DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum A pre-pimp look at the draft.

j/c on you tab. What about Amobi Okoye? I think he is someone we should definetly put on our short list of D-linemen. The guy is 19 years old and a senior!! That means even if it takes him 5 years to develop he will be 24 which is the average age of most rookies. Real interesting prospect. Here's a story on him:

link

[color:"white"]
I'm still there, as I'd take a rusher, a corner, or a lineman on either side and be happy about it.

With a good rush, you can hide a corners weaknesses, and while Mc is servicable, he's nearing the end.

Frankly, anything in the trenches is fine by me, as I trust Savage in that area after he chose Wimbley over Ngata and Bunkley. [/color]

[color:"red"]"I'm inclined to disagree on is where you have CB's. Now I know you said you didn't list them in order of need, but deep down, I think you just might have, even if on an unconcious level "

[color:"orange"]I'm not going to go beserk...lol <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> But what are you talking about.

Let me re-explain my thought process. I believe we...Savage/RAC will take BPA but sort of eliminate certain positions unless they are such a BPA steal. Like WR, TE, QB, C n Safeties...These are all positions I believe we have starters locked in and decent depth...Not that we won't pick one but as mentioned for us to do so in the first day they would have to be a MAJOR Steal!!

Where do you read that I don't think CB is a position of need...lol <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> After all I go and list them as the group of position to be included in BPA grouping when our turn comes up to pick. Out of the positions listed and I tried to keep it pretty broad. The BPA that falls in one of those groupings will probably be our pick.

Now I can see maybe you think I didn't include one like maybe TE??? But to state you disagree with me on the CBs and state that I don't consider them a Need...even if I actually state so??? And I went over each grouping that I listed as a need for our BPA categories. And clearly explained that Baxter's injury and although Minter could be a stud...we don't have a clue yet if he will be. That CB is definately on the list and I state: [color:"white"]"but we cannot pass up on a stud."

[color:"orange"]Then you wonder why I get mad at you...If somebody read your post and not mine (I'm long winded trust me Peen read yours and not mine...lol <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> ) they would think I didn't consider CBs to be a need??? Why cause Deep down your sixth sense says so <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" /> and I'm being nice of course some will think I'm picking on you - I don't want a fight, I'm trying to be nice but Come on <img src="/images/graemlins/azzangel.gif" alt="" />

Now on Troy Smith I agree with you. A lot of OSU fans will think he is Overall #1 material especially after he wins the Heisman. And I would love him on the team.

But I'm thinking 4th round at best...maybe later pending how strong the draft prospects turn out. That CF has shown so far enough progress to stick with him and not Invest Highly in another QB...but I would hope that we continue to draft QB prospects late. Cause its a tough evaluation on who will stud in transition from College to the NFL. We are better off using our scouting skills and take late pick after late pick - possibly if our scouts are good we hit on more than one like GreenBay did with Brunell, Hassellbeck, Brooks, Nall and get a lot more in return for them after they develop (If Frye turns out to be a stud).

As for the Sexy High draft picks...I don't see can't miss in any of them not like a Manning or a Palmer. So I don't see QB in our 1st day Needs or prospects.

Wright btw showed me something...but I'm talking about if the STUD RB is there this year we got to think seriously about him. As mentioned right now my guy is Lynch. He's big 220+, he's fast 4.50 has great vision, explosion, move piles forward and is an excellent route runner, pass catcher and blocker. As mentioned he reminds me of LT...will he be LT??? only one LT like there is only one Jim Brown, Payton, etc. But I think he is a stud <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />


Mougrym...thank you for your input. Glad you agree with me on Staley...I see him has my 2nd choice of an OT pick cause really I'm looking at LT material only - I think we got enough prospects for RT but if a steal falls in our laps I wouldn't mind taking one. You know like if Levi Brown falls to us in the 3rd (right now I think that has -0- chance of happening but wierder things have happened in a draft <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) Then I don't mind us pulling the trigger on a RT prospect.

