Huh? Sam darnold is better than cj and smith is an all pro wr.

Mr.Bond said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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this team wins a super bowl as is with just average qb play which is wild considering the abysmal weapons we have and mediocre offensive line. depressing

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The difference between us and the Seahawks is that they could run the ball. That's about it.

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this is laughably untrue.... other posters have already commented as to why. We win the super bowl with darnold this year

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It's more true than people may want to admit. Seattle had the 4th fewest pass attempts in the league yet Darnold led the league in turnovers. He cut out the turnovers when mattered most (the playoffs), but run game and defense were the keys to their success. Seattle was also 2nd in field goal attempts, behind Houston.

That isn't a defense of Stroud. He sucked when it mattered most. Just pointing out that Seattle had a lot around Darnold so they weren't reliant on him. We had Nico, Schultz, and a bunch of rookies.

Referenced before, but we were much better with Trent Brown in the lineup because we could actually move people off the ball. I'm surprised to see PFF rank our pass blocking so well but also don't think it was awful like people make it out to be.

When we were missing Brown, Nico, Mixon, then eventually Schultz, our offense was understandably crippled. Darnold would not have led us to a Super Bowl in the same circumstances. We need to improve our run game considerably, starting with interior OL (and maybe RT if Brown is done) and RB room. Then our rookie WRs need to progress.

Ryan34 said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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this team wins a super bowl as is with just average qb play which is wild considering the abysmal weapons we have and mediocre offensive line. depressing

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The difference between us and the Seahawks is that they could run the ball. That's about it.

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this is laughably untrue.... other posters have already commented as to why. We win the super bowl with darnold this year

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It's more true than people may want to admit. Seattle had the 4th fewest pass attempts in the league yet Darnold led the league in turnovers. He cut out the turnovers when mattered most (the playoffs), but run game and defense were the keys to their success. Seattle was also 2nd in field goal attempts, behind Houston.

That isn't a defense of Stroud. He sucked when it mattered most. Just pointing out that Seattle had a lot around Darnold so they weren't reliant on him. We had Nico, Schultz, and a bunch of rookies.

Referenced before, but we were much better with Trent Brown in the lineup because we could actually move people off the ball. I'm surprised to see PFF rank our pass blocking so well but also don't think it was awful like people make it out to be.

When we were missing Brown, Nico, Mixon, then eventually Schultz, our offense was understandably crippled. Darnold would not have led us to a Super Bowl in the same circumstances. We need to improve our run game considerably, starting with interior OL (and maybe RT if Brown is done) and RB room. Then our rookie WRs need to progress.

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just completely disagree with this. all we needed in post season was a game manager who didn't turn the ball over and we easily beat new England and Denver. easily

Snake Jazz said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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this team wins a super bowl as is with just average qb play which is wild considering the abysmal weapons we have and mediocre offensive line. depressing

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The difference between us and the Seahawks is that they could run the ball. That's about it.

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I guess you could say the Texans really shot themselves in the foot, then, couldn't you?

Mr.Bond said:

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Ryan34 said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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this team wins a super bowl as is with just average qb play which is wild considering the abysmal weapons we have and mediocre offensive line. depressing

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The difference between us and the Seahawks is that they could run the ball. That's about it.

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this is laughably untrue.... other posters have already commented as to why. We win the super bowl with darnold this year

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It's more true than people may want to admit. Seattle had the 4th fewest pass attempts in the league yet Darnold led the league in turnovers. He cut out the turnovers when mattered most (the playoffs), but run game and defense were the keys to their success. Seattle was also 2nd in field goal attempts, behind Houston.

That isn't a defense of Stroud. He sucked when it mattered most. Just pointing out that Seattle had a lot around Darnold so they weren't reliant on him. We had Nico, Schultz, and a bunch of rookies.

Referenced before, but we were much better with Trent Brown in the lineup because we could actually move people off the ball. I'm surprised to see PFF rank our pass blocking so well but also don't think it was awful like people make it out to be.

When we were missing Brown, Nico, Mixon, then eventually Schultz, our offense was understandably crippled. Darnold would not have led us to a Super Bowl in the same circumstances. We need to improve our run game considerably, starting with interior OL (and maybe RT if Brown is done) and RB room. Then our rookie WRs need to progress.

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just completely disagree with this. all we needed in post season was a game manager who didn't turn the ball over and we easily beat new England and Denver. easily

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I agree as far as getting to the Super Bowl. As for winning it, that's a tougher call.

Buck Compton said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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redag06 said:

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You can remember his rookie season all you want. It was clearly an anomaly. He isn't good.

