Foster

I think people were only suggesting it as part of a package to get a better back, which wouldn't have been a bad idea last offseason when his value was higher.

 

Well Seattle thinks he only plays hard in contract years. Lots of years in the past he's made it clear he has no interest in running for 3 yards. Spectacular play or nothing. Maybe Holmgren's got it in for him, but he told just about every writer he regards Alexander as soft. This year, his contract year, he ran harder.

 

There's no question that Alexander stepped up last year, but my point was that he was well above average every year he's been a starter. And the 3 yards thing is off base. Shaun does look to bounce outside probably too much, but he's always had a high ypc average.

 

If Goings could run for the yards he did last year, behind that line....

If we get things straight on the OL we don't need a star to get the job done.

 

Foster will be here this year, and I predict Eric Shelton will be our future starter.

 

I agree there, though I don't think that we should rely on Goings that much (not that you suggested that). IMO, this offense should really have a 1-2 punch, and a 3rd guy that's good depth. You could technically argue Goings to be that guy, but it's always annoyed me that either Smart or Robertson has been this team's 3rd RB and that it's kept us with tenuous depth from a real RB perspective. I've also been pissed at our back usage in the past - that there are distinct excuses why starters tend to get 30+ carries (even in our pass-happy final few games last year) is irrelevant IMO since it continues to be a string regardless.

So yeah, a Shelton or Harris, and so on, would probably handle our needs just fine, handling roughly 1/2, 1/3 carries at most, and foregoing to a shiftier back like Foster or if/when he goes a replacement similar to him. I know a lot of people like the thought of a huge straight ahead runner in this offense, and there are worse things, but our man blocking schemes and angles of attack suggest a player who can make something out of a relatively crappy play. Even draws are relatively useless if the player doesn't have/doesn't attempt elusiveness.

 

That is kind of what I was eluding to. Foster and Goings this year with Shelton getting a few touches here and there until Foster inevitably hits the IR. Then the future with Shelton and Goings with a smaller shifty RB as a #3.
Shelton really reminds me of Davis, he's got the power and size, but he has that hint of elusiveness as well. The key with him is improving his field vision to make him even more elusive at the line.

 

yeah, we could do worse than that. And I'm more than fine with Shelton in that role - almost forgot he was a FSU transfer. Guess they don't go for that style back anymore? I think he's kinda stupid, but for this O? They call about 20 plays total.

I just can't see us taking anything higher, regardless of Benson, because inevitably a 14 pick will get used, and quickly (as it should be). Then after three years we have a young guy with huge miles, banged up, and we're back looking for a new guy because we've used up and spit out yet another back.

 

SO if one of the 3 RB's is on the board, and so is Clayton or Williamson, who do ya get?

 

wow, the guy complains a litle because he wanted some more touches to get the rushing title and now he is "an attitude" case. At least he doesnt sit out every game because of a hang nail.