[MIJB#19]

Merchantmen Management Presents: Offseason Overview
The start of free agency is four days away, but we've traded so much already, it's time for a little recap of trades and what's coming and going.

Coming In
RG Timothy Lacy
FB Jamel Rosenberry
FL David Henkel
LCB Gus Stoffers
LT Edgar Dunkin
RG Eric Dietrich
RCB Johnnie Stidham
QB Moe Baxter
1st round pick Bos (#12)
2nd round pick Roc (#51)
2nd round pick 2007 FtW
3rd round pick FtW (#81)
4th round pick Geo (#100)
4th round pick Syr (#114)
4th round pick Roc (#115)
6th round pick 2008 Roc

Going Out
TE Jerry Aubrey
FB Mark Burger
DE Deon Chapa
FS Percy Francis
QB Antoine Shepard
1st round pick 2007 Maa
2nd round pick 2007 Col
3rd round pick Fbk (#94)
3rd round pick Vic (#75)
3rd round pick 2007 Spr
3rd round pick 2007 Bos
4th round pick SAo (#117)
4th round pick 2007 Spr
4th round pick 2007 Maa
6th round pick Maa (#175)
6th round pick NPl (#187)


That's a long list of in's and out's, but what does it mean in general?
Let's scratch away what's basically worth the same, it leaves:
Coming In
RG Timothy Lacy
FB Jamel Rosenberry
FL David Henkel
CB Gus Stoffers
LT Edgar Dunkin
RG Eric Dietrich
CB Johnnie Stidham
QB Moe Baxter
1st round pick Bos (#12)
2nd round pick Roc (#51)

Going Out
TE Jerry Aubrey
FB Mark Burger
DE Deon Chapa
FS Percy Francis
QB Antoine Shepard
1st round pick 2007 Maa
3rd round pick Fbk (#94)
3rd round pick 2007 Spr
3rd round pick 2007 Bos
6th round pick Maa (#175)

So, what happened so far with this? We got a less talented starting fullback, gave up a backup tight end and backup defensive end, switched backup quarterbacks and dumped an expendable safety. In return we got a startable righ guard, a good #3 receiver, a good #3 cornerback, a much needed backup LT and we improved the depth at guard and cornerback. For the draft situation, we gave up a future first rounder for a current first and second rounder, while also giving up three third rounders and a sixth rounder.

Now what?
We still have some pressing needs:
Quarterback, Defensive End, Defensive Tackle, Cornerback and Safety
What to do?
We want a mentor quarterback, which isn't something you can draft. Some will come free in free agency, others are elsewhere riding the bench. A free agent pickup can be expensive, but so will trading for one be.
At the defensive line, I think we need a minor upgrade in the tackle area in case Gomez gets injured and we need to replace Chapa, though we still have pass rush specialist Junior McKeehan. This can be a draft pickup, but isn't necessary there to be gotten.
At cornerback, we already added some players, but I might try to find another upgrade at the starting job. Same with the safety position as I am thinking of revamping the pass defense schemes. It's still not clear how to get a new cornerback though. We might go for a safety in free agency, again, but it really depends on the cap situation we have after renegotiations with contracts.
So?
Stay tuned and you'll find out what the Merchantmen management will do to improve the Masters of Trade!