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CJ throws a football about as well as anybody. His accuracy and touch are ridiculous, although he alarmingly missed targets more often this season. The team didn't said anything, but I can't help to wonder if he didn't have an injury or even a minor procedure during the previous offseason. He has the arm talent to be an elite QB.

But, the team really set him up to fail by giving him a garbage offensive line, and I think that greatly hurt his progression. He stopped trusting his line and started to get happy feet, and it's hard not to when your pocket collapses after a couple of seconds on every play. I hope they didn't break him like they did to David Carr.

Some times QBs struggle before they figure it out. Elway. Favre. Brees. Alex Smith. Baker Mayfield. Trevor Lawrence looked like a different guy this year, and Sam Darnold just got a ring.

Stroud may end up being a bust, but it's too early to pull the plug on him. And, even if you wanted to, what is Plan B? Trading for Kyler? Signing Cousins? No thank you.

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What is all this nonsense? Stroud is not elite on accuracy... And it isn't due to an injury. This is the list of off-target throw percentages by year and hint: there's only one name on this list for all three seasons...

2025
[ol]

Michael Penix (20.3%)

CJ Stroud (20.1%)

Cam Ward (19.4%)

[/ol]
2024
[ol]

C.J. Stroud (21.1%)

Aaron Rodgers (19.9%)

Caleb Williams (19.6%)

[/ol]
2023
[ol]

Bryce Young (19.9%)

C.J. Stroud (19.2%)

Josh Dobbs (18.9%)

[/ol]


I think it's clear at this point that he isn't going to improve his accuracy. I don't care if that's a physical limitation or a mental one. It's there. It's also my opinion that he isn't working near hard enough in the film room or on the little things to be successful as an NFL QB after having a successful rookie season. Maybe he thinks it's easy, I don't know.

It's either he isn't putting in the work, or legitimately doesn't have the mental processing power to process the game at NFL speeds without every other variable being perfect. Neither one seems positive going into year 4. Plenty of QBs succeed without all-pros across the entire offense. Do we need to get better on the OL, of course. But the OL isn't the reason we lost in the playoffs. Stroud is.

From PFF:

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The Texans surprised many, after gutting their offensive line this offseason, by fielding one of the most efficient pass-blocking units in the league. Houston's offensive line gave up 156 pressures, including 17 sacks, on 644 pass plays. As a result, the group posted an 86.6 PFF pass-blocking efficiency rating, which ranked fifth in the NFL this season.

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Notice, we haven't talked about his leadership, either. And I think there are real questions with his mental fortitude based on how he has handled adversity. For a perfect example, see him when Tank Dell got hurt or his pouting when he turned the ball over eleventy-billion times in the playoffs.

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I don't know where those stats are from or how they are figured. Do they include all the passes that are thrown into the stands because the pass rush forced it to be? I've sure watched him drop a lot of passes in a bucket, especially during his first two seasons. He makes jaw-dropping throws at times.

Now, I might agree with you regarding leadership. I'm not ready to say he is a weak leader, but he doesn't seem to be a strong one. Also, he seems to struggle with pre-snap adjustments...don't know if that is his fault or Caley's.

He may end up being a failure, but it's way too early to reach that conclusion. Dude has lot of ability, and, as pointed out earlier, there are no outstanding other options out there. Pick up his option and give him another year.

Ryan34 said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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Mr.Bond said:

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this team wins a super bowl as is with just average qb play which is wild considering the abysmal weapons we have and mediocre offensive line. depressing

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The difference between us and the Seahawks is that they could run the ball. That's about it.

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this is laughably untrue.... other posters have already commented as to why. We win the super bowl with darnold this year

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It's more true than people may want to admit. Seattle had the 4th fewest pass attempts in the league yet Darnold led the league in turnovers. He cut out the turnovers when mattered most (the playoffs), but run game and defense were the keys to their success. Seattle was also 2nd in field goal attempts, behind Houston.

That isn't a defense of Stroud. He sucked when it mattered most. Just pointing out that Seattle had a lot around Darnold so they weren't reliant on him. We had Nico, Schultz, and a bunch of rookies.

Referenced before, but we were much better with Trent Brown in the lineup because we could actually move people off the ball. I'm surprised to see PFF rank our pass blocking so well but also don't think it was awful like people make it out to be.

When we were missing Brown, Nico, Mixon, then eventually Schultz, our offense was understandably crippled. Darnold would not have led us to a Super Bowl in the same circumstances. We need to improve our run game considerably, starting with interior OL (and maybe RT if Brown is done) and RB room. Then our rookie WRs need to progress.

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I couldn't agree more.

Darnold wasn't that good last season, but he didn't have to be. He was their game manager, and he did a good enough job to win. Darnold was actually better the year before in Minnesota, and he was an incredible bust until then.

