Which helps more?

[Mr. Scot]

Pass rush vs coverage is a long running argument.

For what it's worth, Rivera seems to come down on the "pass rush" side of that debate.

[Zod]

Pass rush vs coverage is a long running argument.

For what it's worth, Rivera seems to come down on the "pass rush" side of that debate.

Would also come down to which is more lacking right now.

I think its safe to say our safety need is much greater than any pass rush need.

[BBQ&Beer]

I look at it like this, when you think back to the big games Brady, Manning, & Rodgers have lost, in every one I recall it was due to one or more D-lineman in their face all game.

[Mr. Scot]

Would also come down to which is more lacking right now.

I think its safe to say our safety need is much greater than any pass rush need.

My opinion: Receiver is a bigger need than both.

[Zod]

Could be, or Ginn could have a breakout year with Cam throwing to him.

Its pretty exciting to consider regardless.

[Mr. Scot]

Much as I like the idea of a receiver pick early, if we somehow managed a 1-2 combination of Star Lotulelei and Jamar Taylor, you wouldn't hear me complaining.

[SuperMan]

It comes down to who would improve our defense more overall and that is without a doubt star having him would free up our linebackers and help eliminate double teams on our DEs.

[JawnyBlaze]

Yea, in regards to our specific situation and this draft, it comes down to which unit can we get a better player for? If Star is there, there isn't a secondary player in this draft that is even in the same discussion as Star. If there was an Eric Berry or Revis in the draft, it would be a close call between them or Star since as Zod pointed out, our secondary is a poorer unit. This draft doesn't even have a Patrick Peterson or Mark Barron (both of whom were lesser prospects coming out than Star).

If we could somehow land Star and Hunter/Allen/Patterson (looks like his stock is falling, maybe it'll settle back down where it should in the 2nd) OR Hopkins/Austin (though I don't think he's worth a mid 1st) and Hankins/S or J Williams/maybe Short, I wouldn't mind at all if we somehow traded back into the 2nd - without giving up next year's 1st - to get a high potential CB or S like or Banks, Taylor, Hayden or Rambo, Cyprien, Elam. With only our current 5 picks, I think WR needs to be addressed in the 2nd this year just because it's such a strong class for 2nd round WRs, which leaves only 1 other pick in the top 3 rounds and DT value is better in both the 1st and 2nd. But if we could snag another 2nd to improve the secondary as well, it'd go a long way to putting the finishing touches on our defense.

[iamhubby1]

Even in today’s NFL Defense wins Championships. We have to be able to rush the passer, and limit the run, with just our front 4. Offenses are too advanced to let them dictate the action. A front 4 that can disrupt that Offense puts you in a position to win.

In that vein, my pick would be the best DT left. As of now, seems like Star is the heavy favorite. That pick makes us 6 deep on the Dline. Fresh legs in the fourth quarter just gives us an added weapon.

In the NFL today, you have to be able to move the ball on Offense, and be able to make key stops on Defense. We are pretty good on the Offensive side, adding Star would balance us up nicely.

[Mr. Scot]

We are pretty good on the Offensive side

Not entirely.

I still think we need at least one Big Ugly/Hog Molly.

[panthersphan]

Our defense hasn't been the same since Kris Jenkins, we need a stud DT.

[iamhubby1]

Not entirely.

I still think we need at least one Big Ugly/Hog Molly.

I guess I just have more faith in our line than most it seems. If we could move Hangman to the depth chart by upgrading the RG position. It would make us better. But, I am happy if the powers that be use our resources to upgrade the skill positions and don't draft a OL at all. Unless you bring in a vet RG that can usurp Hangman. I feel our OL is pretty set. Gross, Amini, Ryan, Hangman, and Bell. Not great by any stretch. But we should be able to do what we want to do with that group.

[iamhubby1]

Our defense hasn't been the same since Kris Jenkins, we need a stud DT.

Why is it so many folks are disregarding Cole? He was pretty good before his injury and lost his spot. He had to of impressed the PTB very much, cuz he got himself a contract. Teamed with Dwan, I see a pretty good 1-2 punch. If Kearse can use this offseason to take that next step up, we may just be really good. IF Start is there, we are scary.

[panthers55]

I think you need both. If the secondary is a sieve the rush doesn't have time to get there. If the pass rush is weak, the secondary breaks down and there are folks wide open. The more germaine question is whether we can get both a great cover guy and a great DT in this draft. if Star falls to us in the first then there are many corners and safeties we can take in the second. If we go secondary in the first then there are DTs in the rest of the draft who can become studs but not that many that are plug and play players like Star. It really depends on who is there at our pick.