In 2010, we still had Deangelo Williams, Jonathan Stewart, Steve Smith, Jordan Gross, Travelle Wharton, Ryan Kalil, Charles Johnson, Jon Beason, Thomas Davis, and Chris Gamble and we knew we were getting the #1 pick.

In 2001, we had Muhsin Muhammad, Todd Steussie, Jeff Mitchell, Kevin Donnalley, Brentson Buckner, Mike Rucker, Mike Minter, some really promising rookies in Steve Smith, Kris Jenkins, and Dan Morgan, and the #2 pick since Houston was getting #1 as the new expansion team.

This year we have:

Derrick Brown - Really good young DT that can be a cornerstone for a while

Frankie Luvu - Severely underrated all-purpose LB who’s about to be a FA

Adam Thielen - Solid slot/#3 WR at this point currently playing as our #1.

Shaq Thompson - Great LB but on IR and about to turn 30

Brian Burns - Good pass rusher who can’t defend the run but wants top ED money anyway

Jaycee Horn - Good CB, but has played 17/45 games since being drafted

Bryce Young - Too small, not nearly as mentally ready as advertised, and significantly worse than draft counterpart CJ Stroud

No 1st round pick

So yeah, this is the bleakest outlook this franchise has ever had because you can basically already write off next season, the roster is devoid of top-tier talent, we’ve whiffed on 3 straight 1st round picks, and we’re in danger of losing 2 of the best players we have.

OJ Atogwe

Laveranues Coles

Dan Morgan would have been an all-timer if not for the injuries. He broke his leg after 11 games his rookie year, had 5 or 6 concussions, partially tore his achilles, and had several other injury issues after having no real injuries in college. He still holds the Miami career tackle record.

It would be nearly impossible to do this, but the guests need to be dependent on the game itself. It’s fun to watch the Mannings break down a close competitive game and react to big plays, but a lot of the games have been a snoozefest by the 3rd quarter. That’s when you could bring a guest in. But I realize the logistics of a “stand-by” guest would be next to impossible to pull off.