The CheckerBoard

hounddog,

I'm stepping away from the ledge....... slowly

No question Davis and McCullers would really help this class.

I do feel that McCullers can contribute early next year.

But yes we need RB's and I'll raise you one and say we need any linemen that can help offense or defense both can use the depth.

I do think we'll still have a class in the top 15 overall and maybe number 5 or 6 in the SEC when its all said and done.

Hopefully it was the half that created the scare.

Very good point. Our '85 Sugar Bowl team was loaded with Tennessee guys...what happened. I have heard that practice rules passed by the state have affected the development of players but I don't know if that is true. Again what happened. Mod's...anyone.

I concur because that sounds cooler than "I agree" and I'll add that I think our CB class is also insufficient at the moment. I said it yesterday when Otis switched and I'll say it again today... We do not have a CB on our roster that we can rely on in 1-on-1 coverage. P-Wagg is an OK corner, but he's not the kind of guy you can put on an island against good receivers and expect to be successful. Coleman, Moore, Lanier, and Gordon all improved later in the season but I don't expect any of our CBs to develop into a top 3 round NFL draft pick. In fact, I can only think of 3 corners that Tennessee has put in the NFL over the last decade; Jason Allen, Jonathan Wade, and Jonathan Hefney and Hefney was an undrafted free agent. We haven't put a CB in the NFL in 5 years. That has to change in order for us to have a championship caliber defense. I hope Crawley AND Gray can develop into elite corners and they may but I would obviously feel much more comfortable with our future at CB if we signed a 95+ type talent. Not gonna happen.. I know, but it's something I feel like we need.

On Mike Davis.. I really really hope we can get him. There's no doubt that he could help us next year but I wonder how much? I don't think he would come in and be better than Lane or Neal. I get that he is highly rated with a lot of good offers. He should be a reliable back and eventual starter wherever he goes... but I don't see him as a difference maker.

McCullers.. I think he could be a big difference maker if he works hard this offseason to improve his strength and conditioning. You bring up a good point about him entering in the fall but I'd be interested in hearing an expert's opinion of how important that is at the DT position. Sheme wise, I don't see how it could be a big deal for a DT. I mean he'd only have 3 possible responsibilites right? Plug the gap to his right, plug the gap to his left, or rush the passer.. I don't know. Maybe someone who does know will chime in.