So its Joe Thomas...don't count Zona as a lock...never count Zona as a lock...lol remember they passed on the Lock Gerard Warren in 01 <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> surprised all.

And I don't see LT being as their biggest need considering Davis is actually playing very well for them there (there meaning at LT and I've watched, I've been very impressed with Davis' play...the other 4 OLmen suck!) and Zona is going to let Davis Walk!! Why??? $$$$ and Leinart is a lefty to spend on a blind side LT I don't think Zona makes that investment. I don't see them letting one walk and then draft the other??? Just don't see that. If so they don't improve one Iota with their Overall #1 pick. It would take Thomas a couple of seasons to get to Davis' stage. They will go in another direction like.
A. trade the pick
B. Go for another aka Mario Williams move.

Still don't go into a big debate with me on this one. Regardless we would have to move up to have a chance at Thomas. So to me that leaves Staley for us...as mentioned he might go up the charts??? I'm hoping he's there for our 2nd round pick or do we get lucky with a 3rd???

Pending how many games we win 5, 6, 7 are good possibilities we can be picking 10-15...Who falls there and who will be BPA to our list of needs will be interesting as the season unfolds. Lynch, Branch, Gaines, Blalock or McCauley right now fit in that slotting. But as you know it changes so much after the Football ends to Draft time. But it changes for the draft sights...that's why I think its important to evaluate now. Cause Savage will have 95% of his evaluating done by the time real football is over. That is why we get surprised each year with picks. After the first 5 or so...the Experts are all over the place.

Mercer2b...don't talk to me about WRs...lol <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> We have invested high enough in them. Me I'm a bigtime believer that you can get all the WRs you want from UDFA. The talent is deep. Heck Every year we should bring in 5 or 6 from UDFA and we will have a surprise all the time. Ok BE might be a stud great...Cribbs might turn out just as good...look where the investments came from. Since our birth we have spent. 4 2nd round picks 2 of them would be 1st round picks today (cause of expansion) and one overall #3. Enough all ready - not on a position that gets filled with much success with late rounders and UDFA's more than any other position in the NFL!!

Good let somebody else take Calvin Johnson or Ginn early top 10 and let somebody else drop to us. So we pick up a Ryne Robinson in UDFA <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> fine with me.

Pitcock and Staley will not be 2nd day picks...at least not now at this stage if anything both will rise a bit.

Danglet...I know you didn't address your questions to me but if I may answer:
1. In reference to last year I think they made a decision to commit to Defense front 7...out of that they concluded our 2 biggest needs for Impact on a #1 pick stop the Run or Pass.

2. Right now if the season stopped we would be picking 8th...out of all the 2-3 win teams Biased aside we are playing the best and have the most chance of winning. One more win brings us into another grouping which ever grouping we go in we got the hardest schedule and fall down in the draft. One more win which is very possible considering we had the Raven and Steelers on the ropes. would have us picking 14th not 8th. So in the games remaining we could easily make that one jump up the Draft Ladder Rung...Bang we are picking 14th. So talk about 10-12 is not Brown n Orange Kool-Aid talking it actually is very sound judgement. I'm projecting 10-15...heck if its top 5 like you think more power to us but I think you are being urealistic.

[color:"red"]"We're in the mix to pick top 5 at this point"
[color:"orange"]
Even at this point you project us to be top 5...when we are 8th on the list.

PhilDawsonRocks: Branch right now is starting to fit right into our slot - he could be the guy <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Peen: you are right on with your QB evaluation and the draft. After the football is over the Measureables start to take over in the evaluation of WHO will SUCCEED in their TRANSITION to the NFL. QBs who are (highest I've seen on him is 6'1") 6'1" and avg. arms will drop while kids who are 6'4 or over with cannon arms will rise. I'm just surprised more guys on the boards aren't going Gaga over Jordan Palmer...lol of course if he played for OSU forget it he'd be Overall #1 <img src="/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Well onto page 2

[color:"orange"]Ammo that is why I have mentioned LB is a first day possibility in need...with the investment in DQ and our extention of AD and his positive developement I doubt if we invest in an ILB although I have gone on record in loving Buster Davis and Patrick Willis is excellent.

