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Better/Worse by position from 2014 to 2015
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:31 am
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:31 am
Figured I'd take a stab at this based on nothing really other than what I've personally witnessed and some guesswork. Listed as whether we'll be better or worse in 2015 than last season.
QB- Worse
RB- Slightly worse
WR- Worse
TE- Slightly Better
OL- Push
DL- Push, maybe slightly better
ILB- slightly worse
OLB- Slightly Better
CB- better
S- better
QB- Not that Mason was all-world, but we're going to struggle with ramsey/park for at least half the season. That's not an indictment on them, that's just how it is. Stafford/Murray/DJ/etc all struggled as noobs, it happens in the SEC
RB- You don't just replace Todd Gurley, he's that good. Fortunately, Chubb/Sony are dynamic and hopefully KM can provide some 2012ish type impact as well.
WR- JSW/MM/Reggie/Shakenneth should be pretty formidable on their own. But compared to that same group plus Bennett and Conley, it's not the same level IMO.
TE- Same guys as last year, but I think we can assume Jeb will probably improve just by being another year older.
OL- The only reason I say push is because it usually hurts a LITTLE losing a solid center like Andrews and we have a new OL Coach. However, the other 4 starters return. Pyke was excellent as a FR, and we'll have 2 seniors holding down the tackles. If we get some competent C play there's no reason to think we can't be just as good.
DL- We had some good names there but they were mostly quiet. Drew was solid but not really noteworthy. Toby didn't really come on until late. Thornton was a rock. Sterling and Dawson to go along with Trent and one of our shiny new DEs should be able to match if not exceed this 2014 squad.
ILB- I love our guys here I just think there will be a slight drop from AH/RW. Roquan could help immediately.
OLB- Jenkins and Floyd return, plus another year older/stronger Carter. Should be outstanding.
CB- Fenteng was turnign heads before getting hurt last fall. Bowman seemed to improve under Pruitt, and Davis and Parrish are more than capable. Could see some new guys here too.
S- Swann really excelled here, but Mauger was a brand new man under Pruitt and Sanders was a wonderful surprise. Those 2 plus Terry if the light comes on should be able to replicate last year.
It's also worth considering that the defense overall shoudl be improved simply because it's year 2 of the system and everyone isn't learning everythign from scratch.
Schedule- definitely more difficult in 2015 than 2014 for sure. Overall, I think we'll actually have a very similar team than last year. Slightly worse on offense, slightly better on defense. Throw in a tougher schedule and I would guess as of February 2015 (so obviously subject to change) we should be looking at an 8-4/9-3 type season JUST looking at our roster and schedule. That won't be my real prediction, but I think taking everythign into account that should seem reasonable as of right this minute.
Thoughts?
QB- Worse
RB- Slightly worse
WR- Worse
TE- Slightly Better
OL- Push
DL- Push, maybe slightly better
ILB- slightly worse
OLB- Slightly Better
CB- better
S- better
QB- Not that Mason was all-world, but we're going to struggle with ramsey/park for at least half the season. That's not an indictment on them, that's just how it is. Stafford/Murray/DJ/etc all struggled as noobs, it happens in the SEC
RB- You don't just replace Todd Gurley, he's that good. Fortunately, Chubb/Sony are dynamic and hopefully KM can provide some 2012ish type impact as well.
WR- JSW/MM/Reggie/Shakenneth should be pretty formidable on their own. But compared to that same group plus Bennett and Conley, it's not the same level IMO.
TE- Same guys as last year, but I think we can assume Jeb will probably improve just by being another year older.
OL- The only reason I say push is because it usually hurts a LITTLE losing a solid center like Andrews and we have a new OL Coach. However, the other 4 starters return. Pyke was excellent as a FR, and we'll have 2 seniors holding down the tackles. If we get some competent C play there's no reason to think we can't be just as good.
DL- We had some good names there but they were mostly quiet. Drew was solid but not really noteworthy. Toby didn't really come on until late. Thornton was a rock. Sterling and Dawson to go along with Trent and one of our shiny new DEs should be able to match if not exceed this 2014 squad.
ILB- I love our guys here I just think there will be a slight drop from AH/RW. Roquan could help immediately.
OLB- Jenkins and Floyd return, plus another year older/stronger Carter. Should be outstanding.
CB- Fenteng was turnign heads before getting hurt last fall. Bowman seemed to improve under Pruitt, and Davis and Parrish are more than capable. Could see some new guys here too.
S- Swann really excelled here, but Mauger was a brand new man under Pruitt and Sanders was a wonderful surprise. Those 2 plus Terry if the light comes on should be able to replicate last year.
It's also worth considering that the defense overall shoudl be improved simply because it's year 2 of the system and everyone isn't learning everythign from scratch.
Schedule- definitely more difficult in 2015 than 2014 for sure. Overall, I think we'll actually have a very similar team than last year. Slightly worse on offense, slightly better on defense. Throw in a tougher schedule and I would guess as of February 2015 (so obviously subject to change) we should be looking at an 8-4/9-3 type season JUST looking at our roster and schedule. That won't be my real prediction, but I think taking everythign into account that should seem reasonable as of right this minute.
