Originally posted by OnTheClock:Originally posted by GhostofFredDean74:Originally posted by OnTheClock:
Hmm. I don't know about this one Ghost.
Didn't we tender Lawson, meaning he's coming back? (Pending someone else signs him or he refuses to sign the tender and holds out).
We can withdraw the tender if Lawson hasn't signed it, especially after we draft Quinn. I'm also fine if we kept Lawson, but it would be a 1 year tender so that wouldn't preclude us from still drafting a long-term answer at OLB.
I think Lawson is a great SAM in this system. The best case scenario is to keep him while we groom Bowman to replace him, pending a miraculous 2011 season for Lawson. At the WILL position of course, we have no legitimate starter. Brooks and Haralson are situational/rotational guys are best and I don't think Haralson is a fit in the new version of our 3-4.
My hope is we get ourselves a future TED and WILL this year. I want us to target at least two linebackers. I'm a big fan of Mario Harvey and think he could develop into a great WILL, but my gut tells me he won't be one of our picks, despite the fact that he'd be a great fit in Fangio's 3-4. The Patriots, Steelers, and Ravens are the teams who I believe have expressed tremendous interest in him.
Lawson does some very good things, but I don't think he's consistently good enough to keep around for the long haul (and apparently our FO feels the same or they would've tried to work out a long-term deal with him).
I have no problem taking a chance on guys like Harvey or other talented middle-round OLB prospects. I just think it's time we spent a high pick on a real pass rushing talent, and think Quinn could be special in Fangio's defense. I think we need an answer at the TED as well, but I don't see it as being a priority at this point...but that's just me.