But in the first round I can see us going for another Tweener. I must admit Savage knows how to evaluate them...I thought there were many tweeners to choose from I think he had it narrowed down to Wimbley as his guy.

Gaines Adams is the most noterized pick.
But Quentin Moses wouldn't surprise me either??? The straight up OLB none really look good to me...All I know is I'm sure glad we didn't pick Carpenter with a reach pick like the OSU (don't confuse college with NFL) crowd wanted lol <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

PPE...Sowells will be given every opportunity to start - what he makes of it as you mentioned will be up to him but the key word is "Opportunity"...he was Davidson's pick - Davidson is running the O show now Sowells will get his shot and I will be very disappointed if he is not our starter.

Regarding Corner...we will be getting Bodden back...Daylon is signed with us till 09 hopefully this season heals him up good. Holly gives us depth...a big key will be Minter - a late first early 2nd round talent till his injury was discovered...well we took the hit for the injury...now we got the talent. But whatever the key with him is it won't be known by draft day - so Corner is right there in needs cause Holly n McCutch are best served as our Nickels not starting.

In past history I have liked stud Mich. CBs but Hall hasn't shown me that stud cover corner - McCauley from the westcoast could be the guy also the Jr. Revis could be a stud...right now those are the two possibles for us in the first!

SteelHack...Steelers will be picking too low to be thinking about Safety this year.
Remember the last time you picked this low was your Ben year. I'm afraid you guys might move up for Peterson...lol <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> But I see this as an Skill pos. year for your team and like us being in the 3-4 stud Tweener could always be in your mix.
My other thought is that you get Calvin in your draft. But last couple times you picked low you went Skilled position. Ben, Plaxico come to mind.

JMHO
On to page 3...

[color:"orange"]Good pick up
Although I've seen many a young men continue growing in height can we assume that at 19 Okoye has stopped growing??? At 6'1" I don't see him at our DE spot...at least not drafted high.

But the kid is athletic, smart and BIG!!! 317 I did put him down on my high list of NT.

Branch and then Okam from Texas and Okoye were on my list...Oddly Branch and Okam are both Jrs. and need to declare and Okoye is a 19 yr old Sr. making all 3 of the most talented NT prospects in this draft YOUNG.

Well thanks for the posts...although Smith was over talked a bit...some very good thoughts here. Thank you - Keep them coming!! <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

I dont see us as looking at FS early either...was just answering another post.

Plax was 8
Ben was 11
Troy and Santonio were the only times the Steelers have ever traded up in the first 16, and 25 respectively.

I am guessing the Steelers probably end up in the 13-18 area

Probably to low for even a trade up for Johnson......but he certainly is something Pitt is lacking...Ive seen the Marchawn Lynch/Micheal Bush pimps out there for Pitt...but I think the Steelers are very happy with Willie Parker...and with the holes they have elsewhere...I am not sure another RB will be in the mix day 1....but if there is..My preference is Bush....

They might be right in that Ted Ginn area of the draft...and with the return game problems they have had this year...he might look inviting.....plus he could be the occasional 2 way player....I know many scouts still see him as a CB at the pro level.

My guess is defense...and my personal preferences are Marcus McCauley, and Patrick Willis.

HACK

I'm trying to become an NFL Draft Expert, but it's too early for me to go with guys I really like. And it's tough because I don't know much about the underclassmen who might declare.

I want to go OL, DL, DL/OL:

1st round - OL Thomas, DE Pitcock, OT Baker, NT Branch
2nd round - OT Staley, DE Okam
3rd round - OT Free, OLB Robison

[color:"white"]Yeah, got it tangled when I read it quickly. My apologies <img src="/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />


By the way, why aren't you high on a CB? That doesn't make any sense!

