AJ_Leski

Our offense is solid. Best it's been since 2012 maybe. Depth is good with a smattering of vets/rookies. Consistent contributors as well as splash playmakers. I don't think Trestman and Harbaugh will have too tough a time putting points on the board. That AZ quarterback tore his ACL and came back to have a career season. Joe was on track for his best season yet before his injury, and has another mountain on the line to keep him upright now. I forget the OP who mentioned this, but rehabbing from an injury like his requires a lot of footwork drills, which could potentially make him even better. We won't be blowing teams out, but we will be highly competitive on that side of the ball.

The real question mark is on defense. Pees and Co. improved tremendously in the second half of the season, but there is still a sour taste in all of our mouths from the inconsistent play overall. 

What I think most of the people on these boards are underestimating is the impact Eric Weddle will have on the unit. He is a true quarterback of the secondary. Pees may call the plays, but Eric's experience, wits, and natural instinct will go to work in adjusting them. He will put our guys in position to make plays. The defensive backs and linebackers alike will have a better indication of what is coming their way just from him being on the field. Our line and our pass rush will be improved and that helps enormously in the secondary. The other thing that I think is worth noting, is the versatility of our defense. There has already been mention of our transition to more of a 4-3, but I believe we will see a hybrid of the two (3-4) with a lot of disguised plays. Our nickel would be absolutely terrifying due to the amount of different ways it could be played. 

We've improved notably on both sides of the ball. I won't make a guess at the record this season, but I do believe this is a playoff team. And history tells me that is all we need: to make it in. The Ravens seem to personify the "Wild Card." You just never know what will happen when the purple and black is in the postseason.

Leading up to the draft, what were Perriman's touted flaws that caused him to slide to us? Mainly his hands and raw form. Both things that could be improved without being on the field. Conspiracy theory: the FO held him out for a year to develop those shortcomings.

Is that a thing? Redshirt rookies? 

Even if this was not the case and homeboy's got the knee of an 80 year old, he undoubtedly gained some football knowledge and talent during this past season that he could easily incorporate into his game. I think Breshad enters 2016 looking much better than he did in college, and becomes an immediate contributor.  

22 minutes ago, redlobster said:

Have to be able to shut down the short quick passes as ole brady boy is not as effective mid to deep passing anymore.

Exactly. But we need to make sure that is handled by the second level so that neither of the "W Duo" have to drop down to help out. If he is able to tag either of those monsters in stride down the seam it'll be extremely difficult to bring them down, especially at an 80+ pound deficit. And pray to Pat Moriarty you don't have to spend much time defending the red zone against them. Definitely need a cover LB. 

Pats sign Martellus Bennett. Unfortunately our big question marks right now are crucial positions to stopping Tommy B with that offense: LB core and pass rush. Hopefully we can make some moves that shore up that part of the defense so that we can compete when we inevitably face Belichick in the postseason.

I think Marlon's lack of production last year was largely due to him being forced into routes and roles that he is not well-suited for. He's a big-bodied receiver who should be able to contest deep throws but simply lacks the straight-line speed and separation to succeed there. I would agree that he is probably just a camp body, but if he can work on those drops he could be an excellent red zone target as his size makes him a matchup nightmare.