stuffer. Lovett can back him up and develop.

[Palangi]

Originally Posted by RunKC

Agree with most things you said Pugs. I differ in a few different areas:

-they are 100% letting Trey walk
-Thuney is the best OL on the team and they will work on his contract to free up space IMO
-Hopkins or Hollywood need to stay next year due to Rice’s suspension
-I think Omenihu needs to be a high priority player to keep since we have not had the success we want with Felix and Karlaftis

OL predicament:
-We aren’t trading the house to move up for a “maybe” prospect at LT. I don’t think that is something Veach will do. He’s aggressive but not stupid.
-There will be possibilities for us at LT I. The market. Humphries (if he plays well) and Cam Robinson seem to be the guys. They are Donovan Smith level at worst and we’ve seen that’s good enough.
-I have heard Verderame say Kingsley should/will move to G for weeks. Nate Taylor floated it and so did Matt Derrick. That’s not a coincidence. I think that’s exactly what they’re planning. I’ve read some scouting reports on Kingsley and the big takeaway was he fell so far bc teams weren’t sure if he was a tackle or a G but loved his size/athleticism.
Read this. This guy nailed Kingsley and his issues from what we’ve seen. Suggested he would be far better (and good) at G and I agree.
https://firstroundmock.com/2024/04/u...oogle_vignette

-Assuming we have figure out LT before the draft, I’d say our biggest needs are interior rusher, corner, RB and ball hawking safety.

RB and LB is easy to fill to fill in FA or mid rounds. I would not be surprised if we took multiple DB’s with 2 of our 4 top 100 picks. That’s a huge part of Spags defense

I absolutely agree on Kingsley. He can not back pedal or kick step. For as athletic as he is he really struggles with that. Getting into the phone both of guard would benefit his strength immensely. And could be a great pulling guard

[Chris Meck]

I think if Humphries is above average and stays healthy through the playoffs, you just sign him to a reasonable deal with availability incentives and let Smith walk.

Wanya's just not great in space, but has shown some 'tude on running plays. I'd put him in the mix with Nourad and co. to take RG.

Agree on RB.

On WR, I'd bring back Hopkins for sure, and probably Brown as the lost season isn't going to help his 'prove it' deal. I do wonder a bit if bringing Brown back will slow Worthy's progression. But as we learned this season, can't have too many weapons.

I think you roll with Gray and Wylie and maybe a mid to late rounder. I don't think you ever replace Kelce, and it's a fool's errand to try. You just move to a WR oriented offense like nearly everyone else and have solid TE's . Nothing wrong with that.

We really need a 'win fast' pass rush threat. We've got too many 'high effort' types. We'll see what Omenihu does down the stretch, but I really feel like maybe we might want to spend on a speed rusher in FA.

[RunKC]

All of the corners but McDuffie are FA’s after next year. Not sure we will be able to afford to keep both McDuffie and Watson. The situation with Steven Nelson says it all about depth.

Need to draft a versatile corner badly. Probably one early and another on day 3. Keep in mind the Chargers and Broncos will be loading up on weapons the coming offseason.

Would also like a guy with tools and experience like a Kobie Turner to replace Turk Wharton inside.

Assuming a guy in-house replaces Trey and they got with a vet at Lt I’d for Corner, interior pass rusher offensive weapon (TE or RB) and S with the first 4 picks

[Tribal Warfare]

Josh Simmons maybe our guy in the 1st round, Veach has always thrown "numbers" at positions of need like DBs in the 2022 draft

[Direckshun]

I'll have more thoughts later on this thread.

But you brought up an interesting point in the OP.

If you let Trey and Bolton walk, you can bring back Omenihu, and perhaps Willie Gay.

That gives you a Gay-Tranquil-Chenal linebacker corps and a good passrush off the edges.

I do think you're going to have to trade resources to move up and get a tackle, and tell Andy Heck this is his last stand. Wanya to RG.

Spend some resources in the secondary; I'd like to retain Justin Reid but I trust Veach to body out that secondary. Maybe bring Brown back on a prove-it deal, giving us a Rice-Worthy-Brown WR corps.

Kelce plays out the last year of his deal. Spend a second day pick on RB.

Profit.