Originally posted by Ninerjohn:Originally posted by GhostofFredDean74:
Bottom line, we need speed and playmaking ability in our secondary immediately. Right now, we're everything we shouldn't be at the starting CB position:
~old
~slow
~lacking playmakers
In 1981 Bill Walsh selected Ronnie Lott, Eric Wright, and Carlton Williamson with the first 3 picks of the draft and they all started right away in the backfield. Maybe the Niners should do the same thing and pick Prince and Smith. I seriously doubt they would do that but it wouldnt be the worst thing ever.
Funny you mention that. People forget that Walsh actually drafted 4 DBs in the first 5 rounds that year (Lott, Wright, Williamson and Lynn Thomas). But before that, he had never drafted a DB higher than the 4th round (Ricky Churchman in '80), and didn't take a DB at all in his first draft.
However, he did take a QB in the 3rd round that first year who was considered an afterthought to most NFL teams. That turned out pretty well.
But I think it's interesting to look back at Walsh's approach to see that he was more interested in building up the talent in other areas in his first few years of drafting (particularly RB, LB and QB) before building up his secondary.