Seattle could rely on Kenneth Walker and their defense. We couldn't do the same.

redag06 said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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redag06 said:

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You can remember his rookie season all you want. It was clearly an anomaly. He isn't good.

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CJ throws a football about as well as anybody. His accuracy and touch are ridiculous, although he alarmingly missed targets more often this season. The team didn't said anything, but I can't help to wonder if he didn't have an injury or even a minor procedure during the previous offseason. He has the arm talent to be an elite QB.

But, the team really set him up to fail by giving him a garbage offensive line, and I think that greatly hurt his progression. He stopped trusting his line and started to get happy feet, and it's hard not to when your pocket collapses after a couple of seconds on every play. I hope they didn't break him like they did to David Carr.

Some times QBs struggle before they figure it out. Elway. Favre. Brees. Alex Smith. Baker Mayfield. Trevor Lawrence looked like a different guy this year, and Sam Darnold just got a ring.

Stroud may end up being a bust, but it's too early to pull the plug on him. And, even if you wanted to, what is Plan B? Trading for Kyler? Signing Cousins? No thank you.

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Are you CJ's agent?

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No, just someone who understands football. Let me know if you need me to explain anything else.

Quote:

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Again, what is the better option out there right now?

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Kirk Cousins

Or literally any other available QB.

Hell...Davis f-in Mills

Snake Jazz said:

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what is the better option out there right now?

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old man Rivers!

Next year is the one they've been building towards from a draft and cap perspective. Unlikely they hit the eject button right now, even more so with how bad the QB options are this year.

More likely that they chase after a couple key guys in free agency and possibly be aggressive in the draft as well.

QB: Think they should bring in someone but doubt they will.

RB: Sign a guy like Breece Hall (adds to their Iowa State collection plus is a good fit regardless) and draft a bigger back in the late rounds.

WR: Would like to see a RAC guy but probably the lowest priority offensively.

TE: Would love to see them add an athletic TE like Saddiq.

OL: Sign a free agent center, bring back Trent Brown, add another 2 via draft (one early pick and one later).

DL: Boost the interior, maybe a bigger DE who can slide inside on passing downs. Actually think this is the biggest need area defensively, although we've gotten more than expected from other team's castoffs.

LB: Add some depth, maybe succession planning for Azeez or To'oTo'o.

DB: Add a safety and some depth? Maybe a succession plan for Pitre? It's our strongest group.


This will probably be the best roster they'll have for a while because they won't be able to keep everyone. Worst case scenario is they have a good year but fail to win a Super Bowl, extend Stroud then he regresses back to what we've seen as the talent on the team drops. Then they'd be setting themselves up for another big rebuild project again.

That is a whole lot of signings for a team that is currently sitting at negative cap space. This FA season will be on a very tight budget.

redag06 said:

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That is a whole lot of signings for a team that is currently sitting at negative cap space. This FA season will be on a very tight budget.

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They will create cap space. Teams always do.

For the early mock drafts some people are saying we go defensive line with our first round pick. Are those to be ignored because I thought we needed the biggest upgrades on the o-line? Or do we trade down again like last year?

https://www.nfl.com/news/gennaro-filice-2026-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-jeremiyah-love-cracks-top-five-chiefs-take-wr-jordyn-tyson - Caleb Banks DT

https://www.nfl.com/news/charles-davis-2026-nfl-mock-draft-1-0 - Zion Young Edge

All of CBS sports analyst's picks:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/

The Texans need to go get Kenneth Walker from Seattle. Running back position: solved.

25Lighters said:

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For the early mock drafts some people are saying we go defensive line with our first round pick. Are those to be ignored because I thought we needed the biggest upgrades on the o-line? Or do we trade down again like last year?

https://www.nfl.com/news/gennaro-filice-2026-nfl-mock-draft-1-0-jeremiyah-love-cracks-top-five-chiefs-take-wr-jordyn-tyson - Caleb Banks DT

https://www.nfl.com/news/charles-davis-2026-nfl-mock-draft-1-0 - Zion Young Edge

All of CBS sports analyst's picks:
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/mock-draft/

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Early mock drafts are pretty worthless. Every team has a bunch of problem areas right now. After the first week or so of free agency, you can get a more accurate picture since some of those problems areas will get addressed.

DT is a need, but the needs at OL and RB are way bigger. I would be ok with DT in the first round IF they sign two or three offensive line starters. Going into next season, they currently only have two starters on the OL in Ersery and Howard, and we're not sure where Howard is going to play. DeMeco want them to be a physical offense that can run the ball, and if they're serious about that, they need to add offensive linemen with mean streaks. Even if they sign linemen, I want to draft a couple of guys to help develop some depth.

