Tweet
past reports: (2018) End of the Wynn Era?, (2020) Draft Results, (2020) Bees Report, (2021) Utah Herald, (2022) Bumbling Bees, (2023) Ulmanac, (2024), (2025) like a dynasty, (2026) Bees Knees, (2027) and the Year of the Pelican, '28 Bees, UTA29
UTA30
UTA30
In the last two cycles, the Bees have come away with large and so-far high retention rookie classes. It's resulted in an enviable scenario where we have as few open spots heading into an offseason as I can ever remember having — as well as a comfortable (but not major, we're still feeling the effects of the last Randygotiation's stumbles) amount of cap room to play with.
key departures
WR Alvin Foley (retired)
NT Kurt Lee (retired)
DE Emmanuel Logan (retired)
A significant chunk of the Bees' longstanding core retires in Foley and Logan, who started their final game together in the most recent Stevens Cup, along with recent teammate and DL anchor Kurt Lee.
While '29 served as a free agent exodus, the Bees didn't expose anyone to the unrestricted waters this year. DE Byron LaPorte spent the last season on IR, leaving us only two roster openings, with the possibility of more in the event that bubble players like FB2 Kerry Duran are pushed out.
key arrivals
DE Jim Spencer
The Bees signed several more players in early free agency, but none bigger than the talented and young Spencer, who slots right into Emmanuel Logan's vacated DE role at minimum salary.
Of the others, among the various insurance plans and potential leaders, two stand out: WR Lee Syms and CB Casey Shannon. Long coveted by Utah coaches, these were two of the league's best at their position in their heyday, and might still have some left in the tank. They'll be well compensated if they stay, but the Bees took on no risk in signing them.
Draft Class
We had different ideas on the table in choosing to fill the final vacancy — that left by starting NT Kurt Lee — and settled on another DT/DE in Kurt Cleaver, in round 1. With no clear spots on the roster the rest of the way, we were led to some unusual thinking and outcomes.
- No trades after the first
- No picks in round 2, generally where we like to shine
- A lot of what-if guys that are likely big droppers
Drafting cutbait isn't entirely efficient, but a certain amount of rookie talent intake is necessary to the continued vigor of any franchise, particularly one advancing in age.
We took a number of chances on probable -5 or greater droppers in the hopes that they are much closer to 'as scouted', since by their combines, it's not out of the question. A different angle to our usual approach of go big or go home, employed in the absence of better underrated depth than we usually like to see.
1.9 DT Lincoln Cleaver
Wherever he ends up playing, Cleaver will play the Bob Hansen role on defense, and anchor the talent on that side of the ball for hopefully the next decade.
4.29 TE Marco Stewart
Stewart's on the outside looking in, but a quality 4th TE. Mario Bradford will need to stay sharp to stay on this year's squad.
4.32 C Jose Willis
A gamble that's testing Malcpow's incomplete data set for centers. Not likely to sniff his bonus money except in event of injury.
5.21 DT Leon Hancock
Hancock was about to go to an AI team on virtue of his high grade. The Marco Stewart or 'traditional Utah pick' of our 5th round, Hancock looks like a modest climber and a quality all-around player.
5.25 CB Herb Midget
That name, man. Midget is actually 5'10, though, and could play any spot in the defensive backfield if he holds onto his best bars well enough.
6.32 G Zack Snyder
Another and the last of the bums. Snyder's likely to sit unsigned unless he surprises in camp.
7.32 DT Irv Singleton
Our 3rd DT and 5th lineman of this 7-man class. Singleton has some pass rush upside, and together with Hancock, might supply either a more compelling argument for Cleaver to DE, or make it easier to part with NT Bubba Humphrey. If they don't turn out special, no harm, no foul.
Overall, I feel pretty good about the mix of players I've come out of the draft with, most of it from sitting back and taking what came our way. A good mix of different kinds of gambles and insurance, and it should provide a solid safety net (with upside!) heading into training camp.
Comment