(Yeah, just kiddin'. I figured since I blew that one, I might as well make a joke out of it <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ).

Jordan Palmer...........I've seen the kid play numerous times (one of the "joys" of living out here in TexASS. <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" /> ) and he doesn't remind me of his brother. He has street free agent written all over him. [/color]

A man after my own heart!
(it's too early for me to start chanting OL, OL...wait a minute, I've been doing that since mid '99 season...it's never too early)
<img src="/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> OL...OL...OL

Casey Hampton- 6'1, 320 lbs and arguably the best nose tackle in the league. Their size is pretty much identical with Hampton being 9 years old at 28. A guy that young, that big, smart and willing to work hard could be the perfect anchor to our line for the next 15+ years. Good character guy that takes coaching really well. Imagine what RAC could do with him under TW's wing. Now I'm not saying he's perfect but if the draft was today this is the guy I would want. The draft is in April so I'll probably change my mind about who I want about a million times. <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

I guess all I'm saying is this kid seems to have stud written all over him and seems like a perfect fit to anchor our 3-4. Still early but as of now, I'm hoping Amobi Okoye becomes a Brown.


P.S. This is a real interesting thread. I always love talking about draft and there has been a lot of intellegent discussion in this thread. Good work guys. <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Hey Toad, you follow Texas correct? What's your opinion on their guys, I'm especially interested in Okam and Blalock, as well as anybody else you happen to be high on. I just torrented the OSU Texas Game, and am gonna watch it through slowly, because there are so many prospects in this one.

~Lyuokdea

I like the kid Okoye but I wonder if he is mature enough to play at the NFL level now. If not, how long til he will be? As an early round pick how long can we afford to keep him on the bench?

That's a bunch of if's especially If he is good to go now.

I'm thinking that myself. Long way to go.



I don't think he'll be UDFA...although it's possible given the state of his team.

It would solve our punt return questions should we part ways with Cutt.

Just to clear it up... I was bringing up every position. I wasn't saying we needed a WR. This draft may be a rich one for that position though, and I will go on the record and say CALVIN JOHNSON will be one of the Top 5 WR's in the NFL by his 3rd year. I want us to draft a WR late or find one in UDFA, not early although there are some great receivers in there.

NOW.... after reading through all of this there are about 4 guys that I think I would be happy with using our 1st pick on. No doubt we need a Running Back so Lynch or Peterson would really excite me. Either or, but correct me if I am wrong, Lynch doesnt have the injury problems that Peterson has. Not sure on Lynch's past. Thomas would be my #1 choice, but he'll be gone QUICK. Probably #1 or #2. Next is Branch. Savage will have a tough decision to make with Branch if those RB's are on the board. However, I would really love to get Lynch and Okoye. I would like to get the Man Ram from TexTech and a LT, but what comes first?

DOES ANYONE THINK WE MAY TRADE THE PICK? Down to get Thomas, up to get another pick plus Lynch. If we get the 4th, we can probably trade to 7 and still get Lynchh IMO because Peterson will be #1 RB on many boards I think.

Left Tackle. I'm not sure who will be the best pro, but that's the one I want.

One of the things that bothers me about this draft is that there are at least 5 to 10 players mentioned from Fresno State that have pro potential, yet they had a terrible season... 3-7 so far...

CB - Marcus McCauley, C - Kyle Young, FB - Roshon Vercher, OT - Chris Denman, RB -*Dwayne Wright, DT- Louis Leonard, WR - Paul Williams,

are all top 20 at their position...

is this a paper tiger?

[color:"white"]I'm only cool on the Texas players. They have the ability, but some of them are living off the residual left behind by Young and the championship. Blalock is a solid prospect, of that there is no doubt. Is he worth our 1st rounder? I don't think so.

