FINALLY!

Thank the Football Gods, we've gotten some good news related to our linebacking corp!  SportsIllustrated.com is reporting that Willie Mac is going to be retiring after this season.

While we'll have to endure another season of his lack-luster athleticism and missed-play opportunities, we'll be able to look forward to the 2009 Draft knowing that we're locked onto an outside linebacker.

I believe there's a local one available by the name James Laurenitis.  I hear he eats people.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/arash_markazi/05/06/willie.mcginest/index.html

That is good news. Maybe he starts his coaching carrer THIS year and doesnt play much, but adds some veteran leadership. Thats about what hes got left.

I guess the reason he didn't retire this year is because he sees a chance to get another ring and go out on top. Of course RAC probably coaxed him into staying because we don't have a OLB solution and likely not to get one this season. Im not too optimistic that anyone on the roster will be an answer this year. Depending on how the CBs perform, CBs could be a priority for the 2009 draft as well. If we're expecting to be 10-6 or better then Chris Wells, James Laurenitis and Malcolm Jenkins will be out of reach by the time the Browns pick. Moving up either with players (at the rsik of depth) or picks would be the only way. If we traded DA we would still need to draft a viable back-up or sign a veteran during free agency. Personally I'm not sure why we keep Dorsey this year. his effectiveness is limited after the first year of BQ tutoring. We should at least grab a #3QB after the cuts  so he can learn the system and be  a possible #2 next year after the proposed DA trade. IMO next year we will potentially need a RB, OLB, CB and #2QB (if DA is traded) as priorities. We only have two or maybe three picks on the first day . Seems to me our success in the FA market during the next offseason will still be key in determining our ability to move up and grab one of those three players.