How Much of a Rebuilding Job - Breaking Down the Roster (O)

I'm still in a bit of shock after hearing the news last night - saw it at 11pm my time and stayed up til 2am reading all the fallout.  Whilst I advocated giving Josh at least until the bye next season, I didn't expect the firing to go down as it did.  Anyway, what's done is done...I read a quote from Adam Schefter which stated that not many coaches will be interested in this job as it is seen around the league as a major rebuilding project.  Going through the roster mentally, I didn't see it that way from a talent perspective, so I thought I'd break down the roster with my player evaluations...I'd like to hear your thoughts afterwards.  I'll do the O first, and the D later (probably when I've had supper).  Unfortunately there is no fancy formatting or nice pictures to make this post look more exciting, but I hope the content's up to snuff for most of you.

QB

Kyle Orton - I swear, the guy must be one of the most divisive of this team's fanbase since Jake Plummer.  The polarisation between those who love and hate him is verging on the ridiculous.  What we know about the guy - he's a solid starter, although he has not proven to be clutch this season.  He's suffered from lack of a running game and inconsistent pass pro; however, when the game is on the line he's not been at his best.  Whatever your opinion, I'm sure several teams in the league would see him as an upgrade over their current QB.  I for one would be happy to see the guy starting next season, although I realise that it's becoming more evident that he is not the long term solution. Starter Talent

Tim Tebow - who knows what he's capable of?  At best he could be an elite QB, at worst a serious redzone threat.  Despite the rumblings I'm hearing about him not getting his shot now that McD has gone, you have to say that any offensive coach who doesn't give him a fair shot at the QB position is an idiot. Potential Elite Talent

Brady Quinn - the face of the franchise, he's bringing the clipboard look back into fashion. Backup

HB

Knowshon Moreno - another guy who fans like to rag on, the guy's coming on nicely now that the line are finally producing holes for him, coupled with him fully healing from a bunch of nagging injuries.  He's got potential as a workhorse who is a solid pass blocker and safety valve in the passing game.  The guy is a good talent - not a breakaway runner, but give him the holes and he'll hammer you.  Take away the holes and he still rarely gets caught in the backfield. Starter Talent

Correll Buckhalter - useful last season, now at the tail end of his career and, well, not very useful any more, as evidenced by the exponential decrease in his snap numbers this season. Needs to Retire

Laurence Maroney - former first round pick but hasn't looked very decisive or explosive.  It's worth noting that he's only ever played in the NE system in the pros and may undergo a renaissance in, say, a ZBS; however, he's really shown nothing to this point on either team. Marginal/Not NFL Talent

Lance Ball - has been getting quite a few reps in place of Messrs Maroney and Buckhalter.  The guy seems run pretty well and has value on STs. Backup

FB

Spencer Larsen - developing into a fine blocker and has also had his number called in both the running and passing game.  Absolutely ferocious player and is a key cog on our STs.  Another player who coaches love - you know you can count on him.  (Developing) Starter Talent

WR

Brandon Lloyd - possibly the nicest surprise this season, Lloyd has shown he can do it all - circus catches, catches in traffic over the middle and even the easy ones (which used to be his problem).  Obviously, it remains to be seen whether he can do it again next season with the inevitable scheme changes and he does have some weaknesses (can get roughed up at the line); however, the evidently has the talent. Starter Talent

Jabar Gaffney - solid, consistent veteran. He's not been amazing as a full time starter this year, and he's probably better off as a rotational guy who can start in a pinch. Rotational/Backup Talent

Eddie Royal - has had inconsistent production in McD's system, and hasn't really had a great connection with Kyle.  However, there's no denying that the guy is a playmaker when given some space in addition to his value to STs. Struggles when facing the jam; however, as a Z/slot receiver, he can attack the opponent's weakpoint for massive damage. Starter Talent

Demaryius Thomas - when I first saw him run, my eyes almost popped out of my head.  He's been in the ice bath a little too much this season; however, he has almost limitless potential and looks poised to force his way into the lineup next season. Potential Elite Talent

Eric Decker - has begun to see the field a little more in Thomas' absence and has had some nice, crucial catches. He's tough and has excellent hands and could very well be a starter in a year or two. Potential Starter Talent

Matthew Willis - showed some flashes in camp but has hit IR.  Could carve out a career as a rotational receiver/STs player and evidently has the talent to stick in the league.  Rotational/Backup

TE

Daniel Graham - one of the reasons why Jay Cutler made it out of 2007 alive, his blocking and receiving skills have both declined in the last two seasons.  Considering his fat contract, he could be a financial casualty in the offseason.  Still a serviceable blocker, but nothng more. Rotational/Backup

Dan Gronkowski - has made himself pretty useful, although we evidently still got shortchanged in terms of talent in the trade. However, the guy has proved to be versatile and has good blocking skills (although he always appears to be really surprised when he catches the ball). Rotational/Backup

Richard Quinn - one of McD's favourite whipping boys, he also got arrested for domestic violence in the offseason (I think...correct me if I'm wrong).  Either way, has shown that he can block on occasion; hasn't shown that he can line up in the right place. Marginal/Not NFL Talent

OT

Ryan Clady - All-Pro talent who's struggled with injury this season, although his recovery has been remarkable.  A basketball-less offseason to heal should see him return to form.  Elite Talent

Ryan Harris - also struggled with injuries but is still a fine tackle.  I know some people are willing to let him walk, and RT is a relatively easy position to replace; however, we know what we have in Harris. Starter Talent

Chris Clark - can't even pretend I know anything about the guy. He likely wouldn't be put in even if a tackle were injured.  Marginal/Not NFL Talent

OG

Zane Beadles - growing into his role as an LG, hopefully that is where he will stay for a number of years.  Also valuable in being able to play LG, LT and RT (although I wouldn't want him at the latter for a particularly long time). Developing Starter Talent

Chris Kuper - has proved his worth in both the PBS and ZBS and is one of the leaders on the line.  Potential Bronco for life right here.  Starter Talent

Stanley Daniels - he has a nice story and he's a guy you want to root for; however, he looked pretty lost in his brief outing as starter and is now a gameday scratch. Backup/Marginal Talent

Russ Hochstein - G/C and has been nothing but a liability at either position, even in spot duty.  Needs to Retire

C

JD Walton - at times has struggled, at times has excelled.  Learning on the job is immensely difficult for a rookie centre and he's acquitted himself well. Should be a starter for many years.  Developing Starter Talent

Eric Olsen - hopefully can take Hochstein's place and do it better; ultimately, I have no idea how good he is, but he's likely a career backup.  Backup

Breakdown:

Elite - 1, Potential Elite - 2, Starter - 6, Developing/Potential Starter - 4, Backup - 7, Marginal/Needs to Retire/Be Cut - 6

Overall, our O is in pretty good shape and we have elite/potential elite talent at 3 of the most important positions.  The 5 or 6 marginal players are pretty easy to replace with general roster turnover; obviously the OL seriously lacks depth and this needs to be addressed in the late draft rounds and possibly FA.  The most glaring weakness by far is at TE and I hope this is the only offensive pick we make in the first 5 of the next draft.  Ultimately we have 13 players with the requisite talent to start (yes, I know TT's designation will be a point of contention for many, but he seems to have all the tools physically) which bodes well.  On top of this, the O is very young; second time round, we'd better hope that our new coach doesn't decide to dismantle this lot.