Gross's new contract voids in 2014. OT now moves up priority list

[ThunderKatt]

There isn't a solid NT or SAM prospect that wouldn't be a reach at the fourteenth pick, safety I could see as a possibility and if they have Vaccaro (who I'm honestly not that high on) or Cyprien rated as a top 15 guy then that would be fine. Saying the Tackle position isn't "bad" is the same kind of thing that made our WR position an eyesore. Every year for the last four years we've needed a new number one WR so Smitty could take advantage of mismatches, and every year we've settled for average production from the #2 spot. Now we have a WR roster full of a bunch of number threes or worse, and a number one who while still a damn good receiver is also rapidly approaching retirement age. It's the exact same thing with the OT position. I'm not saying we HAVE to get an OT in the first round. What I'm saying is if Lane Johnson is on the board at 14 you absolutely take him and thank whatever deity you want that he was there. NT, SAM, SS and OG positions are MUCH easier to fill then finding a franchise LT to protect your most important investment, your QB.....

we lost most of our games down the stretch and I think the main reason was because of our defense. Bell isn't horrible and I think a lt can be picked up in a later round. Those picks are there because talent is there but for me to say yea take a Mr in the first round is a must f everything else is something I will never say. It's like your aren't hearing me, I said BPA. If its a lt fine or any of the other positions fine. I just don't think lt will make us a complete team.

[C47]

we lost most of our games down the stretch and I think the main reason was because of our defense. Bell isn't horrible and I think a lt can be picked up in a later round. Those picks are there because talent is there but for me to say yea take a Mr in the first round is a must f everything else is something I will never say. It's like your aren't hearing me, I said BPA. If its a lt fine or any of the other positions fine. I just don't think lt will make us a complete team.

This isn't a deep draft for OT though. It's really top heavy with three likely top ten picks, and there's a select few in the second and third round range who can be quality starters. Other then that you're looking at guys who are likely career backups. On the flip side, there's quality starters to be found at NT/SS/CB/WR/OG in the second/third/fourth and possibly fifth round. Not to mention there's some deep sleepers at WR like Marquess Wilson who due to very minimal character concerns could slide badly and be a future number one. Same thing with NT. There's Hankins, all three of the Williams, Jenkins, Barnes, Hughes etc. CB there's no less than ten guys who could play at a high level early. And I do hear what you're saying, but you're not seeing my point either. You keep saying BPA which I agree with. If Lane Johnson was on the board at our pick he would almost certainly be far and away the BPA.....

[ThunderKatt]

I get your point and the reason Gross restructured could mean an offensive tackle might be the pick. I want a solid tackle as much as anyone if its going to get the smash mouth offense going but I won't be disappointed if they choose to go in a different direction. You make complete sense if the draft goes that way and that's why I won't debate you.

[MadHatter]

This isn't a deep draft for OT though. It's really top heavy with three likely top ten picks, and there's a select few in the second and third round range who can be quality starters. Other then that you're looking at guys who are likely career backups. On the flip side, there's quality starters to be found at NT/SS/CB/WR/OG in the second/third/fourth and possibly fifth round. Not to mention there's some deep sleepers at WR like Marquess Wilson who due to very minimal character concerns could slide badly and be a future number one. Same thing with NT. There's Hankins, all three of the Williams, Jenkins, Barnes, Hughes etc. CB there's no less than ten guys who could play at a high level early. And I do hear what you're saying, but you're not seeing my point either. You keep saying BPA which I agree with. If Lane Johnson was on the board at our pick he would almost certainly be far and away the BPA.....

I fully expect the top 3 OT's to be off the board at #14 (Joeckle, Fisher, and Johnson). I hope that we do not reach at that position for a guy like Fluker (from Alabama). I think he is solid, but not an elite prospect.

[C47]

I fully expect the top 3 OT's to be off the board at #14 (Joeckle, Fisher, and Johnson). I hope that we do not reach at that position for a guy like Fluker (from Alabama). I think he is solid, but not an elite prospect.

I agree with this completely. While I would be ecstatic for one of them to be available at 14, it's just not very likely. If the most likely scenario played out I would want to try to trade down into the 20's where I could possibly get a guy like Trufant or Allen in a BPA scenario. Then you can maybe have 44, and another later second. At 44 you can get your NT or SS of the future, and with the other second go get Kyle Long to play OG this year, and kick out to LT when Gross is gone....

[MadHatter]

I agree with this completely. While I would be ecstatic for one of them to be available at 14, it's just not very likely. If the most likely scenario played out I would want to try to trade down into the 20's where I could possibly get a guy like Trufant or Allen in a BPA scenario. Then you can maybe have 44, and another later second. At 44 you can get your NT or SS of the future, and with the other second go get Kyle Long to play OG this year, and kick out to LT when Gross is gone....

I would be OK if we were able to trade down a bit and get a guy like Fluker.....i just want another 2nd in hand to do it (so we could get two potential starters at WR, DT, OG, or S/CB in the second).