Thoughts?
7
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:41 am to WG_Dawg
Mostly right, imo. I'm probably in the minority here, but I actually expect the ILBs to be better from a scheme fit perspective.
I think a bunch of newcomers will play on defense.
I think a bunch of newcomers will play on defense.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:43 am to Crowknowsbest
quote:
I actually expect the ILBs to be better from a scheme fit perspective.
I can absolutely see that. Pruitt has wanted us to go smaller/faster since he got here and I expect that will continue with the ILBs.
The guys we're replacing were just really solid though.
quote:
I think a bunch of newcomers will play on defense.
same here. Pruitt has shown he DGAF what class you are as long as you can play. I can safely say I'll never worry about our DB play as long as he's here.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:45 am to Crowknowsbest
quote:After watching Wilson & Hererra run 4.9's at the combine you might be right...
but I actually expect the ILBs to be better from a scheme fit perspective.
.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:51 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
WR- JSW/MM/Reggie/Shakenneth should be pretty formidable on their own. But compared to that same group plus Bennett and Conley, it's not the same level IMO.
I think we'll get just as much production out of our WR's this year, if not more. We didn't exactly have a bunch of first rounders lining up out there last season. I think JSW and Davis being a year older will make up for Bennett and Conley leaving. If MM is fully back and 100%, we upgrade at the position overall IMO. The guys we have have been good and are a year more experienced. Should be a good unit overall.
I also expect Godwin to make an immediate impact in some capacity on offense. If McKenzie can start catching the ball, then we'll be plenty stacked at the WR position.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:51 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
The guys we're replacing were just really solid though.
No doubt. Herrera and Wilson gave everything they had and were very consistent in the run game. They really, really struggled in space though. They could actually be better as pros for teams that won't ask them to do that as much, imo. Herrera was also a great leader, and UGA will miss that, along with Swann.
quote:
same here. Pruitt has shown he DGAF what class you are as long as you can play. I can safely say I'll never worry about our DB play as long as he's here.
IMO, Thompson, Ledbetter, Smith, Amaechi, Ganus, McGraw, Walker, Patrick, Briscoe, Baker, Abram, Choates, and Jarvis Wilson all have a decent shot at regular PT on defense.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:54 am to gatorhata9
quote:
I think JSW and Davis being a year older will make up for Bennett and Conley leaving.
With WR, to me, it's not just about is player X at the same level as player Y. It's all about how they fit in their roles. Bennett was just your prototypical 3rd down, in the slot, go over the middle type receiver. You could always count on him. Who will that be this year? Shakenneth seems like more of an outside player. Maybe reggie, but he doesn't have the frame Bennett had to go in traffic. On the outside we'll be great with SW/JSW/MM, I just don't know who's going to be our consistent over the middle guy.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:54 am to WG_Dawg
Until I see how the new freshmen contribute I'll not comment much.
But I think the WR corps we have are faster/quicker and will give the new QB some open targets. Mason was so tentative at throwing anything longer than 10 yards the first half of 2014 that our passing game was frustrating to watch.
I will definitely miss watching Conley make some terrific catches and Bennett pulling in 1st downs even when covered like a Waffle House hashbrown.
But I think the WR corps we have are faster/quicker and will give the new QB some open targets. Mason was so tentative at throwing anything longer than 10 yards the first half of 2014 that our passing game was frustrating to watch.
I will definitely miss watching Conley make some terrific catches and Bennett pulling in 1st downs even when covered like a Waffle House hashbrown.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:56 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
With WR, to me, it's not just about is player X at the same level as player Y. It's all about how they fit in their roles. Bennett was just your prototypical 3rd down, in the slot, go over the middle type receiver. You could always count on him. Who will that be this year? Shakenneth seems like more of an outside player. Maybe reggie, but he doesn't have the frame Bennett had to go in traffic. On the outside we'll be great with SW/JSW/MM, I just don't know who's going to be our consistent over the middle guy.
Don't forget Hegedus. I think Godwin will be the primary slot guy though
This post was edited on 2/23/15 at 9:58 am
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:57 am to AlaCowboy
Agreed. Bennett was horribly underrated. He was never afraid to go up for a pass over the middle, and he was great at hanging on to them.
This post was edited on 2/23/15 at 10:03 am
Posted on 2/23/15 at 9:57 am to Crowknowsbest
quote:
Don't forget Hegedus
he's never played for us so it's kind of hard to say what sort of impact he'll have for us.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 10:00 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
he's never played for us so it's kind of hard to say what sort of impact he'll have for us.
It is but you can kind of guess the role he would have. Apparently the coaches like him so I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a good amount of PT this year.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 10:02 am to ATLdawg25
This year I expect Malcom Mitchell to have some gaudy numbers and be one of the top WRs in the country.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 10:04 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
QB- Worse
I would say slightly worse. There will be growing pains, but I think the ability of Park/Ramsey will allow for a wider play selection
Now, this could be hurt by
quote:
WR- Worse
but that cant be blamed on the QB
Posted on 2/23/15 at 10:27 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
Schedule- definitely more difficult in 2015 than 2014 for sure. Overall, I think we'll actually have a very similar team than last year. Slightly worse on offense, slightly better on defense. Throw in a tougher schedule and I would guess as of February 2015 (so obviously subject to change) we should be looking at an 8-4/9-3 type season JUST looking at our roster and schedule. That won't be my real prediction, but I think taking everythign into account that should seem reasonable as of right this minute.