Everytime I start to consider the possibility that picking up some kind of offensive skill player (RB, WR, QB) with the 1st pick is viable, I end up watching replays of the games, and realize that their blocking is the reason we can't run the ball. The first half of the Falcons game I just broke down showed me that. We have far greater needs than a RB, as we lack linemen on both sides of the ball, a guy to take over for McGinnest, and a corner or two.

I'll be sick if we take a running back. There are just too many other needs, but I suppose sometimes you're stuck in your draft position, and don't have a choice. I'll be REALLY sick if Savage is forced to take one because he's the BPA. <img src="/images/graemlins/plthumbsdown.gif" alt="" />[/color]

It happens every year. Once the tape measures and stop watches come out, what the guy did in college becomes less important as the scouts then try to figure out who will become a good or better NFL player. They have their formulas and pretty much stick to those.

A guy like Palmer may indeed jump in the mids of posters once they start to read about him....and the scouts may already be there. Scouts and GMs have a term they call projectability....they try to look into their crystal balls and figure out where a prospect will top out. A guy like Smith may be viewed as being topped out where a player like Palmer may be viewed as having another 3-4 levels of better play in his future.

Sometimes they are right, sometimes wrong.

Not to argue semantics, Pit, but I said nothing about the Heisman in relation to it supporting him being successful in the NFL. I used it in reference to the support for Troy not just being local.

Find any award, stat or measure in college that guarantees success in the NFL and I know a lot of pro scouts would kiss ya. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

[color:"red"] Once the tape measures and stop watches come out, what the guy did in college becomes less important as the scouts then try to figure out who will become a good or better NFL player. They have their formulas and pretty much stick to those.
[/color]

And combine numbers can screw a GOOD PLAYER if a scout/GM sees only NUMBERS....A smart GM will see through that.
Thats what seperates ATHLETES from FOOTBALL PLAYERS..
A solid quality football player (FOOTBALL IS THE DEVIL!!!)IS going to do well regardless if his forty times aren't as high as others..etc.

I think my view is more realistic, while you're is a bit on the optimistic side. Either one could be most accurate.
You seem to be assuming that no one else around us is capable of winning another game. We have the toughest schedule, yet the most likelihood of winning? <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" />

We're currently in a 5 way tie for fourth (too early to get into tie-breakers w/ 6 games left).
I project us as close to top 5 and you're thinking 10-15? Reality will probably be in the middle, but anything can happen I guess.
We haven't learned how to win yet. Apparently you still think we can. I'm just not sure. Hopefull, but not sure.

We've got games against two of the teams we're tied with (Houston and Tampa) that will potentially move us one way or the other.

what do you see as a need for the steelers?

[color:"orange"]Mercer...LT is one of the rarest positions in football. As in stud quality.

Savage has gone on record to state that LT unlike any OL position can be classed by him/draft gurus as a SKILLED position as far as pulling the trigger on one.

In our case If we draft a stud LT ready to play the position...more than likely we gain a LG (assuming Tucker has another year or two in him <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> ) as Shaffer would move there.

And Shaffer was assessed as a very high prospect in becoming a stud at LG in the FA reports I read on him. So we would gain a Stud LT and LG from the pick.

Charger Dawg...one must wonder on the mental aspects of those kids too. Are they at Fresno cause they simply were too dumb to get accepted at USC regardless of the coaches requests???

either that or Fresno has the worst coaches around.
best coaches around making those guys top picks???

It is a team sport and the other players just suck!

But speaking of Fresno St. another kid to look at. Louis Leonard folks...kid is like 6'6" 355 - hmm as a NT prospect does he remind you of anyone on our team...lol <img src="/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> Maybe the perfect kid Ted Washington can coach up <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Mercer and others...not to go away from all the good talk.
But my premise is not for you all to make you mind up NOW...gosh knows I will waiver about 100 times between now and April. Not on Joe Thomas though - kid is the real deal. Hope you all saw him play against Mich. unbelievable.

