Quote:Just to be clear, we'd get three picks from Atlanta-their first round pick, their 2nd round pick, and their 4th round pick, for the #3 overall and the right to get Clowney.  Those other 4th and 5 round picks are from trades we already made.  You used the term "haul" to describe the compensation from Atlanta, and I want to make sure we're (all reading this) on the same page. 1.


 

If I took the Atlanta deal (and I'm not sure I would), I think I'd be inclined to use the picks to move around...though it would not be an easy decision.

 

Given the supposed depth of this draft and all of the needs on our roster, I think the chances are better than normal that we could find contributors-if not starters-in the 4th and 5th rounds.  Assuming we signed an interior OL and a DE in free agency, we'd still have needs going into the draft looking something like this:

 

QB

RB

WR

TE (maybe)

G (assuming a Free agent C signing)

DE

DT

OLB

 

Let's assume a first three rounds where OLB/LEO is addressed (Mack), QB (Carr), and maybe a DE and a CB 2.


 

We'd still have needs at RB, WR, TE (at least backup/successor to Marcedes Lewis), LG, DT, OLB (Even with Mack, we could still use another OLB) with 6 picks in the 4th and 5th rounds.

 

If you wanted to hedge your bets at QB. you could add another QB to that mix.

 

The temptation to keep those mid round picks to address those needs would be considerable.  Of course, those needs would have to be balanced against the likelihood you could address all of those needs with those picks, vs. getting a better quality player who could start earlier and having fewer day 3 picks.

 

Like I said...I think I'd use those picks to deal up-which may be a necessity to get a QB early-but I would wrestle with that decision.

 

Subquestion:  Assuming not every need can/will be filled, which of these needs absolutely must be filled to get this team to respectability in 2014 (respectability=7 wins or better)?  What can we live without being filled this year? 3.

 

1. I'm wit'cha

 

2. If we drop to #6, will Mack still be around? That's the question - and subsequent answer - that I am struggling with about the Atlanta trade. I just feel like it drops us out of reach of the really special players at the top of this draft. History will most likely prove me wrong, but that's nothing new.

 

3. I am of the opinion that if this team shores up the Interior Offensive Line with Free Agency, adds talent to the RB position via the draft or FA, and then adds significant playmakers on the Defense, that the team can pull off seven wins nest season. I state this because I don't see any Defense in the our Division being strong enough to hold down the Offense while our own Defense stifles their attack. Basically, since we're in a weak division, I think we can use that to our advantage.

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