Offseason Goal: Buy Some Linebackers

      I don't think I have to tell all of you that the main reason we have two wins is due to the state of our front seven. I've been thinking a lot about this lately because my biggest fear is that our best options will dry up. Meaning, the free agents that we want are going to be resigned or on draft day all of our targeted players will be taken before we can get to them. However, I think our great need at Will and Mike linebackers can be solved through free agency. We can still draft some, but the only first year impact players would be the top tier guys who are not going to make it out of the first round being: Maualuga, Laurinautis, Curry, Cushing and Spikes. I would love to have these guys, but realisticly the only one worth drafting in the top five would be Maualuga. And even that might be too high for a mike linebacker. I feel that we should build our linebackers through free agency for this reason and the fact that veterns are more warranted right now. We could then use our first on a DE like Orakpo because the only other option would be Suggs from Baltimore. I like Suggs, but they run an entirely different operation in Baltimore and I don't know if would fit what we need. (also I've heard that he can be a problem in the locker room) I think we should go after these guys in free agency:

1. Karlos Dansby(WLB) - A likely candidate that will not be signed to an extension. The Cardinals are waist deep in cap trouble. Dansby was franchised prior to last season, which got him 8M this year. I personally don't think the Cards can afford to keep him on. He's going to be extremely expensive, probably in the 6 year 36-40 million range. However, he would bring the leadership we are lacking on defense. So far this year he has 94 tackles, 2 INT, 3 sacks and a FF. He brings the speed that we need for both zone coverage and the ability to rush the passer. Our weakside would be filled instantly and D Williams could back him up giving us depth.

2. Jonathan Vilma(MLB) - The Saints are not going to sign Vilma to an extension. If they do they have to give up their third round picks for the NYJ's 4th. They have already given up a 2nd for Shockey. This was reported by Adam Shaffer of the NFL Network. Vilma was a machine when he came out of college. He was drafted by coach Edwards in the 1st round in 2004. He was traded to New Orleans because he had injury concerns in 2007 and did not adapt well to the 3-4 defense Mangeni implemented. With our cap space we should be able to afford him and Dansby and he might want to be reunited with Edwards. This year he has 111 tackles, 1 INT, 2 FF and a sack. He would also bring the vetern presence to the position that we need to be able to call out audiables and what not. I am also for drafting Holzclaw in the 4th round for a fail safe if Vilma's injury bug pops up again.

3. Sam Williams(OLB) - A reserve for the Oakland Raiders. He has only started 2 games this year, but he recorded an interception in one game. He would come reletively cheap and would give us a viable back-up to DJ at the strongside position. I also think we might keep Boiman around putting seven linebackers on the roster for next year. If we can get Holzclaw in round 4 (which I think is a real possibility), then our depth would be comforting come next year. 
     By the way all of these guys are still farily young with Karlos at 27, Vilma at 26 and Williams at 28. If you read this before the game today study the linebackers. Especially, their ability to cover Antonio Gates. Also, see if DJ is playing well at the Mike. I think he is better suited to play on the outside, but who knows.