First round alternatives

[fortdick]

Most draft sights and folks posting here have to opinion that DeCastro, Jenkins and Kirkpatrick are the three logical picks for us in round one. Looking at the rankings and the issues I see some alternatives that intrigue me.

First, I think DeCastro will be long gone before we pick. Jenkins and Kirkpatrick are both viable picks, even though they have baggage that makes me shy away.

Two players I am intrigued with are SS Mark Barron and Center Peter Konz. Both are reaches at 14, but there should be teams wanting to move up as coveted players slip. Konz fixes maybe the biggest hole we have in the oline and Barron can fix a hole we have had since Woody left. Both are as close to sure thing solid starters as you can get, although Konz has potential to be an all pro. Barron is a solid character guy that is slipping due to injury.

I believe trading down for either of these two would be very smart if DeCastro is gone.

Another player I am really interested in is FB Joe Halahuni from Oregon. A big back that can catch. Fiametta showed us how important a good FB is to our running game, but his ability to stay healthy has been a question with him. Seeing that he is a FA this year and may walk, Halahuni may be a great late round pick up.

 

[Garland powerplay]

This team needs to draft defense . The offense was good enough to make playoffs w/ an avg. defense. This defense was below avg. and offense tanked the final month $ 4 sure

 

[robert70x7]

So you want to draft a player that just had a double sports hernia, will be out until August and is not a ballhawk? Pass.

You want to draft a center with a severe blood disorder who is one bad spell away from missing serious playing time? Pass.

 

[RS12]

Jonathan Martin or Kuechly are a couple names for you.

 

[fortdick]

So you want to draft a player that just had a double sports hernia, will be out until August and is not a ballhawk? Pass.

You want to draft a center with a severe blood disorder who is one bad spell away from missing serious playing time? Pass.

I don't see a double sports hernia as career threatening. Not like he is having brain surgery!

Although he is ocnsidered the best center in the draft, you would dismiss Konz because of a condition from 2009? I guess two seasons at Div I level isn't a test to see if he is able to play?

Maybe we should rely on guys that take dope for recreational purposes, they are always more dependable.

 

[fortdick]

Jonathan Martin or Kuechly are a couple names for you.

I like the Kuechly idea, if for no other reason than to keep him away from the Eagles, but ILB in the first round would be a luxury I am not sure we could afford. Kinda the same with Martin. Both solid picks, but in areas we have other options.

One thing: I am sick of taking CB's in the first that don't play to the hype.

 

[Teague31]

Barron or kOnz are huge reaches at 14

 

[MichaelWinicki]

If DeCastro of one of the two corners were not there, then I'm trading down.

If I can't trade down I'm taking the highest rated player on my board, whoever it is.

 

[fortdick]

Barron or kOnz are huge reaches at 14

I acknowledge this, however, I don't think either is a huge reach...just a reach.

 

[overseas]

HighTower

 

[SDogo]

HighTower

I'm warming to the idea

 

[Canadian BoyzFan]

Brockers, Poe and Konz in a trade down scenario.

 

[Zaxor]

I am not thrilled with the talent in this draft...if I could trade down I would but so many other teams would like to trade down too they aren't stupid...so I would trust my board and hope for the best

 

[realtick]

So you want to draft a player that just had a double sports hernia, will be out until August and is not a ballhawk? Pass.

You want to draft a center with a severe blood disorder who is one bad spell away from missing serious playing time? Pass.

Sports hernias are not serious injuries. The only reason this even seems dramatic is because it will likely keep Barron from participating at the Combine. The pro day at Alabama is still a possibility for him.

I would also say 12 interceptions while at 'Bama would constitute being a "ballhawk." Not to mention, 13 TFL and 5.0 sacks would indicate he's a playmaker.

If he was healthy, I think he'd be a perfect bottom end of the 1st round type of pick. If he can be had in the 2nd round I'd seriously consider.

Barron also has leadership intangibles that are appealing.

 

[realtick]

If DeCastro of one of the two corners were not there, then I'm trading down.

If I can't trade down I'm taking the highest rated player on my board, whoever it is.

Word.

 

[tm1119]

There's no way DeCastro is "long gone" by the time we pick. No team is going to pay the price tag of a rookie guard that is a top 10 pick. CBA or no CBA. If he goes before us its more than likely going go be right before us to the Cardinals at 13.

Given that scenario that he does go 13 and we don't pick a CB I think we would have to strongly consider Devon Still provided he's still there. I'm not crazy about a 3-4 DE at #14, but he's a consensus top prospect in this draft and he would fit our scheme. I would be all for a trade down if possible though.

 

[realtick]

There's no way DeCastro is "long gone" by the time we pick. No team is going to pay the price tag of a rookie guard that is a top 10 pick. CBA or no CBA. If he goes before us its more than likely going go be right before us to the Cardinals at 13.

Given that scenario that he does go 13 and we don't pick a CB I think we would have to strongly consider Devon Still provided he's still there. I'm not crazy about a 3-4 DE at #14, but he's a consensus top prospect in this draft and he would fit our scheme. I would be all for a trade down if possible though.

I like Devon Still, but I don't view him as any more talented a prospect than guys like Jared O'drick, Cameron Heyward, or Mohammed Wilkerson. I also think the back end of the 1st round is where he should go too, which is where all those guys went.

 

[burmafrd]

There's no way DeCastro is "long gone" by the time we pick. No team is going to pay the price tag of a rookie guard that is a top 10 pick. CBA or no CBA. If he goes before us its more than likely going go be right before us to the Cardinals at 13.

Given that scenario that he does go 13 and we don't pick a CB I think we would have to strongly consider Devon Still provided he's still there. I'm not crazy about a 3-4 DE at #14, but he's a consensus top prospect in this draft and he would fit our scheme. I would be all for a trade down if possible though.

Just because he is supposedly the best 3-4 DE in the draft does not mean much. I do not see him as any real improvement over what we have now. No way do I use a 1st for someone like that.

 

[Eskimo]

My preferences (roughly in order) amongst players who may be available:


Coples
DeCastro
Jenkins
Ingram
Brockers
Glenn
Hightower

 

[MichaelWinicki]

Not a Still fan.

I don't see a guy who's as productive as his athleticism.