No nice toys

[Stingray3030]

21 minutes ago, pantherclaw said:

I really don't see anybody that any team is going to go crazy for to trade up for. Lord knows I've been wrong before,  although i just don't see it.

I could definitely see someone wanting to move up from 12-20 to our spot for some of these guys.  That isn't a huge move for some of them.  Guys like Warren, Burden, TMac, Pearce, Starks, Jeanty, Green, Dart all could be luring a trade.  I'm not saying I would do it, but it has happened plenty of times before to justify the possibility.

[Stingray3030]

3 hours ago, SmittysLawnGuy said:

Do a couple of realistic trade back options in the simulators. You always end up happier than sticking and picking.  Not to mention you usually end up still with the guy you wanted. We're just in a bad spot.

Perfect example - I can get this on a regular on multiple simulators (take them for what they are worth of course).  If this was the first 4 picks for us I am more than thrilled:

[shaqattaq]

On 3/2/2025 at 7:33 AM, chknwing said:

If a QB is there, we can get a decent haul

One of the top 2 OT's should still be there, so that could be a trade option.

[Jon Snow]

1 minute ago, shaqattaq said:

One of the top 2 OT's should still be there, so that could be a trade option.

I'm guessing it would take Howard falling to 8 for that to happen. Ideally 3 qb's, Carter, Howard, Hunter and Warren are off the board when we pick. I'm hoping the Jags take Warren. That could put Graham into play. But if only 1 qb goes top 10 we may be left with a lot of maybe good talent.

[shaqattaq]

On 3/2/2025 at 12:46 PM, toldozer said:

Some one may want to trade up to take the 3rd qb ahead of the saints. I could see the seahawks having some interest 

Their 18 and 82 for our 8? Maybe.

Their 18 and 50? Hell yeah!!

[panthers55]

10 hours ago, Stingray3030 said:

That's actually not necessary though - that is exactly my point.  I'm not assuming they are great - just above average.  If we go after a top WR or TE we will see a minor/decent upgrade to our WAR.  But our defensive deficiencies are so bad that if we draft 3 defenders in the top 54 and they are just very good we will see a very significant improvement in our WAR.  Improving our offense will get us 2-3 more points per game, improving the defense saves us 8-10 a game.  The opportunity is that different.  Scoring 30 points a game doesn't matter when your defense gives up 31/game. 

Detroit was the only team in the NFL who average more than 31/game on offense.  We aren't 2-3 players away from that on our offense.  We are easily 3 players away from 23/game given up which would take us from last in the league to just below average.

Why assume above average? With the rookie wall which is real, common injuries which have befallen just about all our rookies, and the common refrain it takes at least half a season to let the game slow down and learn proper technique the likely of any rookie starting all year let alone playing above average is small. Look at our past top ten draft picks and tell me who was above average out of the gate. Even Kueckly started out on the weak side and needed time to learn the game. For every rookie signing that produces a stsrter right away,  I can shpw you a dozen who struggle.  And how good have we been picking instant starters in the second or third round. Not very. All your assumptions belie reality which is if you want starters you pick up vets. If a rookie starts and plays well it is a bonus and unexpected. When has it been different for us? Maybe Cam in 2011....