Optimal realistic scenario for the upcoming draft

[JawnyBlaze]

I started this train of thought in another thread, thought I'd expand in a separate thread. It's looking like we'll end up somewhere in the top 5 picks, with the other 4 being Chiefs, Jags, Browns, and the Raiders. Teams probably just outside the top 5 are the Bills, Colts, Titans, Bucs, Rams. I'm envisioning us with the #3 pick, just to toss us in the middle of the top 5. I don't think we'll have the #1, probably not the #2 but if our season sucks this bad anyway I wouldn't want to fall out of the top 5.

Ideally, the #1 and #2 picks go a pair from: Browns, Jags, Raiders. Why do I leave out the Chiefs? They're the only 3-4 team I see in the top 5. The only other 3-4 team in the vicinity are the Colts. (They are still a 3-4 defense right?)

Whatever combo gets the #1 and #2, the top two QBs go at those spots (and it won't be the Colts, Bucs, Rams or Browns probably). So that leaves us at #3 with everyone on the board except Smith and Barkely. The only other player in this draft that seems worth trading up for is Jarvis Jones. That's why I want a 3-4 team picking somewhere just behind us. Hopefully we could trade down (with the Chiefs in my scenario, if not them maybe the Colts), pick up a 2nd round pick and still get Lotulelei or Hankins or whoever the top DT is with our #5 or so pick. I know some people are of the opinion our run D has been improved and it's not as needy an area as WR or FS or OL, but honestly R. Edwards isn't a long term solution and this year's DT class looks pretty special so far. In my opinion, DT and pass rushers (mostly 3-4 types with Jones and the guys from LSU) are the only groups that look stellar so far. This is the year to pick a future stud DT while they're available. No other position groups seem to offer players as worthy of our top 5 pick as DT.

Then we trade our two 2nd round picks to move into the back/middle of the 1st round and take one of the top tier WRs: Allen, Hunter, maybe Woods or that kid from Clemson.

Hopefully we could get a FS in FA, but if not maybe we should just stick with our two 2nd round picks and take the best WR we can with our first 2nd round pick and FS with the second one. Or an OT if there's a good one available and we address FS in FA.

Just my early brainstorming.

[Kuech the Sneak]

Areas that need an immediate upgrade

OL

FS and CB

Our o-line has looked pretty trash this year for whatever reason...and we really just news an infusion of talent in the secondary, need to get some guys that can make plays back there

[Herbert The Love Bug]

You are asking way too much of

[JawnyBlaze]

Well, the unspoken assumption was that he'd already be gone. But you're right.

[JawnyBlaze]

Areas that need an immediate upgrade

OL

FS and CB

Our o-line has looked pretty trash this year for whatever reason...and we really just news an infusion of talent in the secondary, need to get some guys that can make plays back there

I honestly don't think CB needs an immediate upgrade. Norman hasn't played well, but he hasn't played bad in a way that makes me think he won't get better. I think he'll improve next year, and CB won't be a pressing need again for a couple of years, as long as Munnerlyn re-signs (at a reasonable price). As much as I hated on him last year, he hasn't played nearly as abysmally this year. No I don't think he's starting material, but for what's been asked of him this year he hasn't been the worst CB I've ever seen, which is a notable improvement over last year. With Gamble still playing at a high level for a couple more years and Norman improving and Munnerlyn being solid in the nickle, we'll be ok for now.

FS and OL, yea we need a starting FS and a (sooner rather than later) replacement for Gross (unless that's Campbell) and preferably an upgrade either at RG or keep Bell there and get a RT.

I think getting a capable FS will have a bigger impact on the secondary than many think, and I think we can get a good one in the 2nd in the upcoming draft.

[Herbert The Love Bug]

Well, the unspoken assumption was that he'd already be gone. But you're right.

true. We can only hope and pray

[stirs]

NFC South well represented in the top 10

Carolina 3rd pick

T Bay 6th

N Orleans 7th

Our conference except for ATL is sucking big time

[JB82887]

Step 1: Hire new GM, Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, Defensive Coordinator.

Round 1: Draft best available LT (these can't be found in FA), move Gross to RT. Move Byron Bell to RG, Kalil stays at C, and Silatolu stays at LG.

Round 2: Draft best available pass-rusher, be it a DT, DE, or OLB.

Round 3: N/A

Round 4: Draft best FS or CB available

Round 5: BPA

Round 6: BPA

Round 7: BPA

Cut or restructure James Anderson, and restructure DeAngelo Williams contract.

FA: Go after 1 pass rusher, and competetion in the defensive secondary.

[JB82887]

....and go after more help at WR. If we look at TE or WR in the middle rounds of the draft or FA, I would not be disappointed at all.

[stirs]

First step is to get an identity as a team. Our FO acts like the huddle, going out and getting guys with no clue whether or not they will fit in the "scheme" we plan on running.

Then, with whichever scheme we decide on, build from the lines out.

[SteveSmithGaveMeAShiner]

build from the lines out.

Absolutely this. DT would be optimal, but o-line help is also necessary. And for the love of God, don't trade away any picks. If anything, look to move down in the 1st round and pick up a few extra picks for the trouble.

[Kuech the Sneak]

One of the biggest reasons for our offensive woes is the playcalling and the play of the offensive line