RB is a bigger challenge, since Love is the only back projected to go in the first round and he likely goes in the top 10 or so. I would love to sign Hall or Walker so that they have a legit back, but I don't know that either will actually be available. With the other back injured, I can't see the Seahawks letting Walker, um, walk. Hall is being wasted in a rebuilding project in New York, but they might try to keep him. If you don't get one of those guys (or find a trade like they did with Mixon), the draft options are thin. I like a few of those backs, but none seem projectable as an immediate starter.

I think the draft is fine with RB. No need to spend big on rb in free agency, especially with our limited payroll flexibility.

MaxPower said:

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I think the draft is fine with RB. No need to spend big on rb in free agency, especially with our limited payroll flexibility.

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Unless you trade up for Love, I'm doubtful any of those guys can be penciled in as a starter. And, a Woody Marks/Mike Washington (or whatever back you prefer) isn't likely to be strong for a team that wants to run the ball a lot. Maybe not...maybe Emmett Johnson or Jadarian Price ends up being somebody special, but they probably are only a role player next season.

I say trade up for Love. They have the picks to do it.

I like Price and Coleman

MaxPower said:

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I like Price and Coleman

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I like both guys as well, but both have some limitations. I believe that if we're going to win it all, we need to have an every-down franchise back (similar to what we had with Mixon). I don't think either one of those guys will be a reliable option in their first season.

Snake Jazz said:

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MaxPower said:

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I like Price and Coleman

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I like both guys as well, but both have some limitations. I believe that if we're going to win it all, we need to have an every-down franchise back (similar to what we had with Mixon). I don't think either one of those guys will be a reliable option in their first season.

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Do we really need a high pick back? Outside of Barkley, has any SuperBowl winner in the last 20 years done it through a top back in the NFL? I would take someone in the 2nd or 3rd round you rotate in over trading up for Love.

Need as much O-Line durability as possible and every defensive athlete you can find.

Guys like Marks and Chubb are fine if you have a good OL

IrishAg said:

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Snake Jazz said:

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MaxPower said:

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I like Price and Coleman

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I like both guys as well, but both have some limitations. I believe that if we're going to win it all, we need to have an every-down franchise back (similar to what we had with Mixon). I don't think either one of those guys will be a reliable option in their first season.

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Do we really need a high pick back? Outside of Barkley, has any SuperBowl winner in the last 20 years done it through a top back in the NFL? I would take someone in the 2nd or 3rd round you rotate in over trading up for Love.

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Valid point, but we also went through a period over the past 20 years or so where generally running backs weren't highly valued in the draft due to their short playing spans and more reliance on the passing game. With Philly and Seattle winning the past two years, there seems to be more of a shift towards ground games.

I'm only debating moving up for Love because the consensus seems to be that he is far and away the best back in this class. I thought Woody Marks did a fairly good job for a rookie drafted on Day 3, but I doubt there is any back after Love that you could pair with him and expect anything other that average play. If you're going to be a running team, you need a horse you can ride. We don't have that guy presently, and even though I like some of these other backs, I'm doubtful any of them are big difference makers right away. If Price or Coleman can be a lead back next season, then I'm fine going that route. I'm just doubtful they will be.

Seattle has two good RB outside the first on rookie deals. That is consistent with many other very good teams over the last 20 years. Philly is the only outlier and Barkley is just special. I don't think Love is in his stratosphere.

MaxPower said:

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Seattle has two good RB outside the first on rookie deals. That is consistent with many other very good teams over the last 20 years. Philly is the only outlier and Barkley is just special. I don't think Love is in his stratosphere.

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While I don't ever think we should trade up for Love, I do believe he was one of the best 2-3 players in all of college football this year. I think he is special.

Plus Walker was the 41st pick and averaged 60 yards rushing during the regular season, and only had 5 rushing TDs. He just became a workhorse in the post-season.

If you have a good OL, the best WR in the league, a serviceable QB, and a lights-out defense, any RB is going to look fantastic.

Think about all the randos the Oilers had get 1,000 yards in the run and shoot years and beyond - Gary Brown, Allen Pinkett, Lorenzo White.

superaggie73 said:

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MaxPower said:

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Seattle has two good RB outside the first on rookie deals. That is consistent with many other very good teams over the last 20 years. Philly is the only outlier and Barkley is just special. I don't think Love is in his stratosphere.

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While I don't ever think we should trade up for Love, I do believe he was one of the best 2-3 players in all of college football this year. I think he is special.

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To each their own but he was mid against the only two good defenses he played and feasted on a weak ND schedule.

If this is how the first three rounds play out I would be stoked

I've also thought about whether Sadiq is an option. He is just a playmaker and Schulz could be a cap casualty after 2026.