Steve Smith picks Sheldon Richardson?.......

[panthers55]

So I guess the question becomes. Do you trust this class of DTs? I am not convinced we need to use our first pick on one. I am just leery of drafting a DT in the first to begin with. This year is a prime example of good talent, but maybe not 14th pick talent.

Especially given our situation. We are on the cusp of being good. We need to add a couple of playmakers to help us get there. Drafting a potentially good DT is just not how I would go about adding said playmakers. If I were more confident with this class maybe I would be less worried.

This could be our last shot at a high round pick. I don't want to waste it.

I could just as easily go with an O linemen. There are some great ones as well. I would be very happy with Lane Johnson as well.

I would caution everyone not to assume that whoever we pick will make an instant impact. I think we have all been spoiled after Newton and Kuechly. We just expect to hit a home run every time. Line play is one of the hardest to excel at right off the bat. Look at the expectations for Silatolu and he was pretty bad. Which is not that unusual for a linemen. Remember when New Orleans was crowing about Sedrick Ellis. he was supposed to dominate right away and five years later they are still waiting. It takes time to learn the technique and develop the power to be a force on the line.

If we want an immediate impact guy, then we might as well take a wide receiver or corner. I am in favor of looking at the long term and picking up our needs in free agency. That way we aren't rushed to put in a guy just because he is a first rounder rather than good at his position day 1.

[iamhubby1]

I agree in regards to WR, but I have faith Star's heart thing will turn out to be a false alarm (reports already indicated that likelihood) and I think Hankins is also worth #14.

I am not against taking a DT in the first this year. If he is BPA. And I guess that very well could be the case.

If I want a playmaker it would usually be a WR, DB, or DE. This year is just different. There are talented guys at our spot. I just want a studly player that can make plays the moment he steps on the field. If that is DT so be it. If it is an Olineman, ok then. But it is not going to be a WR or DB.

Ah hell, what do I know?

I do know I love the speculation. I love dreaming of what if scenarios. So why not a DT? It is a position of need.

[iamhubby1]

I could just as easily go with an O linemen. There are some great ones as well. I would be very happy with Lane Johnson as well.

I would caution everyone not to assume that whoever we pick will make an instant impact. I think we have all been spoiled after Newton and Kuechly. We just expect to hit a home run every time. Line play is one of the hardest to excel at right off the bat. Look at the expectations for Silatolu and he was pretty bad. Which is not that unusual for a linemen. Remember when New Orleans was crowing about Sedrick Ellis. he was supposed to dominate right away and five years later they are still waiting. It takes time to learn the technique and develop the power to be a force on the line.

If we want an immediate impact guy, then we might as well take a wide receiver or corner. I am in favor of looking at the long term and picking up our needs in free agency. That way we aren't rushed to put in a guy just because he is a first rounder rather than good at his position day 1.

I blame all these damm kids and their DT talk. Kinda got me excited even though I know first round DTs are iffy at best.

However, if they are BPA why not? If we can resign Dwan and add a stout DT to help with the run, there won't be pressure for the rook to come right in and shine. It would give him a chance to learn and grow before he is actually needed.

As I have said. I just want two playmakers with my first two picks. And I don't really care what position they play. Although I would prefer them to be skill position players, I just don't feel we are in the position to play it safe this year.

We can plug some holes with FA, but the draft is about the only way we can add playmakers and be able to afford them. So I guess I am just antsy. We are sooo close. A good draft and some quality FAs and we can be a better team.

[Catalyst]

I'm a big Richardson fan. Love his motor and relentless approach to the game. No surprise Smitty would pick a guy with those qualities.

[JawnyBlaze]

Indeed.