SBNation.com User Blog: PeterrJohn

Barring Any Trades...What Will the Sabres' Forward Lines Look Like?

PeterrJohn — Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:58:29 -0000

Over the past few weeks there has been endless speculation about what Darcy will do to fix a roster that seems to be a bit unbalanced with a log jam of NHL caliber blueliners and many players who seem to be up in the air as to whether they will be playing in Buffalo or Rochester next year. Fans, media, and other outlets have discussed thoroughly about the possibilities of trading for top six forwards and continuing to shake up the roster.

I'm going to take a look into the future and speculate what the roster may look like if Darcy and company DO NOT make any additional moves from now until training camp.

The consensus top line when you speak to most people seems to be the combination of Vanek, Hodgson, and Pominville. I seem to be in this camp as well. We have seen what Cody has been doing the past few days in camp and the potential he has to be a solid top six forward. Vanek and Pominville are mainstays and are the most consistent forwards for the Sabres. With Hodgson benefitting from being able to go through training camp and practices with these two vets I think this line has the potential to be solid.

The second line will hopefully stay in tact from last year and continue its potentcy. The line of Foligno, Ennis, and Stafford was extremely productive down the stretch last season and it would make sense to allow that line to stay together to start next season. Ennis is at his best in the middle and Marcus is quickly becoming my new favorite Sabre. This line would be a solid second line.

The third line is where the debate starts to come into play. Will Gregorenko make the roster? Will Luke Adam center this line? Will Steve Ott play wing or center? The best option for the third line would be the combination of Nathen Gerbe, Luke Adam, and Steve Ott. Luke has been playing wing in camp but I think his best spot is center. Hopefully he will be able to come close to playing the way he was at the begining of last season. We have seen what Nathan can do and even though there has been some mumbles from people about moving Gerbe I think he still has potential to grow at both ends of the ice. Since the trade has happened we have all heard what Ott brings, putting him on the thrid line with these two youngsters will give the Sabres a solid third line who can play defense and still add some offensive punch.

The fourth line will consist of some combination of Ellis, Tropp, McCormick, Kaleta, and John Scott. I think with the idea of trying to put the most productive line on the ice night in and night out I feel the best combo would be Tropp, McCormick, and Kaleta. Even though I've never been a huge McCormick fan he still makes the most sense to center the last line. Tropp was solid at times last year and I think he will be a good fourth line guy. Patty Kaleta will continue to bother people and be the typical grinder. There was some talk of putting him on a line with Ott and Gerbe to create the ultimate pain in the back line but I still think Ott should stay on the wing and the addition of Adam will spark more offense.

I'm going to take a look into the future and speculate what the roster may look like if Darcy and company DO NOT make any additional moves from now until training camp.

Poll

What changes would you make to this lineup?

Bring Mikhail Gregorenko into the mix.

58 votes

Players are fine but change combinations.

5 votes

Hope for a blockbuster trade.

47 votes

Keep this lineup to start the season.

20 votes

Shake your head and walk away.

6 votes

136 votes | Poll has closed

The Jaguars can improve the offense through alternative routes.

PeterrJohn — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 12:36:30 -0000

With the draft finally here, speculation can finally become reality and the endless mock drafts and "expert" analysis can stop. That being said, there is still time for me to put one more hat into the ring regarding the Jaguars plan for the draft.

Now I think we can all agree the number one priority in the draft is to improve our offense and allow Blaine Gabbert to show significant progress next season. This concept has mostly been talked about via drafting a wide receiver in the first or second rounds. I have decided to offer a slightly different approach to help improving our offense and it involves positions other than wide out.

We all have seen how Mike Mularkey likes to use multiple tight ends and running backs in his offense and those positions seem to be lackluster excluding Maurice and Marcedes of course. So if the Jaguars were to look at some playmaking players at those positions they could potentially give the offense a much needed boost.

Here are some players I think would spark the offense who are not wide receivers focusing more on rounds 2-7.

Orson Charles-TE-Georgia: He has good pass catching ability and can make plays. He was a good security option for QB Aaron Murray and would be a great number two behind Marcedes and could help provide a sure pair of hands for Blaine.

LaMichael James-RB-Oregon: Has great speed and quickness and could bring another element to our offense. Cannot run inside but honestly that not what we need. He can be similar to his former teammate Jaquizz Rogers who was a nice piece in Malarkey’s offense in Atlanta.

Chris Rainey-RB-Florida: SImilar to James would be great with screens and swing passes. Also would give a boost to the return game.

Cyrus Gray-RB-Texas A&M: Another back who can catch out of the backfield. He good size and is also very effective in open space.

James Hanna-TE-Oklahoma: Good catching ability and is exceptional at catching balls that are not perfect. He is not the most polished tight end but he just has the ability to come down with the ball consistently.

Ladarius Green-TE-Louisiana Lafayette: Has great athletic ability and has been somewhat under the radar due to the conference he plays in. However he has good speed and ability to create problems for opposing defenses.

Could Kellen Moore be an interest for the Jaguars?

PeterrJohn — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:40:42 -0000

I don't think anyone would argue that the Jaguars have plenty of decisions to make this off-season. From the coaching staff, to free agency, to the draft; the Jags have no shortage of things to address before next season begins.

The one question that every one seems to have an opinion on is the quarterback position. Now I am not in the camp of people who say it is time to give up on Blaine Gabbert already, but I am in the camp of always trying to improve a position whenever possible.

I know there will be many people who will say this is a rediculous notion and it will be a long shot if it actually did happen, but let's all play along for the sake of this post.

With our first round pick, I would look at one of the top end defenders because I am not a fan of taking a WR in the top 10. I feel that problem should be adressed via free agency and later picks. I feel Kirkpatrick, Claiborne, or Coples would all be reasonable choices in round 1.

Here is where I'm sure I will lose a lot of you.

With our 2nd round pick, the Jags can go in a whole variety of different directions, but I feel a guy that the Jags should take a long hard look at is Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore.

The 6-1 QB from BSU has racked up 142 career touchdowns and has had a 70% plus completion percentage the past two seasons. As of now, Moore has a lot of the same questions that TCU's Andy Dalton had last year(size, arm strength, competition.), and because of that, few see him going in the first round. I feel he would be a solid 2nd round pick for the Jags for a number of reasons.

Even if Blaine is still our number 1, we have no real depth at the QB position. Nothing against Luke McCown, but he is not getting any younger and he has a relatively low ceiling. Moore would give us a young gun behind Blaine creating a solid competition between the two and hopefully elevating the play for both. I also feel that Moore has the potential to be a solid starting QB in the NFL and if for one reason or another Blaine does not pan out then we still have hope of a franchise QB. The last reason is very idealistic, but if the situation came about where both Blaine and Kellen became solid NFL QBs we would be in position to hole onto both or trade one to fill another hole down the road.

This all hinges on a number of different factors but if this opportunity did present itself to us in April I feel we should run to the podium to make this selection. The selection of Moore would do a number of positive things for the Jaguars.

Objections?

I know there will be many people who will say this is a rediculous notion and it will be a long shot if it actually did happen, but let's all play along for the sake of this post.

Here is where I'm sure I will lose a lot of you.

With our 2nd round pick, the Jags can go in a whole variety of different directions, but I feel a guy that the Jags should take a long hard look at is Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore.

Objections?

Poll

Would you be open to the Jaguars drafting Kellen Moore?

Yes

60 votes

No

28 votes

88 votes | Poll has closed