Quote:
Originally Posted by Chromeburn
We do a rotation, we need to replace Autry’s snaps with someone versatile and spell Buckner at times while also replacing Stewart on third downs in a pass rush package. Autry had the second highest number of snaps on the defensive line. A FA DE would eat some of those snaps. But still need someone else on the interior at times to pair with Buckner besides Stewart. One injury and we have a huge hole on the interior.
I don’t know if they are looking at Ojulari. He is pretty light, I could see a later round pick on an Elerson Smith or Payton Turner. I think they go DE in FA.
I wouldn’t mind Fisher, assuming he recovers. But I don’t know if they can afford anything but a rookie contract at LT. Kelly is the highest paid center in the league. Smith is about to get a good payday. Nelson is about to be the highest paid guard in the league. That rookie contract is about to be very valuable.
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I think bringing Autry back is a strong possibility. I could see the Colts doing that and still pursuing edge rushers in this deep free agent class for edge rushers. Lawson and Okwara are the top two guys most people have never heard of (I'd put Kerry Hyder in this category to a lesser extent as well), and both have the potential to be good edge rushers, but if the Colts are willing to open the wallet a bit, there are guys like Shaq Barrett, Bud Dupree, and Yannick Ngakoue available as well. Ballard seems to have a focus position every offseason, and it seems like DE is likely to be that position this offseason. I think Ballard will get what he believes the team needs in terms of edge rush through free agency. I also think he'll address LT there at least to the point that he can feel comfortable using the 21st pick on BPA. To me, Ojulari is BPA if he's on the board at 21, and there's very little question about that. His first NFL season will be his age 21 season, and to go along with his excellent physical traits, he already has several developed pass rush moves and countermoves, and he bends the edge like an elite pass rusher. He's listed at 6'3" 240-245, and if that's anywhere near accurate, that could easily become 6'3" 250-260 with NFL strength and conditioning without losing any athleticism, which is right around Justin Houston's playing weight. As far as paying a free agent LT, beyond the top few players, I think we are going to see a lot of 1 year prove it deals signed by very good players this year due to cap constraints. Given Fisher's injury and the current market, he could be relatively cheap for a starting LT of his caliber, and may want the security of a longer deal, even if it's not top of market. This team was already planning on spending $16 million on Castanzo, going 3/42-45 or so for a player like Fisher won't break them or stop them from signing any long term extensions they're planning on doing. It also allows them to take someone like Radunz who is more developmental without worrying about short term success.