I can't help but think....

[tarheelpride]

I've been thinking a lot about this lately, especially with our draft position and holes on the team...

I would prefer that we get experience on the defensive line and maybe use the draft to get young at LB and CB (I have my reservations about bringing in inexperience at corner) if we do go defense.

This is just a preference of mines and I wonder if anyone else feels like this sometimes.

[stirs]

I think the first two rounds will afford us great opportunities for a CB. OLB I think will have to be a FA. Slim pickens in the draft for someone who could make a quick impact. I think DT should be like 4th rounder for backup and competition. Safety is also an area where we could get an impact player.

[Guest Bwood15]

I'm starting to think that we need to pick up a few vets in free agency. One to compete with Martin, one to compete with Otah, and one to compete, and mostly back up Thomas Davis.

Then we really need to focus on looking for starters in the draft, not only starters on defense, but impact players for our special teams. I believe we could pick up one more starting caliber corner in the draft, I like Stephon Gilmore a guy who is threat to take the ball to the house on special teams or defensive turnovers which we lack desperately.

LB is something we need to address in the 4th round. There isn't a whole lot of talent at LB in the draft this year and I feel like we have our starting core, and some solid players to back up.

[tarheelpride]

I would prefer to plug in vets along the d-line and give McClain and Fua a chance to fully develop. Not to say if a DT is there and blows everyone away to not take him, but I cringe at the thought of putting more experience in an area where we can use that experience.

I won't mind if we go corner or LB 1st round at all. I do however want to trade down.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

I would prefer to plug in vets along the d-line and give McClain and Fua a chance to fully develop. Not to say if a DT is there and blows everyone away to not take him, but I cringe at the thought of putting more experience in an area where we can use that experience.

I won't mind if we go corner or LB 1st round at all. I do however want to trade down.

I agree with the trade down strategy but wonder who will want to dance. Also not sure what we can get in return? Possibly a 1 swap and at best a 3rd rounder. That would be the best possible scenario IMO

[Kuech the Sneak]

I agree with the trade down strategy but wonder who will want to dance. Also not sure what we can get in return? Possibly a 1 swap and at best a 3rd rounder. That would be the best possible scenario IMO

The jets could jump ahead of Miami(if we win the coin flip) and buffalo to get a much needed pass rusher. Cincinnati also has 2 first rounders

[Kuech Da Sneak]

Then we really need to focus on looking for starters in the draft, not only starters on defense, but impact players for our special teams. I believe we could pick up one more starting caliber corner in the draft, I like Stephon Gilmore a guy who is threat to take the ball to the house on special teams or defensive turnovers which we lack desperately.

Gilmore was never a threat to take it to the house in college ball, he'll be even less of a factor in the NFL.

He's a tall, strong corner that's strong in zone. He might go in the late 1st so we might not even have a chance to get him anyways.

I agree with a CB, but I don't know about with the 2nd pick. I'd still rather try & pick up a DE like Jones there.

OP wants the line to come from FA, but there just doesn't seem to be too many guys worth it out there that won't be resigned this year.

[Cat'sGrowl]

Fua could be cut today and possibly never play another down in the NFL.

[jayflip]

Fua could be cut today and possibly never play another down in the NFL.

I pied this because it's funny, and I mostly agree. But I do also remember when we cut that stinking pile of garbage Evan Mathis and he's turned out pretty good. Give developmental rookies time the progress. The DT position is one the harder ones to master in the NFL, and without a proper NFL weight and conditioning program for our rooks last year, I'm not too surprised they played like ass...

[Kuech the Sneak]

Fua could be cut today and possibly never play another down in the NFL.

Give him time man, throw a rookie into the starting lineup against NFL lineman with no offseason training program and expect them to dominate? They got a year of experience with plenty of playing time, they'll be alot better next year

[catnip]

Our biggest need is O-line. Hangartner and Schwartz are FA. Oath can,t stay healthy and is in a contract year.

[tarheelpride]

I agree with the trade down strategy but wonder who will want to dance. Also not sure what we can get in return? Possibly a 1 swap and at best a 3rd rounder. That would be the best possible scenario IMO

Maybe Cincinnati for their firsts? Then take one of the firsts, trade it for a 2nd and a future 1st?

Trading down will become most feasible IF someone slips, and in that case why not we take that person (unless it's Trent Richardson or RGIII)?