RamziD
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My approach is more of a position-of-need approach rather than a BPA one b/c it's impossible to predict which players might fall in the draft. Also, I'm using CBSsports.com database to project where players are likely to be drafted.
Rd. 2 (51): With a 1st or 2nd round pick, you are expecting immediate contribution (1-2 seasons max). So you have to look at our weakest positions and where someone might be able to fill in right away if need be. Our two most depleted positions are ILB and S. We signed 2 ILBs to multi-year contracts in FA and a S to only a 1-year contract. Furthermore, the only locked-in starter we have at S is Ken Hamlin. Therefore, I think it's likely we take a S with our first pick. I'm assuming Delmas is gone at #51 and we won't trade up for him, so my pick is Jairus Byrd, Oregon. Yes, he's listed as a CB but he does have a blend of physicality (scouting reports say he is an adequate to above average tackler) and coverage skills (29 PBUs, 12 INTs in last 2 years) that would make for a good safety in our system. We have some insurance with Sensabaugh, so I think this would be a smart choice for us without having to give up any picks.
Rd. 3 (69): Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond. Greg Ellis is undoubtedly on the decline in his career, and Anthony Spencer, though showing lots of promise, has yet to prove that he is going to be our main-stay opposite Ware. Sidbury has the quickness and rushing skills to provide good depth at OLB. I don't think he will last to Rd. 4, but it is possible #69 is too high for him. If we could trade down and get him, that would be ideal, but I'd rather be safe and pick him here.
Rd. 4 (101): Since we don't need any immediate starters on OL, but are lacking depth, I think this is the time we start looking at that area. With this pick, we can take Antoine Caldwell, Alabama. He's played every position on the line and can read the defense well since his main position has been Center. Versatility and intelligence are great traits in an OL.
Rd. 4 (117): TJ Lang, Eastern Michigan. Played LT, mostly, in college but projects to play inside in the NFL per scouting reports. Has been mentioned as a hot commodity recently on this board. Again, versatility is the key.
Rd. 5 (156): Jason Phillips, TCU. Was a very productive LB at TCU (315 TK and 38 TFL in 4 years) and is known to show a warrior-like attitude on the field and in practice. Good characteristics to have playing ILB in the 3-4 and something players can look up to.
These 5 picks cover our major postions of need: secondary, LB, OL. Where we go after that is anybody's guess (speedy WR/KR would be nice along with a big DT) and that's what's so wonderful about the draft!
Rd. 2 (51): With a 1st or 2nd round pick, you are expecting immediate contribution (1-2 seasons max). So you have to look at our weakest positions and where someone might be able to fill in right away if need be. Our two most depleted positions are ILB and S. We signed 2 ILBs to multi-year contracts in FA and a S to only a 1-year contract. Furthermore, the only locked-in starter we have at S is Ken Hamlin. Therefore, I think it's likely we take a S with our first pick. I'm assuming Delmas is gone at #51 and we won't trade up for him, so my pick is Jairus Byrd, Oregon. Yes, he's listed as a CB but he does have a blend of physicality (scouting reports say he is an adequate to above average tackler) and coverage skills (29 PBUs, 12 INTs in last 2 years) that would make for a good safety in our system. We have some insurance with Sensabaugh, so I think this would be a smart choice for us without having to give up any picks.
Rd. 3 (69): Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond. Greg Ellis is undoubtedly on the decline in his career, and Anthony Spencer, though showing lots of promise, has yet to prove that he is going to be our main-stay opposite Ware. Sidbury has the quickness and rushing skills to provide good depth at OLB. I don't think he will last to Rd. 4, but it is possible #69 is too high for him. If we could trade down and get him, that would be ideal, but I'd rather be safe and pick him here.
Rd. 4 (101): Since we don't need any immediate starters on OL, but are lacking depth, I think this is the time we start looking at that area. With this pick, we can take Antoine Caldwell, Alabama. He's played every position on the line and can read the defense well since his main position has been Center. Versatility and intelligence are great traits in an OL.
Rd. 4 (117): TJ Lang, Eastern Michigan. Played LT, mostly, in college but projects to play inside in the NFL per scouting reports. Has been mentioned as a hot commodity recently on this board. Again, versatility is the key.
Rd. 5 (156): Jason Phillips, TCU. Was a very productive LB at TCU (315 TK and 38 TFL in 4 years) and is known to show a warrior-like attitude on the field and in practice. Good characteristics to have playing ILB in the 3-4 and something players can look up to.
These 5 picks cover our major postions of need: secondary, LB, OL. Where we go after that is anybody's guess (speedy WR/KR would be nice along with a big DT) and that's what's so wonderful about the draft!
