I fall between 1 and 2 also. For the defense though, I don't see it so much as an infusion of talent that is necessary but different talent that fits the scheme better.
I think the D gets a moderate makeover this off-season. At the same time, I believe some of the answers are already on the roster. Ebukam, Littleton, and Longacre showed pretty well and may be given starting positions if they do move on from Barron, Quinn, and Barwin.
1 & 2) A change of pace RB, depth on the OL are all things they would like in an ideal world but I don't see them being high priority items. Realistically, they won't have the draft capital and salary cap dollars to do every single thing on the list.
3) Judging by McVay's comments in his last press conference, they do want more from the TE position but I'm not sure how they'll address it. My guess is, they bring in a better vet than Carrier. I don't see Snead or McVay being the type to not let young guys develop so Everett will be given another year which means no high draft pick will be expended for the TE position.
4) I agree on the NT position. Wade has to fix the run D and NT is a great place to start. Unfortunately, I've looked at the upcoming NT UFA class and it looks woeful. I would not be surprised to see one of the big DT's - Vea, Payne - at the #23 pick.
5) I'm not sure what you're seeing on the injury issues for Barron since he has played in 46 out of 48 in the last 3 years. He has missed very little time and only 2 games this year. It's not an issue. That said, he may be one of those players that gets moved out due to not being a scheme fit. Wade has said some really great things about him but I can't tell if that's coach talk or if he really likes him.
He has his weaknesses with getting washed out due to his size but he also is a league leader in run stops. I can see this one going either way...
6) Quinn is another one I can see going either way. At the beginning of the year, I thought for sure he would be cut. Now that is definitely less clear. Why? He stepped his production up in a major way.
Here's PFF:
"Robert Quinn...is tied for the league lead in sacks since Week 12 (five) and tied for 14th in total pressures (13).It appears he acclimated to Wade's scheme and started producing. He also got good pressure against Atlanta. How do you cut a 10+ sack guy? If he was as productive over an entire season as he was in those last 5-6 weeks, you're talking about a 15+ sack guy. It's doable given he's done it before.
Ultimately, I think they keep him.
7) The CB position is where I see them making changes according to Wade's preferences. TruJ will walk. He's not a Wade press corner. I think they will pick up a moderately priced CB in free agency and will also draft one by the 3rd round.
8) The way McVay has talked about Watkins after the season, I believe the Rams clear intent is to bring him back. That, of course, also depends on what Sammy is asking for. My guess is, the two sides figure out a way for him to spend at least his next season in LA.
