Quote:I see your point, but doesn't this kinda presume rookie DEs don't have a learning curve?


There is a fairly high bust rate for DEs.

Speaking of...Justin Houston received the non exclusive tag, which means other teams can negotiate with him and if the Chiefs decline to match you would give up 2 first round picks to get him. Is he worth it?

Edit:

To add, it looks like his situation may be a story in itself:

Quote:Per a league source, Houston intends to aggressively pursue an offer sheet from another team, targeting teams that would be giving up a low first-round pick in 2015 and, most likely, a low first-round pick in 2016. Houston also intends to continue to pursue an offer sheet after the draft, when the compensation necessarily will become a first-round pick in 2016 and 2017.


Houston, we’re told, is seriously considering staying away from the Chiefs until the Week 10 deadline for signing the franchise tender. If nothing materializes by then, Houston would sign the tender, finish the season, and hit the market in 2016 — unless the Chiefs plan to tender him again, at a 20-percent raise over the 2015 franchise tender.


That’s a stark change from Houston’s in-season plan to sign the tender right away, gladly accepting the life-transforming $13 million or so for one year of play. That 22-sack season may have been a factor in Houston’s change of plans.


Finally, Houston will consult with the NFLPA to explore the possibility of filing a grievance seeking the defensive end franchise tender, which will be higher than the linebacker tender. Seven years ago, Ravens and Terrell Suggs engaged in a similar fight, with the two sides agreeing to essentially split the difference. For Houston, it could be a bit more challenging because he actually does play a considerable amount of linebacker, dropping into coverage in some passing situations.

<a class="bbc_url" href='http://m.nbcsports.com/content/justin-houston-situation-about-get-very-interesting'>http://m.nbcsports.com/content/justin-houston-situation-about-get-very-interesting</a>

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