I'm willing to sacrifice a little bit of ceiling if it means getting a LT that we feel confident can come in and play competently in the NFL. I think we could see a huge overall boost just by stabilizing the OT position (vs shooting for the moon on a prospect).
I agree. However, I don't want to draft another RT early, when we supposedly just traded for our starting RT. Most of these offensive tackles in this draft are either RT or G in the NFL. We need to be aware of what they will be when evaluating them. Had we signed a competent LT, then yes, I would have no issue with drafting a RT early. However, they have already stated Tytus Howard was traded to play RT, not get pushed inside to G. To me, they are skating around every question they are asked, so to come out and say he was traded to be our RT means, he is going to play RT.
My fear lies in desperation.. both ours and the other teams drafting in the top 20. Do I think Freeling is going to be an All Pro in 3 years? His film doesn't indicate the skillset to be that, but he certainly has the build to be a very relevant LT in this league. Picking #6 overall, I expect a team changer... I'm still not sold Freeling is a team changer. Now, if you could drop down 6-9 spots, pick up another first round in this or next year's draft and still get him, we are talking the correct wheel house of his expected improvement to the team. If he over performs, great! He could be a steal. If he performs right about where we expect him to, then it will be underwhelming and disappointing if someone like Carnell Tate becomes an All Pro WR and our Monroe Freeling is signing his extended contract, but has never really shown if he should get one, certainly not considered for a top 5 LT contract.
Again, I have no issue trading down and getting more players for that #6 spot... If we can't find that trade partner, there are certainly going to be players worthy of the #6 pick. Caleb Downs, Carnell Tate, Fernando Mendoza, Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain.. In fact, if I am going to go offensive line "No Matter What", I would rather over reach for Ioane over any of these other linemen. I think he is the one guy in this draft that is going to dominate his position...Can't take a guard there, so which ever of the previous 6 were available, I'd be good taking them.