TeamoftheCentury":8frlog6x said:
Scottemojo":8frlog6x said:
I was so stoked about the Sokoli pick. Said when it happens that if it works, it will be revolutionary in NFL terms. And as paradigm shifting as when Pete and John started targeting longer cornerbacks.
Jury is still out. At what point would you say whether it has worked regarding Sokoli? Does he have to play this year? If he sees the field within four years? What would be a fair assessment? Sweezy played the first year, correct?
Didn't PC say that Sokoli will not be quite ready this year? Not sure the team can afford to keep taking guys that might be able to play 3 years down the road. They need to concentrate on winning now and taking guys that have a better shot to help sooner rather than later. We're not the Cleveland Browns or any team looking to a 3-4 year plan. The time is NOW.
I think if he's not competing for a starting gig next year that might be a failed project.
Honestly though the fact he was on the 53 man roster as a 6th round pick is in and of itself a win. Most day 3 picks sit on a PS.
It's actually quite amazing how many of our day 3 picks are still around in this league. Most on other rosters. But still it's absolutely NOT normal. We're quite spoiled in our expectations for these late round prospects.
I suspect that if this roster was as barren as it was in 2011/12, Sokoli would have been pressed into duty similar to Sweezy. Sokoli was competing with Britt, who is still much better than Moffitt was in 2012. I just don't think this roster is bad enough that we are forced to play guys before they're more highly developed. I don't see the results as any different. Just that the opportunity to learn on the job is far reduced now.
These transition/development projects take time. I'm still very stoked that Sokoli is still in the mix. And if we don't have to play him this year, I think that's a good sign. Means we have some bridge options that we can still work with.
I'd also say I disagree with the notion we need day one starters. The model seems pretty set now. We are going to lose 3-6 capable starters pretty much every year. Meaning we need a next man up already stewing on the roster. We have already been pre drafting for future need. We'll need to add guys this year for those we expect to walk in 2017. So by this time next year we have guys that are more comfortable with the systems in place.
In order to maintain that, you need to stick with the model and keep loading up on players who play later rather than fewer that play sooner.
This team is very much like a modified college program. These rookies are generally just like freshmen. Who need to replace guys in the future when they leave. Add the higher degree of training and skill required and it's even harder to get day 1 contributors.