My premise is for us all to get educated and share on any one that comes to mind.

I learned about Leonard the 355lb NT and will try to make a point to watch him play in some stupid Bowl game that Fresno will be in probably a couple of days before New Years...as well as the CB McCauley.

Keep it coming <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

No doubt. You are always going to have those 5th rounders who end up playing like 1st rounders.

But when you look at the entire volume of players and where they are drafted, they more often than not get it right. Combine numbers aren't just arrived at. Those numbers represent avarages of players who do in fact end up good players. Not hitting those numbers means a guy is going to have to be an exception....beat the odds if you will. If a kid from a small school as an example indeed hits the numbers, it tells the scouts the kid has the same physical abilities as the good player...then they have to decide if coaching can help. Just as they have to make a decision a guy who doesn't hit the numbers but for one reason or another has distinguished himself on the field of play.

Combine numbers are just hard data. They don't play favorites or go on a hunch. They are what they are. You meet them or you don't.

The human factor is another story...sometimes certain players just have something someone likes....intangables...those are open for debate and will vary fron scout to scout, and player to player.

I brought that up because of the different school of thought..in our situation, we need football players who make plays..
It's good Phil isn't totally won over by numbers AND FORGETS what the player did in college, whereas Botch was swayed by the combine..things like speed won out over fundamentals and DESIRE.
Any player from any school can have terrific numbers but not make plays..
40times aren't measured with helmets and pads on..
There are times U need to look at those numbers but U still need to see tape and look at the PRODUCTION of the player.

Good points, Peen.

Some guys get drafted mainly on combine #s, others on their game-day performances, most its some combination.

If I may interject yet another reason for combine numbers is the dependency of many positions on team-mates. Most player rankings are based a lot on team performance and invidicual statistics. Sometimes, good players get hidden on bad teams. A LB can only do so much w/ a crap DL just like a great WR for West Virginia might never get a chance to catch a pass. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The number of things scouts have to take into account is just plain amazing - let alone projecting guys to totally different roles/positions than they've played before based on various attributes.
Our view of players is so amazingly limited to Saturdays - there's a ton we just don't know/account for.

Senior Bowl is about drills and coachability. The game is the least important thing that occurs. Scouts are looking for the kid that improves and is listening to what is being taught.

Combines is mostly about competition and passing a physical.

Which kids want to compete? Do they have enough confidence in themselves to lay it all on the line for every scout in the country? There are a lot of GM's coaches and scouts that do not want players that are afraid to compete.

JP Losman is a prime example. The kid showed his immaturity before the draft but he wanted to compete against guys like Manning, Rivers, and Roethlisburger and that helped him move into the first. That competitive drive sold him to the Bills.

I love these 2 events for what they are and numbers do really help but they rarely hurt.

Well...the Steelers always are looking for Offensive line players....Hartings @ Center will probably be done...but the Steelers have Okobi and rookie Marvin Philips who they seem to like...but a top notch Center might be worth a look.

G play has been less than stellar this year with both Faneca, and Simmons playing inconsistant....Kemoeatu is standing in the wings...

Bot Smith, and Starks have had trouble this year with speed rushers off the ends...Starks is a FA...but my guess is the Steelers resign him... Trai Essex was a 3rd round pick a year ago...and they have a rookie in Willie Colon that they are high on..that can go G/T

The Steelers have lost late leads this year...something they would rarely do in the past....partially because the line has not played well...but also they dont have that Bettis like back....who can still get 2 or 3 yards even when the line collapses.....so a Michael Bush might look appealing.......and all the Steelers WRs are of similiar build...so someone like Calvin Johnson might be worth moving up for...or even sitting still and adding Tedd Ginn to the WR core....and letting him help the poor KR/PR teams

