Originally posted by Memphis9er:
Originally posted by chico49erfan:
Originally posted by Blitz:
Originally posted by 9erfanAUS:
Originally posted by Blitz:
Originally posted by chico49erfan:
OTC, the logic you always present on this otherwise muddled board never ceases to impress me. 
O-Line, O-Line, O-Line!! I watched the game live today and was SHOCKED at how quickly the Detroit Lions D-Line was getting through to pressure Alex. The 4th and 1 conversion attempt was pitiful. Hell, the first play of the game was a microcosm of our season: an untouched edge rusher sack. 1st pick - OT; 2nd pick - OT/OG; then we can go out and get skill players in subsequent rounds. Sure, it's not sexy, but damnit we need a line to allow plays to develop and Gore to run better to set up those passing plays!
OTC is right on this issue. Even if all our problems could be fixed by obtaining an upgrade at QB (which they won't), there is no suitable upgrade to be had. So the arguments against him are moot.
Now, given that there is no savior (if we needed one) QB to be had, it is best to not squander the opportunity to fix the glaring weakness's which are certainly not disputable weaknesses:
OL
Pass defense.
Kick/punt return.
Simply put...we will get much much more long term bang for the buck investing in upgrading those weaknesses this year than we would on investing in any QB that is available in the draft this year. Those area's, if shored up this year, will produce larger returns, over a longer term, for a cheaper price....than any QB option in the draft this year.
Exactly. If Smith does fail next year, at least we can *hopefully* be assured that there's a stable line in front of the QB in 2011 and there are several pieces in place for him to succeed.
-9fA
Yes. And, cutting all the board BS QB blah blah blah out....the pass defense has been horrendous...and you aren't going to go anywhere in this league...even with a star QB, kick ass offense...without a good pass defense. You could flip a coin about which one needs fixing more on our team...the OL or pass defense....they are both equally important for success.
Agreed. A Haden/Davis 1st round would be a dream for us. It would above and beyond fill our two largest needs. Then we can work an OG in the 2nd and KR in the 3rd -- if we haven't signed Mankins/Leon Washington/Reggie Bush. I'm hoping we are aggressive this offseason.
Wouldn't it be great if Berry fell to us like Crabs did last year?
I think there is a good chance we come out of the draft with a significant upgrade to our pass defense and OL. I think with our two picks, where they are likely to be, we have a good chance of finding what we need. It's looking good. Yes, it would be swell if Berry fell. And yes..this may be a good year to get aggressive during FA. We could, theoretically.. come close to filing out this team this year. Of course, you never know, because the draft is ultimately...a crap shoot.
[ Edited by Blitz on Dec 27, 2009 at 7:38 PM ]