it seeming likely to me that the highest rated player on the board by far when our turn comes will be a DL/DT. Star Lateluei and Sheldon Richardson could be there. Assuming all the OT are gone, do we go that route? I really hate taking yet another freaking DT to rotate in and out. given that it is already a strong position for us and not a need at all. But if you follow the BPA theory may it is the way to go.

thoughts?

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The beatings will continue until morale improves.

It would depend on who else is available. I know we need to think about DT for the future but taking one this year would be a luxury pick IMO.

I think since we have a year to develop someone we may be better off taking one in the 3rd round or later who we can work into a starting spot in the future. Starks and Soliai aren't getting any younger but we have other pressing needs IMO. CB & PR & OL

It would be hard to pass on Lotu or Floyd though if all the OT's are gone.

Considering who is going to be available, DT makes sense. This is also why I think a trade down is on order. We can get extra picks (2nd round) and still get a difference maker....Carradine, Eifert, Watson, Trufant and possobly still have a shot at Cooper, Jarvis Jones, Richardson, Patterson, Austin, Werner etc.

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

How many guys are considered "elite" at the top of this draft?

none, closest are Joekle, Fisher, and Millner. Everyone else has big questions or just not a premium position

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The beatings will continue until morale improves.

Kiper said Joeckel and Fisher would be ranked in the 8-12 range in a typical year but this is a weak draft for star quality.

NO top running backs, wide receivers, pass rushers or QB's weaken the draft this year IMO....and one top CB.

.....................................................................................
“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

berkeley223 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> it seeming likely to me that the highest rated
> player on the board by far when our turn comes
> will be a DL/DT. Star Lateluei and Sheldon
> Richardson could be there. Assuming all the OT are
> gone, do we go that route? I really hate taking
> yet another freaking DT to rotate in and out.
> given that it is already a strong position for us
> and not a need at all. But if you follow the BPA
> theory may it is the way to go.
>
> thoughts?

***************************************************

If Star is still there at 12, Ireland is going to have to think long and hard about that one. But then again, he may be at the top of another team's list and will want to trade up for him.

Both Soliai and Starks are free agents at the end of the year. It is really, really unlikely that both will be around in 2014, so DT is a need. And there is another way to look at it. Say you get one of the premier DTs at #12. You could free up $6M in cap space by trading Soliai. They have Vaughn Martin as a veteran backup. Jared Odrick already moves inside on passing downs as it is, so he provides depth inside, too. And some of the money saved could be used to sign John Abraham as a pass rushing specialist after the draft.

I think that if the 3 OTs are all taken by #12, DT is a definite possibility.

dolfanmark Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Both Soliai and Starks are free agents at the end
> of the year. It is really, really unlikely that
> both will be around in 2014, so DT is a need. And
> there is another way to look at it. Say you get
> one of the premier DTs at #12. You could free up
> $6M in cap space by trading Soliai. They have
> Vaughn Martin as a veteran backup. Jared Odrick
> already moves inside on passing downs as it is, so
> he provides depth inside, too. And some of the
> money saved could be used to sign John Abraham as
> a pass rushing specialist after the draft.
>
> I think that if the 3 OTs are all taken by #12, DT
> is a definite possibility.


I agree Mark. But what are you getting for Soliai?

If I had a deal on the table for a 2nd or a 3rd and 4th it would make a lot of sense to follow your scenario.

Another PASS RUSHING DL to compliment Wake IS a need. More of a need to ME than another LEFT TACKLE. Now a good solid RIGHT tackle? That might be a different comparison of need.

ChyrenB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Another PASS RUSHING DL to compliment Wake IS a
> need. More of a need to ME than another LEFT
> TACKLE. Now a good solid RIGHT tackle? That
> might be a different comparison of need.

*************************************************

As usual, it depends who is there at pick 12.

I agree, the real need is a pass rusher (and a C.

Martin can start at LT and then draft another OT (Flucker?) and maybe sign Winston (and a good price).

Sounds like a plan, Cap.

berkeley223 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> it seeming likely to me that the highest rated
> player on the board by far when our turn comes
> will be a DL/DT. Star Lateluei and Sheldon
> Richardson could be there. Assuming all the OT are
> gone, do we go that route? I really hate taking
> yet another freaking DT to rotate in and out.
> given that it is already a strong position for us
> and not a need at all. But if you follow the BPA
> theory may it is the way to go.
>
> thoughts?

ABSOLUTELY. Our defense needs a few more players to be considered "elite". A Pro Bowler at DT and a good Corner in the 2nd round might put us over the Top. I'm talking 2001 good with Thomas, Taylor. Surtain , and Madison good. we still have 3 more picks for offense in the first 3 rounds.

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

Dude, if you all have not seen Sheldon Richardson in action then you are missing a GEM, this guy is an absolute beast, Im a gamecock fan and no team in the SEC had an answer for Richardson, he is a solid pick and by far the Best DT in the draft, the guy is amazing!