[bigjosh]

Originally Posted by saphojunkie

The simple fact is tight end AND running back are both a need. Jamaal Charles is Jamaal Charles, but as sad as it is, we have to remember that RB is one of the most short-lived careers in the NFL. Without saying Jamaal is injury prone, he has already sustained a season-ending injury. That just shows you that even durable running backs need to have depth. And not just "guy off the street" depth.

Tony Moeaki is no different from Jon Baldwin. One spectacular catch his rookie season. He's done jack squat ever since. Now, they both shared a common hindrance - Matt Cassel - so who knows what happens now? But Moeaki can't stay on the damn field.

Honestly (and I despise saying this) the biggest draft pick up was Alex Smith. I know, I know... we could have waited and got him for free AND drafted Geno in the second. But at the end of the day, let's please not forget just how atrocious watching Matt Cassel attempt to play quarterback was.

We literally haven't been a competent NFL team for two years. I don't believe Alex Smith will win us a playoff game (maybe one if we're lucky), but that said, I think he is light years beyond Matt Cassel. FFS, we had people clamoring for Kyle Orton to be our starter going forward. That's how bad Cassel was.

So, yes... Alex Smith should have a huge impact on this team, if for no other reason, because he will allow players like Moeaki, Baldwin, Charles, Kelce, Bowe, Avery, and Fasano to at least develop and be properly evaluated. With solid QB play, we can actually see who is worth a damn and who needs to hit the road.

I'm not exactly optimistic about the team, but I think I understand what the goal of this offseason was - rescue this franchise from the dregs and make it competitive again.

Well said