2014 Draft strongest ever?

[Stash]

People keep repeating this over and over again and it simply is not true.

I see them making over their defensive line, adding Michael Bennett and drafting Donald and sending Melton and Peppers packing.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

I don't see this draft being anything close to the 1983 draft. So, no, I don't think it's the best.

 

[Verdict]

It's very deep but not great in the top 10.

Unfortunately, DL is not one of the really deep positions. A guy like Kawann Short (2nd round 2013) would probably be a 1st rounder this year.

I would hate to see us force a pick based on need what is perceived to be a deep, talented draft class. The strength of this class doesn't really line up with our defensive line needs.

If it shakes out that we draft a wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle, a tight end and a guard with our first five picks and we are able to get five starters by next year, so be it. Better to have that than 5 guys as place holders and progress stoppers out of a draft loaded with talent. If some posters think we are behind the curve on roster talent now ...... think how far behind we would be next year, after other teams stock up on talent and we whiff....

 

[xwalker]

I would hate to see us force a pick based on need what is perceived to be a deep, talented draft class. The strength of this class doesn't really line up with our defensive line needs.

If it shakes out that we draft a wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle, a tight end and a guard with our first five picks and we are able to get five starters by next year, so be it. Better to have that than 5 guys as place holders and progress stoppers out of a draft loaded with talent. If you think we are behind the curve on roster talent now ...... think how far behind we would be next year, after other teams stock up on talent and we whiff....

Yes, I agree with that concept in the early rounds. In the later rounds there are often many players ranked on the same level. It would be rare that a DL was not available with a similar ranking to other players in the later rounds.

 

[Nova]

More an indication that last years draft wasn't very strong at all.

As far as best ever? I'd go back to just 2011 to find a potentially better one. 12 of the first 16 draftees are already probowlers.

Cam Newton
Von Miller
Marcel Dareus
AJ Green
Patrick Peterson
Julio Jones
Aldon Smith
Tyron Smith
JJ Watt
Robert Quinn
Mike Pouncey
Ryan Kerrigan

There were a lot of QB busts mixed in though. But also, later on two very big names in Richard Sherman and Justin Houston

 

[JsnSA]

I think the title of this thread was poorly chosen. A lot of people are getting hung up on if this is the strongest draft EVER (admittedly per the thread title) and comparing it to drafts that turned out a fair number of superstars when I think the real point is that this will hopefully be one of the strongest drafts in overall talent from top to bottom over the last few years.

Even the quote in the article is not claiming the best draft ever but just one of the strongest in a long time:

“The whole draft is really strong. Best draft I’ve seen,” said new Buccaneers GM Jason Licht, a scout since 1995. “It’s probably tilted a little more toward offense, but it’s a strong draft.”

Outside of the title, I think OP was only talking about this being a very strong draft overall and the main point being we should have better options this year compared to most.

 

[Alexander]

I see them making over their defensive line, adding Michael Bennett and drafting Donald and sending Melton and Peppers packing.

They did not get Bennett, but the whole fact they were pursuing him tells me that they are not even thinking about a 3-4 switch.

 

[Stash]

They did not get Bennett, but the whole fact they were pursuing him tells me that they are not even thinking about a 3-4 switch.

I saw that. Surprised a bit he stayed in Seattle for less money rather than joining his brother for more money.

Then again, Marty B is kind of a $&@#...