Back to the Drawing Board

i think dallas should take a look at ot john runyan for the eagles to replace rt rob pettiti

I’ll make a prediction that may seem crazy to some of yoy: We do nothing about right tackle in free agency.

The team won’t sign an older tackle to a big free agent contract. Look down the rest of the line, unless they cut L. Allen its just too much old money to put in one area of the team.

Tucker played pretty well at times at left tackle, and at least he is a known entity.

Also don’t forget about Mark Colombo, Parcells thinks he can play, and that the Bears just didn’t give him a chance after he had that knee injury that hobbled him for two years.

Maybe they draft a tackle in the latter rounds too push people, but don’t expect a high pick—I can’t remember Jerry ever spending a high pick on tackle, much less a right tackle.

The more intriguing question is what they do with center and guard situation—which is another reason why they won’t doo much at right tackle.

The only problem I would have going into camp next year with Burnett penciled in as the starting JLB, is the same problem I had when we drafted him: you just can’t trust his knees. If he stays healthy, he could be great, but that seems like a big “if” at this point.

I think Bobby Carpenter would fill the SLB spot perfectly. Trading down in the first round, or even completely out like we did in 2004 and grabbing him early in the second, is what I’m predicting. But like you said, it’s early yet.

The more I think about it, the more I think that our biggest concern could be at Left Tackle. Doesn’t the injury Adams suffered usually take two years to get back to form? If nothing else, upgrading the backup LT spot is just about as important as filling the starting RT spot.

I’m pulling for Columbo to regain the form/potential he had when the Bears drafted him in the first round a few years back.

I would not be surprised if Sean Payton leaves but I would if the “heir apparent” Zimmer goes. Since there is no prize for guessing correctly, I say Payton’s replacement is David Lee.

I think it’d be wonderful to have Martz or Saunders as our OC

Dallas News is reporting that Vince Young is on his way to Austin with family to speak to Mack Brown before announcing this afternoon that he is declaring for the draft.

It’s his life. I hope he is making the right decision.

You a UT fan, Scooter? Cause they’re the only people who would doubt that Young going pro is the right decision. Sure, his game needs work, but the opportunities and his value will never be better.

Parcells could never work together with Mike Martz…totally opposite directions.

Dallas has to address 2 – 3 diff sports on the O-Line.

Young should definetly go Pro.

ManTab,

I agree with you re: Martz. Plus, Martz only wants a HC job. I mentioned him to throw cold water on the reflexive Norv-returns meme. I like Norv, but he’s not coming back. Nor do I think he’s the best guy to replace Payton, though I’m struggling to find the guy who would be.

perhaps they can sell the job ala Gregg williams, who will get the hc when gibbs retires or $1 mil

Rafael:
I still think that a 2nd and a 4th could be all we could get out off Ellis and Glover, I just can’t see a team trading more for a couple of 30-something still productive players that have deals that reach their ends in the short term (particularly the one of Glover).

Other than that I can also see Zimmer back, St. Louis wants a Defensive minded coach, if they want that, they wouldn’t find anyone better than Ron Rivera from Chicago who is where he is after growing behind Dick Jauron in Chicago, Jim Johnson in Philly and now Lovie Smith in his return to Chicago. I haven’t heard that Zimmer has been shown love by another team so… Rivera ends with the job that was offered to him and he comes back to Dallas to become the leading heir of Bill Parcells.

BTW, I really like Tom Ashworth as the answer to all the RT problems in the past years.

On the other hand, I don’t know much about Rossley oher than he will be getting over 60.

predictions:

1. Dallas trades Ellis and Glover on or before draft day. Chandus is probably close to what they will get, possibly a 2nd and 3rd, or there abouts. Never know though with Parcells, he is a good negatiator.

2. I think Parcells will target a NT and OLB with his first two picks, possibly moving up and/or down a couple of times to put his team in position to get Bobby Carpenter and a Gabe Watson.

3. The Cowboys will most likely address C and FS or possibly add some depth at ILB with 2 of their remaining 3 first day draft choices (after the Ellis and Glover trades). Their last day one selection will be set aside for a QB.

4. The rest of the draft will be about getting value and filling wholes. I expect them to target a Brandon Williams type player, a very explosive kick returner, who could fill two wholes for the Boys, KR and playmaking WR. Lawrence Vickers is clearly the best FB in the draft, and could be a great value selection in the middle rounds. Vickers is interesting because he is far ahead of the rest of the FB class, but typically FBs don’t demand a bunch of attention on draft day.

