Quote:Philosophical questions to you and the rest of the board.

 

What do you consider to be a "reach?"

 

I ask because I've seen a few mocks from respectable sources that have Lawson as a top 10 pick.  If some reputable sources have him as a top 10 pick, how much of a reach could he be at 5, considering DE is arguably our biggest need and Bosa, Jack and Ramsey could all be off the board when we pick?

 

Does it depend upon the talent level in a draft?  Is there a first or second tier talent level in this draft?  Where is the dividing line in this draft class?  Where does Lawson fit among the tiers in your view?

 

Is there such a thing as an acceptable reach?  How many slots would constitute an acceptable reach?

 

 

 

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In my opinion, a reach means you deliberately pass over a player of greater talent to take a player of lesser talent.   I would think Shaq Lawson at 5 would be a reach, but it depends on how Dave has them rated in terms of overall talent.   For example, if Dave thinks Buckner is the 5th best player in the draft, but he passes over him to take Shaq Lawson, whom he has rated lower, that to me is the definition of a reach. 

 

I could think something is a reach, but in my definition, whether it is actually a reach depends on how Dave Caldwell has the players rated.   If in the example above, Caldwell actually thinks Lawson is a better player than Buckner, has more overall talent, and has a better chance of long term success in the league, then what I think is irrelevant.   It's not a reach in that case.  

 

That's my definition of a reach.   A reach in my mind is where a GM deliberately passes over a guy who he thinks is a better overall player to take a guy he thinks is a lesser player.    It's short term thinking.   It's need trumping talent.  

 

So, to be clear, my definition of a reach is passing over a better player for a lesser player, and the GM knowing that he did that and doing it on purpose.

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