Nothing too shocking:
1. For RB, said he heard the Cards were looking at CJ Spiller, maybe Darren Mc Fadden of the Raiders. Called Spiller a "luxury"
BA said last year he wanted to add a RB similar in skill set to Sir Juke so that the offense wouldn't have to change much due to personnel. Adding Spiller would fit that bill---but---then adding a power RB in the draft would make sense. McFadden is intriguing---imagine adding him and C Stephen Wisniewski? Although, it wouldn't surprise if the Raiders tag Wisniewski. They really should.
Note: I really liked what i saw in Kerwynn Williams---I think he's a keeper---which is why adding Spiller would be a luxury of sorts. Whereas, adding a complimentary power RB to Ellington and Williams makes sense.
2. Will make an offer to Cro, but doubtful he is back. The team thinks Bethel is ready to step forward (and is under co tract next year, and they want to extend him)
BA said that Bethel has a much talent as a CB as any CB on the roster. It's time to find out if that's true. Steve Keim will add depth and competition through FA and/or the draft.
3. Thinks Fitz will work something out
I think the opposite. Fitz is not comfortable with his role and he wants to play a bunch more years, which means he does not want to be subjected to the kind of added pounding his body took this past year, for having to block. Plus, when players are blocking inside the box, the worry is of getting rolled up on the legs from behind. Fitz likely has in mind which teams he would like to play for and I think he will ask the Cardinals to allow his agent to see if he can muster up some trade proposals so that at least the Cardinals could receive value in return should he move on.
4. The football guys want Dockett back-- maybe an extension that lowers his price this next year.
What does he mean by the football guys? The coaches? The players? Does this imply that the FO would just as soon look elsewhere? One of the issues is how well Frostee Rucker and Tommy Kelly graded out, particularly in the pressure they were getting in the backfield. While Dock's leadership would be missed, it may be a wiser move to try to re-sign Kelly and let Dock go. That would be sad to loyal fans and teammates, but this is how the Patriots manage to stay competitive year after year---they don't get sentimental when it comes to doing what's best for the team.
5. Team wants to upgrade interior of the line. Make or break year for Cooper (duh) and they will look for help
No question about it. It starts with another sentimental decision of what to do with Lyle Sendlein---and then how to upgrade the interior through FA and the draft. My hunch is that the FO sees Ted Larsen as a viable option at center and they are intrigued with developing Anthony Steen. Thus, I think there will be two guards added---one in FA and one in the draft. Note too that one of the Gs they just signed to a future's contract, Antoine McClain (6-5, 336, Clemson) is a big mauler who could make a splash if he can sustain his blocks. Like Cooper last year, McClain has had a tendency to spend too much time on the ground.
6 D Wash, if reinstated, will be kept. They will have a backup plan if he messes up again.
