Brad Holmes Just Handed Us a Whole New Starting Lineup
The draft is in the books, and if you squint hard enough at this projected depth chart, you can see the future of this franchise taking shape. Multiple new starters. Guys moving positions. The kind of roster churn that would have terrified us in the Matt Millen days but feels downright exciting when Brad Holmes is the one making the calls.
Let’s be honest about what we’re looking at here. This isn’t just tweaking around the edges anymore.
The Offense: Steady as She Goes
Offensively, Blake Miller stepping into that starting right tackle spot is the only major change, and that feels about right. The kid should slide right in there while Larry Borom handles the swing tackle duties. Miles Frazier moving to tackle opens up some interesting depth possibilities with Ben Bartch and Juice Scruggs backing up the guard spots.
Isaac TeSlaa getting the nod at left receiver is intriguing. Jackson Meeks still hanging around makes sense when you consider his red zone potential, and hell, maybe he can line up at tight end occasionally. Kendrick Law earning a roster spot purely on special teams contributions? That’s the kind of value play this organization has gotten really good at finding.
The core remains untouchable. Goff, Gibbs, Amon-Ra, LaPorta, Sewell. That’s your foundation, and it’s as solid as anything we’ve had in decades.
Defense: Where Things Get Spicy
Now this is where Brad Holmes has been busy. Derrick Moore as your new starting edge rusher opposite Hutch? Jimmy Rolder potentially taking over at Will linebacker? Keith Abney sliding into that slot corner role? That’s three new starters on defense, and frankly, this roster needed that kind of infusion.
The Rolder situation is the most interesting question mark. The talent is obviously there, but whether he’s ready to jump into a starting role right away is something we won’t know until we see it. Malcolm Rodriguez could easily hold down that spot if Rolder needs more seasoning.
That safety depth though. Thomas Harper, Chuck Clark, Christian Izien, even Avonte Maddox in the mix. With Branch’s situation still up in the air to start the season, having that kind of experience and upside in the secondary feels like the kind of insurance policy smart organizations build.
The Holmes Factor
Look, we’ve been hurt before. We’ve watched this franchise whiff on draft picks and roster construction for so many years that optimism doesn’t come naturally anymore. But this feels different because Brad Holmes has earned the benefit of the doubt through his track record.
Multiple new starters on defense suggests he sees something we need to fix. Position changes on the offensive line suggest he’s maximizing depth and versatility. These aren’t desperate moves or reach picks. This is calculated roster building by someone who has proven he knows what he’s doing.
And yes, I know what you’re thinking. It’s way too early. Half these projections could be wrong by training camp. But when you’ve watched this team for as long as we have, sometimes you take your excitement where you can find it.
Is this the depth chart that finally gets us over the hump, or are we setting ourselves up for another round of what-ifs? Let me know what you think in the comments.