I think the most need is on Defense....the front 7 needs to get more pressure...Joey Porter is looking at the dreaded 3rd contract...where players start to decline...at least based on the money they will want....Farrior is not getting any younger.....with teams like the Bengals having CJ, Housh, Henry....I think another big CB is needed

Aaron Smith, and Casey Hampton are still both solid...and Brett Keisel stepped into Von Olhoffens spot...and didnt miss a beat

So...possibly a big RB or WR....or a LB or CB

If I were to make a guess...the Steelers 1st round pick will be 1 of these guys
Patrick Willis
Marcus McCauley
Daymeion Hughes
Michael Bush
Calvin Johnson
Ted Ginn

HACK

Where do you see the Steelers ending up? I don't see them winning less than eight games.

yeah...I would say between 8-10 wins...just missing the playoffs...possibly like KC last year....which drafted 20th.....my guess somewhere between 14-20

HACK

What means more and should be a bigger priority if faced with this dilemma? I ask because yes, a part of me absolutely loves Joe Thomas or maybe a Jake Long who I feel could be cornerstones at their position of LT. I mean really LT is a skill position this day and age and are very scarce for the most part. But the interior line is where we are probably the weakest and I feel you should build inside and out for a solid line. You shore up the interior and you can run up the gut, get your short yardage, counter and trap, those kinds of things.

So that being said... what's the most important?

The greater need is OG.

The more valuable player, based upon likely draft position is LT.

I would not try and over-draft a OG if a better LT is available.

It's a good question but the answer is completely dependent on what the organization plans to do with Fraley and how comfortable they are that Bentley is going to come back 100% (or close)... if the plan is to keep Fraley and Bentley is amenable to moving to guard, then I'm taking the LT no questions asked...

while I agree to a degree, I still think that the Interior should receive the bulk of the focus. We can be 'Ok' on the outsides if we're freakin studly inside.... and if we're that studly inside, running becomes a matter of fact and not a matter of hoping.

Tackles get headlines, but powerful Guards make strong running teams, and solidify the middle of a pocket.

exactly... tackles get the high draft status because th eelite ones ARE a rarity, but true success is found in a superior middle 3.

We talkin' draft, or philosophy here? I'm not sure of the context.

Philosophy:

Our guards are worse than our tackles.
Tackles are harder to find.
Draft some-a both and we won't have to worry about either <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

Draft:
There's no such thing as a "franchise" guard that I've ever heard of, but there are franchise tackles. If there's an exception, I'm sure we'll hear about it now <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

If we pick top 5 and you rate anyone at any position as a "franchise" quality player (and there's only 1 you rate that high) you pick him and don't look back - don't care what position he plays. QB, TE, don't care.

If we pick top 5 and there are several guys rated similar (no franchise) - you pick by need. No/low need at available highest rated positions - start trading back.

Its all about value.

prpl, I think my personal philosophy going into the draft would be whichever is the best available... if our board shows a LT graded out as the highest OL on our board when it's our turn, take him.. if it shows an OG highest, take him..... we need both, so take the "surest thing" on our board and I think most of us would be happy... <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

I agree with much of what Dang says..

I'm going to quibble a bit bout "Franchise". Especially with regards to LT. I'm not so sure I regard anyone in this draft a "Franchise" LT. The yardstick I use is Orlando Pace coming out of Ohio State. I think Joe Thomas is very good.. but not what I thought OP was out of college.

Now then, having said that, if we determine that Thomas is better than anyone in the draft, and better than what could come along in the next few years.. then by golly take that guy!

If not.. then determine your biggest need and take the best available for the need in the first with the intent to draft the best available OG in the 2nd. That would be the right time and place with regard to value.

Of course this is all said with the logic that we keep tabs on Bents recovery, Fraley's resigning and other variables..

Let me pose this question... Hypotheticvally, Lets say that March 1st, Tucker decides he wants to retire and chase strippers in Vegas for the rest of his days and we don't have definitive word on Bentleys recovery? Now what?

If Peterson is on the Board, do you draft him?