Quote:I got to thinking about this. Currently the team has 11 picks. Barring any trades that change that number, that's 11 rookies coming in as of May. Ideally, it would be great if all 11 came in and became starters and played at a high level. I think that's a little unrealistic though. But what is realistic? The more rookies that immediately start would either signal a weak roster or a very good and lucky GM. Fewer players would obviously mean the opposite. So that said, what is the number that would be nice to see come September?

 

I think I put it at 5, personally. The top 3 picks, and hopefully a couple mid rounders at positions of need.

 

Is it realistic to get a starter at guard in the fourth or fifth?

 

A WR in the fourth that would start?

 

A LB around that area?

 

Just something to kick around that doesn't revolve around the names so much as the overall roster and finding fits throughout the draft.

Good topic.

 

I had been thinking about this as well.

 

I have one clarifying question:  what time frame are we talking about when the rookies become starters?

 

Are we talking they are starters the second they get drafted?  Are we talking opening day starters?  Are we talking not opening day starters but who become starters later in their rookie seasons, or starters by the second year?

 

If we are talking opening day starters, if the team drafts well, I could see 4-5 immediate opening day rookie starters at OLB, G, C, maybe a WR, maybe a DE (if Clowney), and maybe a QB (if Bridgewater).

 

If we include guys who initially ride the pines at the start of the year but find their way into the lineup later, I could bump that number up by one or two (maybe a DT, another OLB, a CB, or a QB [Bortles, McCarron, Mettenberger)).

 

If we are including guys who become starters by the second season, I could bump that up another 2-3 (QB-if Bortles, et al, TE, MLB) 

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