I dont think our schedule is worse. USC going to be down this year bigtime. We should be walking into Bama 4-0. We have a bye before Florida and I'd imagine our QB should be ramped up by then.
Kickers are back and better.
Coaching is much better IMHO.
I would say as of February we are a 10-2 team with a good shot at an SECCG appearance. We could be 11-1, but will probably stumble to Auburn or @Tenn
Posted on 2/23/15 at 10:32 am to IT_Dawg
quote:
I dont think our schedule is worse.
There are a few very favorable differences for '15 than '14 to be sure, I just think top to bottom it's tougher.
-OOC opener we have ULM instead of clemson. Definitely a positive for '15.
-SC at home instead of away is a plus.
-Bama instead of arkansas is the biggest change. We substitute out an almost sure victory for a 50/50 game at best, but based on the last 7 years of saban's tenure you can't predict anything but a loss going in. They've earned that.
-Tennessee, AU, and tech are all on teh road instead of home. Those are 3 of our 5 hardest games.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 10:51 am to WG_Dawg
QB - better. Mason started out slow, even as a 5th year senior. He had the "game manager" label so drilled into his head that he rarely was able to just relax and throw the football. Plus he had trouble seeing the field, and some quarterbacks are able to pick that up quicker. Based on what I've read and seen, I predict Park wins the job and has a better overall season than Mason's.
RB - slight dropoff, but hopefully we'll have better luck than previous years.
OL - wash. They'll be very good barring key injuries.
WR - wash. This offense doesn't need athletic freaks, just guys who can run good timing routes
TE - better. If Rome is healthy, he could retake the starting job. Blazevich and the new kid are both outstanding, plus we have still have an outstanding athlete in Jordan Davis.
DT - hard to predict. Better talent and depth, but dropoff in experience. If Chris Mayes can return to 2013 form when he started 8 games, he'll be a force. He had a big setback last fall when he suffered a concussion. Between Thompson, Gaillard, Hawkins, and Ledbetter, I'm hopeful we'll have a solid rotation of big men.
DE - better. Ray Drew played solid in 2015, but we have a lot of talent to compete for those spots.
OLB - better
ILB - equal. Lost two experienced guys, but looking at all the athletic options available, I think we're in good shape now.
DB- better. We entered 2013 and 2014 in a horrible position. Barring another offseason catastrophe, I see this group having many more options.
RB - slight dropoff, but hopefully we'll have better luck than previous years.
OL - wash. They'll be very good barring key injuries.
WR - wash. This offense doesn't need athletic freaks, just guys who can run good timing routes
TE - better. If Rome is healthy, he could retake the starting job. Blazevich and the new kid are both outstanding, plus we have still have an outstanding athlete in Jordan Davis.
DT - hard to predict. Better talent and depth, but dropoff in experience. If Chris Mayes can return to 2013 form when he started 8 games, he'll be a force. He had a big setback last fall when he suffered a concussion. Between Thompson, Gaillard, Hawkins, and Ledbetter, I'm hopeful we'll have a solid rotation of big men.
DE - better. Ray Drew played solid in 2015, but we have a lot of talent to compete for those spots.
OLB - better
ILB - equal. Lost two experienced guys, but looking at all the athletic options available, I think we're in good shape now.
DB- better. We entered 2013 and 2014 in a horrible position. Barring another offseason catastrophe, I see this group having many more options.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 11:02 am to WG_Dawg
quote:
Bennett was just your prototypical 3rd down, in the slot, go over the middle type receiver
quote:
I just don't know who's going to be our consistent over the middle guy.
Hegenwhateverhisnameis. The kid that trnasfered from NC State is my guess. I think he comes on strong this year. Wouldn't he fit into that general mold?
ETA
Crap. I jjust read Crows post above. He beat me to it.
This post was edited on 2/23/15 at 11:04 am
Posted on 2/23/15 at 12:33 pm to DawgsLife
Special Teams-Better just based on experience. Don't downplay that.
RB-I hope we learned last year that we need an agressive passing game to have a shot. We can't depend solely on passing.
This. They are solid but not fast. Hopefully we added speed and two games to start get them up and going.
Overall, I think the season comes down to QB and interceptions.
RB-I hope we learned last year that we need an agressive passing game to have a shot. We can't depend solely on passing.
quote:
After watching Wilson & Hererra run 4.9's at the combine you might be right...
This. They are solid but not fast. Hopefully we added speed and two games to start get them up and going.
Overall, I think the season comes down to QB and interceptions.
Posted on 2/23/15 at 12:38 pm to WG_Dawg
quote:
You don't just replace Todd Gurley, he's that good.
Why do you keep insisting on this narrative?It would be true had he not missed more than HALF the season along with missed playing time by Sony and KM.Fact is we will be better off at RB if Chubb and Sony remain healthy all season AND we get KM back even if he's not 100%.
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