2014 Draft Strategy changing?

[Guy Lombardo]

Before yesterday I would have said we might be able to pass on a first round OLT having Dunlap paying as well as he has. But with his concussions, who knows now. They have done so well swapping players as long as they improve the overall talent and depth of our Oline maybe we shouldn't worry as much. Heck maybe they take a guard somewhere and we do need a decent center backup/eventual Hardwick replacement because Orhenburger has looked the worst. Anyway, the coaching has been so good so far, that if we take a OT in the 3rd or something I won't sweat it.

I agree with idea that getting a stud with our #1 is all that matters. We can use help almost everywhere. I really hope we don't take a CB though. Weak draft class, and bust prone position. I think Wright may end being a decent CB and we get Steve Williams back too. We probably need to add another solid corner but I hope it's not the top three rounds.

I still think OLB, OT and NT are your main needs going into the draft.

Our WR group is not that deep anymore, I wouldn't mind taking another one, but not in the first.

[Buck]

I like LT still. With a better LT we can do what we've been doing this year on offense, but better. Our offense has been our best defense in our wins, it seems. Stay on the field, keep the D rested.

[Fleet]

Damn, you're on top of your game.

You dont see a lot of first round pass rush talent coming from teams that exclusively run a 34. Barr and Mack are both perfect fits for this defense for this reason. Ansah and Jones last year were really the only ones of note. But this year the defensive talent in the first round has quite a few 34 guys.

Barr..Mack..Mosely...Nix...Tuitt...Clinton Dix...Van Noy...Murphy and Breslin are all 34 defensive first round prospects. Almost 1/3 or the first round could be 34 defensive players. Not sure thats ever happened or even came close.

5 of those guys are 34 OLBs.

[Beerman]

BPA. We likely won't be in picking in the top 10, so they need to pick the most likely player to excel at their position. Which position that is, I could care less. No busts.

[zoom]

If Watkins is there, I have to consider him. If we truly go BPA, which I think we should, then some folks won't like the pick.

[SFW]

If Watkins is there, I have to consider him. If we truly go BPA, which I think we should, then some folks won't like the pick.

I read a mock draft yesterday (0% chance of becoming reality) that had the Chargers taking D'Anthony Thomas (RB) out of Oregon. They said he would work well in tandem with Mathews as our new Sproles type playmaker.

Watkins went to Oakland.

Personally I would think it would be great to end up with the LT from Alabama and re-unite him with Fluker.

[Heatmiser]

Trade up in the first round for a RB.

No, no, I mean draft an OLB way sooner than most experts have him rated.

No, no, no, I mean trade down and pick a CB that nobody else wants.

No, no, no. no! Draft a part time starter WR from LSU.

TG

[ArtistFormerlyKnownAsBKR]

Trade up in the first round for a RB.

No, no, I mean draft an OLB way sooner than most experts have him rated.

No, no, no, I mean trade down and pick a CB that nobody else wants.

No, no, no. no! Draft a part time starter WR from LSU.

TG

You left out draft a WR who was just in a car wreck.

[Stinky Wizzleteats+]

And a safty that gets shot in the butt...

[TTK]

You left out draft a WR who was just in a car wreck.

And trading a 2nd round pick for a fullback.

[blahblahblah]

This offense can function at an extremely high level with mid tier linemen. Further, OT is one of the slowest developing positions in football, and is more dependent on technique and awareness than physical ability. This is one reason linemen tend to play longer. Go with a vet, hopefully Dunlap.

Pass rush specialists develop quickly. It takes more time to round them out, but they can contribute year 1 and play full time by year 2. Unless you draft guys like Larry English.

[Beerman]

This offense can function at an extremely high level with mid tier linemen. Further, OT is one of the slowest developing positions in football, and is more dependent on technique and awareness than physical ability. This is one reason linemen tend to play longer. Go with a vet, hopefully Dunlap.

Pass rush specialists develop quickly. It takes more time to round them out, but they can contribute year 1 and play full time by year 2. Unless you draft guys like Larry English.

I do think if Dunlap happens to finish off the year strong, he should get a shot to start next season as well. Not only is he massively underpaid for a starting OLT, but he's actually shown improvement and seems to mesh well with this blocking system. He's by no means a perfect lineman, but he's been above average and clearly good enough to allow the offense to succeed.