The 2011 Draft. What should our focus be? (poll)

I was going to vote WR. It seems like the need is very obvious, and I’ve stated my opinion many times I think we need someone that can stretch the field, etc.
But thinking back on the the o-line collapse in the games in the 2nd half of the season I changed my vote.
If we continue having the problems at o-line we’ve been having I don’t see how we can succeed on offense no matter what else we do.

Agreed on BPA. As for trading down, only if it would still let us get a guy we want/need (see Mack, Alex, 1 ea.) otherwise there’s no point.

I’d like to add your ‘BPA’ philosophy to the poll options.
Unfortunately its not possible to add an option once a poll is published.

I don’t necessarily disagree with Golan in principle (BPA / trade down / stockpile picks, etc.).
But in theory, an absolute / literal interpretation regarding a “BPA strategy” means that potentially we may not necessarily succeed in getting some sorely needed positions filled.
IMHO in 2011 we really need to find a way (either via the draft or through FA) to acquire additional talent at WR and/or o-line (right tackle specifically) in order to be able to be competitive with our offense.

I was wondering who would be the first person to answer BPA. Concur.

this is awesome but only when you have continuity.

I think you go and grab the WR in the first round. See if we can get some experience on the OL through free agency. I like WR then DE/DL. We are still not putting enoughy pressure on the opposing QB. There is a gamble on Hardesty coming back and not getting hurt, but to draft another RB would be a mistake.

Nope, still is. We have two good SS, and no FS with below average backups. Sorry.

ditto

what teams are good examples of this?

Balt?- i know they tend to draft well, and I believe it’s usually BPA

Philly- usually drafts a ton of talent.. where ever it may be.

This is why I prefer my self-defined best value available.

Very unlikely that the CBA will be resolved by the time of the draft.

I think it is also imperative that we improve at WR. Re RT, I agree that it is likely a more important need, but not something that we will likely address in the first round.

Rufio, I again bow to your football acumen, but would a pass rusher really benefit us more than an A-list Defensive Lineman? (Not rhetorical, I am really asking.) Having watched us the past few games, I feel like lack of a “push” against the enemy O-line is hurting us far more than having a guy who excels at chasing the QB. Maybe I’m wrong, and maybe those two things should go hand-in-hand, but I feel like our pressure was adequate. Not great, and I have been cursing the 3-man-rush D, but still—we are getting effort commensurate with our talent level.

We just seem to be 2 steps behind the opponent RB lately, and I feel that starts in the trenches. We could start any LB in the NFL, but without the DL tying up the O-line, they won’t be able to make plays in a 3-4.

Hard to argue with the #1 WR option—definitely a “take” regardless of your talent, but I doubt anyone can catch the ball without someone to throw it. I think McCoy can be our QB of the future, but this is something which seems infinitely more important than who we have catching passes.

I would love to draft our own Ray Lewis, or young Scott Fujita, Dave Bowens, etc…but of course, we have to deal with the players available. If that guy is in the works, let’s go for him; if not, let’s solidify the positions we can. I advocate an inside-out build—start with the lines on both sides, and go from there.

BPA should rule the day, and I gather from your postings, you agree with this. I just am not sure if I agree with your order of merit. I think the right side of the OL need solidified much sooner than we need to address secondary depth. Both are issues, but one seems much more immediate than the other.

I suppose this is so much crap, arguing which position is more important while agreeing that the BPA is our guiding principle…I guess I just want my team to be a good one, and I can’t claim the foresight for a blueprint. I make my best guesses, and in the end, I hope we win. My opinion is irrelevant.

I like Helu as a late rounder.

There was a massive WR on Southern Miss, I think, but I also think he’s an underclassman.

I think AJ Green will be taken early. But I’d be very happy if we landed Julio Jones.
If he is still on the board I think he will be our best option for a first round pick.

You’re probably right (except I’d debate the need for a RT might be more urgent), but man would I love to see what our offense could do with a good WR who can stretch the field. The thought of McCoy with some real weapons, with Hillis back there and hopefully an o-line patched up – gets me psyched.

I would like that pick.

From what I’ve read he looks pretty good. Wisconsin’s offense has certainly been dominant this year.
Maybe have to keep an eye on him next weekend in the Rose Bowl!

I’d be really torn though, if Julio Jones is available. With the latest projections I’ve seen it looks like a strong possibility he’ll be available when we make our 1st round pick.

It wouldn’t be my first choice but I wouldn’t object.

I would buy the jersey on draft day.

Love the big uglies.

I would be ok with it, I would like the pick more if we could trade down first, and I would like the pick even more if we could get into the teens (by winning more the season prior or trading down) and select a guy in what seems like a better draft for tackles.

I think this draft will feature a few reaches at OT because it is such a valuable position and a lot of teams need them. I’d rather have the opposite supply/demand dynamic.

approved

The next Randy Moss, without the character issues (so far as we know).

You would ;)