Will McClay on drafting offense or defense

[lostar2009]

I agree in the end draft the best player available.

 

[speedkilz88]

 

[tyke1doe]

Drafting.

Sorry, I'm slow. I still don't understand. We're always drafting.

 

[Silverstar]

So, in a nutshell this actually means OJ Howard at #28?

 

[stilltheguru88]

So, in a nutshell this actually means OJ Howard at #28?

I honestly don't see why we'd draft Howard if we're resigning Williams. Dez, Williams, Beasley, Witten AND Howard? What impact will Howard really make? Witten needs to go after next year. Win your ring and walk away dude

 

[tyke1doe]

I honestly don't see why we'd draft Howard if we're resigning Williams. Dez, Williams, Beasley, Witten AND Howard? What impact will Howard really make? Witten needs to go after next year. Win your ring and walk away dude

Don't we run double tight end sets?
Also, if Witten is going to retire next year, don't you want to have his replacement on the roster ready to take over? Remember after Jay Novacek left, we spent a few years trying to find his replacement. We lucked into Witten, who fell to the third round because he wasn't considered elusive enough for the tight end position.

 

[John813]

I honestly don't see why we'd draft Howard if we're resigning Williams. Dez, Williams, Beasley, Witten AND Howard? What impact will Howard really make? Witten needs to go after next year. Win your ring and walk away dude

Well, his impact warming the bench for Witten would be much appreciated by Jason.

Guess it just depends on how they view Howard. If they think he can dominate like a Gates, Gonzalez, or Gronk type of TE, then he's worthy of that pick.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Don't we run double tight end sets?
Also, if Witten is going to retire next year, don't you want to have his replacement on the roster ready to take over? Remember after Jay Novacek left, we spent a few years trying to find his replacement. We lucked into Witten, who fell to the third round because he wasn't considered elusive enough for the tight end position.

Yea we do. How many targets did Escobar get in 4 years? I get it man, OJ is a beast and I know that but if there's a good edge rusher at 28 I'm not passing on that for a 4th passing game target on a run first team

 

[stilltheguru88]

Well, his impact warming the bench for Witten would be much appreciated by Jason.

Guess it just depends on how they view Howard. If they think he can dominate like a Gates, Gonzalez, or Gronk type of TE, then he's worthy of that pick.

He can, but he'd still be a 4th option on the team.

 

[John813]

He can, but he'd still be a 4th option on the team.

For the 2017 season. However, if he becomes one of the 3 aforementioned, he won't be the #4 for long. More like # 1 or 2 in 18.

I feel we need to draft BPA and take into account short and long term. While another TE more than likely won't help short term, he could be that #1 TE for the next decade as a building block next to Dak and Zeke

 

[stilltheguru88]

For the 2017 season. However, if he becomes one of the 3 aforementioned, he won't be the #4 for long. More like # 1 or 2 in 18.

I feel we need to draft BPA and take into account short and long term. While another TE more than likely won't help short term, he could be that #1 TE for the next decade as a building block next to Dak and Zeke

I mean, I wouldn't be mad at getting him. I just know gettingbhim eliminates twoguys I really want (Harris and Mack Hollins).

 

[tyke1doe]

Yea we do. How many targets did Escobar get in 4 years? I get it man, OJ is a beast and I know that but if there's a good edge rusher at 28 I'm not passing on that for a 4th passing game target on a run first team

Well, of course, we should take a good edge rusher over a tight end because that's are greatest need. However, if the edge rusher isn't of first-round caliber, then we need to take the first-round talent. That's all I'm saying.

 

[Chuck 54]

I think his comments are as much about the first round than anything.
Anyone calling for a DE in round 1 is just hoping a top DE falls to us. There is depth at DE this year, so value may tell us to select CB, S, OT, or WR in round 1. Regardless of value, we will ignore the player or move the pick if the value is on a QB, RB, C, etc.

We all know defensive players will be drafted this spring, but I think he's just saying we won't plan our draft like some fans do, DE in first, CB in second, DE in third, WR in fourth....

 

[Chuck 54]

So, in a nutshell this actually means OJ Howard at #28?

I'd love that! If he's actually there.

 

[AmishCowboy]

Let's put it another way.

If you are sitting there at 28 and the best player on your board is OJ Howard, the TE and the best DE on the board you have rated 45th and the best CB you have on your board is rated 55th................. you take Howard. You don't reach for a DE or CB just because you need one.

I would do a cartwheel if we landed Howard!

 

[Vintage]

Sorry, I'm slow. I still don't understand. We're always drafting.

I am actually in agreement with you. Acquire talent in the draft. Don't reach for need. I'd have no qualms about taking OJ Howard at 28 if he is the best available player and a DE we like is ranked below him.

His point was that if we don't address defense specifically in the draft, we will be where we are now, which is not making a Super Bowl run. My post was being sarcastic towards him, not you, in my reply to your question. I knew what he meant, I just viewed it as piss poor logic to handle the draft.

 

[stilltheguru88]

Well, of course, we should take a good edge rusher over a tight end because that's are greatest need. However, if the edge rusher isn't of first-round caliber, then we need to take the first-round talent. That's all I'm saying.

I agree. I'm just of the thought that Harris or McKinley will be available and I don't think Howard is on another tier than either.

 

[tyke1doe]

I am actually in agreement with you. Acquire talent in the draft. Don't reach for need. I'd have no qualms about taking OJ Howard at 28 if he is the best available player and a DE we like is ranked below him.

His point was that if we don't address defense specifically in the draft, we will be where we are now, which is not making a Super Bowl run. My post was being sarcastic towards him, not you, in my reply to your question. I knew what he meant, I just viewed it as piss poor logic to handle the draft.

Thanks for the explanation. I didn't think you were being sarcastic to me. I just didn't follow.
I didn't know if he was saying we'll be right where we are, i.e., picking #28 or what.
It makes more sense now that you've explained it.

 

[tyke1doe]

I agree. I'm just of the thought that Harris or McKinley will be available and I don't think Howard is on another tier than either.

Fair enough.

 

[Vintage]

Howard is perfect for this offense. He can block, which is vital for this offense going forward in searching for the heir apparent. Not to mention, he is a weapon in the passing game despite being underutilized in Alabama's offense as a receiving option.

He won't be there at 28.

But that would be a great pickup if somehow he did fall.