5. Parcells and Jones will probably address two major wholes via free agency, FS and OT, possibly FB too. But if the prices aren’t right, they will go elsewhere or just go with they have. At the tackle position, I expect Jon Runyan will top the list, with Backus and Barry as second options.

can you guys see parcells moving out of the first round and picking up a second and third, plus the trades of ellis and glover if it happens will give us decent amount of picks in the second on, unless theres a person you just cant pass up.
raf, anyone
i keep hearing alot of people say TO is coming here with the help of michael irvin. if he came does anyone see him some what behaving himself cause of his relationship wuth irvin???
corey chavous please

also, i keep hearing we might be cutting LA. hes due a 2 million bonus in march and if i remeber right his salary hit is 7.5 million, if i remember right. alot of money for a guy whose still very good, but not in his prime anymmore.

Mike,

Allen’s money is out of line with his production, but as long as he wants to play, why not renegotiate? I doubt he could get more money elsewhere then he could from a renegotiated Dallas deal.

He’s old, but he was far and away the best o-lineman last year. Most of the time he was the only o-lineman last year. I wouldn’t cut him unless I absolutely had to.

Eric R:

I like your idea about getting a playmaker for PR/KR who can also play WR/RB or DB. My choice is Devin Hester. That guy has blown me away in some of the games I have seen him in. He reminds me a lot of Dante Hall, and he is such an incredible athlete that I think he could play a lot of different roles. He could fill a role similar to the way BP used Dave Meggett. A player who demands special attention from the defense and can make big plays when you need them.

EricR and Sterling,

Tyson Thompson was getting some big returns down the stretch. His offseason he should take a football with him to bed. He should read it a story and tuck it under his arm to keep it warm.

He should keep it with him in the car. He should feed it cereal for breakfast.

He should treat it like a newborn and never set it down. He might blow a promising career otherside, cause the only think keeping him off the field is carelessness with the football.

Rafael:

I like TT a lot. I think he will be a good RB/returner someday if he can stop fumbling. I would still like to have a guy like Devin Hester though because he may also develop into a good receiver or a good DB, and we already know he has playmaking ability as a returner. The way I look at it, taking him is a low risk/high reward pick. Worst case scenario he is a very good returner. Best case scenario you get a full-time playmaking WR or DB. With TG, Key, and Aaron Glenn getting close to the twilight of their careers that may be a very good thing. I really believe the guy is going to be a star.

interesting commentary from all…….

Vince Young has to go pro. Did you see the Carson Palmer injury today…..what happens if that is Young in a game next year…..you are taking millions of dollars of the guarnteed signing bonus that takes care of his family for life.

It is simply a financial decision.

Houston should rethink the take at the gate if Vince Young is in his Hometown. Maybe pull a NYG and trade down still get Young and Trade Bush and Carr. Again from the financial side of things…..Vince would make Houston a bunch of money and fill the stands immediately…..of course so might Reggie Bush.

Dallas……..go get me an OLB. I really think the FS position will not be as big a deal if Anthony Henry and TNew are both starting. Glenn as the Nickel….and Reeves, Beirault, Williams, Davis as the other DBs. I would rather have pick 18 dedicated to another OLB than the FS position…..TNEW and HENRY are possibly as good a pair of CBs in the league. TNEW did the best job of anybody on Steve Smith….oh yeah and TO and others. FA and Draft one too. Our LBs got depleted this year through attrition……and they weren’t the greatest for the defense to begin with. I think what parcells does with the line will depend on what he sees from the other guys on the staff and if he keeps AJ and Gurode or goes for all new blood.

postions that we can stand pat on are Tailback, CB, SS, DE, uh and just about anything else is OPEN for improvement! I assume Parcells will again pass on the QBs in the draft. I would not be surprised at any position taken but still see some defense coming on day one.

Rookie WRs are rarely impact players……I doubt we see one drafted on day one. Bill is playing for next year. Jerry recognizes the talent on the team, and knows he can find another coach after to Bill is gone to keep winning with it……he will use FA to give Bill the weapons he wants…..even if it is an over 30 WR.

I think TT will still be around. Tiki Barber was also known as a fumbler earlier in his career, so all is not lost with TT. Too much upside to not try to help him solve his fumble problems.

I don’t think Payton and Zimmer are going anywhere. I seriously doubt that any team will hire them. Afterall, we didn’t exactly set the NFL world on fire last year. We didn’t even make the playoffs.

I think Larry Allen will be back, but will have to renegotiate his contract. I believe we will sign another RT through FA, and will also draft a RT in the later rounds.

LB,FS and a kicker are also high priorities. As for WR, I don’t think it will be a high priority for another year. We’ll see if Copper steps up along with Crayton who needs to regain his pre-injury form.

raf,
good point he was by far our best o-lineman. renegotiation would be best for both parties

TT was doing really good, he got us in good position in the fourth quarter a few times when we needed a big return, fumbling is something that can be corrected if worked on, like someone said look at tiki.
i wouldnt waste any money or draft pick for a kr specialist, too many other holes to fill in the next year.

sounds like payton is getting some run but zimmer isnt so much. id like to see zim maybe take over BP’s job in a couple years

vanderjagt(sorry if missplelled) sounds like hell be released as well. i know hell command top dollar but after this year id think i might pay it.

