(04-29-2023, 11:53 AM)TheDuke007 Wrote:

(04-29-2023, 08:07 AM)The Real Marty Wrote: I don't see anything wrong with making all 10 picks.  Think how many undrafted free agents we bring in every year, how much effort we put into that, and how often one or more of them makes the team.  It's a lot easier to just pick them instead of competing with other teams for them.

The problem is that if we use our first 5 of those picks wisely, how many of the second 5 will make the 53 man roster?  If they don't make the team, it is a wasted pick.  Some will say "practice squad".  However, in order to make the practice squad, you have to cut the player first.  The player then has to clear waivers.  This means that all 31 of the other teams have to feel that the player isn't worthy of a 53 man roster spot despite a rookie minimum salary.  If that happens, you made a bad pick to start.  If a pick who otherwise would be cut can be used to upgrade the quality of a player who will actually make the team, that is much preferable.  My Plan B would be to trade for a future pick that is a round earlier.  Who knows what our depth will look like a year from now?  It also buys you more time to perhaps trade up next year.  Plan C would be to actually use the pick and hope for the best.