Raf and Sterling,

It wouldn’t hurt to get a playmaker. I see those WR/KRs (ala Steve Smith and Santana Moss) really coming of age because of the no cantact rules. In years past they were less of a factor because corners would bump them all the way down field, now CBs can’t but still have to respect their speed. .. I like Thompson too, but competition is always good, plus like I said these KR/WR types can earn their way onto the team through special teams but end up making plays on your offense. .. And yes Raf, Tyson should sleep and name his football and take it everywhere with him. He might also want to consider taking a look at film of Tiki, and where he positions the ball when carrying it.

mike,

Too many wholes? … Where does playmaking WR go on your list? With probably 7+ selections, you have to get someone to play behind Terri. IMHO anyway.

eric r
i deffinetely think we need a playmaking wr, i just i wouldnt waste money or a pick on someone who only returns kick is all. if the playmaking wr is a kr specialist as well great. and id say wr is 3rd on the list behind rt, lb.

also i read on espn that the cowboys contacted darren woodson in case they made the playoffs??

Eric R & mike:

The thing about getting a playmaker is that is something we sorely lacked last season. When it came time to get a big play out of someone the only one that sticks in my head was Roy jumping up and snagging that ball and running it for a TD against Philly on MNF. On offense I can’t really recall any big plays to seal a game other than Dan Campbell’s TD against KC, and that was just making a play he should have made…not creating a big play.

If any of you have watched Devin Hester you know what I mean when I call him a big time PLAYMAKER. He does it all, he is electric when he touches the ball, and he scares the hell out of other teams.

I saw him return the opening kickoff against Florida about 100 yards for a TD his freshman year, and the guy has and can play tailback, fullback, cornerback, wide receiver, and nickel back. Even though his stats don’t necessarily show it, he changes the outcome of games. Last year against Florida St. he ran in and single-handedly blocked a crucial field goal that ended up allowing his team to win the game. Last year against Florida in the Peach Bowl he returned a blocked field goal about 80 yards for a TD in the first half. He is an amazing impact player and outstanding athlete.

I totally agree with Eric, we are in an age where every team needs a player like this. They aren’t specialists, they can play all over the place, all they need is the ball in their hands somehow. This guy’s going to be a star in the NFL for some team…I would love to see him in a Cowboys uniform and not playing for one of our opponents.

That said, I have to agree with Jon Bartlett that BP is going to draft defense (probably LB) on day one. I heard Bobby Carpenter’s dad played for BP, so I think Rafael is right about him being the guy.

BTW – To everyone saying they don’t care about the Skins winning because it makes them have to draft lower…I am pretty sure the Skins don’t have a 1st round pick anyway this year because they traded it to Denver last year. Them finishing lower on the draft order will only hurt Denver and push the Skins further down in the later rounds.

Someone correct me if I’m wrong, but there are very few trades in the NFL, and you guys are dreaming about a 2nd rounder for Ellis or Glover. Why would a team do that?? They know the Cap deadline, and that we will have to cut those guys to avoid the hit! A team trying to trade an older player because of the CAP has no power. A 4th rounder if we’re lucky-
                  and that said, it’ll be a stupid move to trade Ellis. He’s the only one besides Ware who got consistent pressure-the other guys on the DLine are still young and need a vet around. Spears didn’t really show much in terms of playmaking. For his price he’s a STEAL-and a class act.
     As for the draft-defense?? Are you guys crazy?? How about OLINE, OLINE, WR maybe OLB, OLINE, OLINE?? Unless we get basically a whole new line, and I’ve said this since August, we’re going nowhere. Allen and Flo are old oh yeah Rivers too-they’re all injuries waiting to happen (Allen’s ankle? Flo’s knee? Riversa’s everything) Center was joke too-If we get nothing else except 5 good NFL-level OLinemen, we’re set! Imagine how much better our def. would be, ou passing game, the running game-and we better do it now because our window with Bledsoe/Key/Glenn is narrow

Hey, Larry,

You trust rookies to solve the o-line problems next year? I think they’ll be some o-linemen drafted this year, but no more than one on day one. The defense isn’t finished.

As for trading for Glover or Ellis, if you want them, you’ll make a trade. Sure you can wait until they’re cut, but if ten other teams want them, then you’re in a bidding war. Their contracts are known entities.

As for lack of trades, let’s see. Adawale Ogunleye was traded to Chicago by Miami for a #2; Clinton Portis was traded for Champ Bailey and a #2/ Randy Moss was traded for a #1 plus;

The Saints tried to trade Darren Howard for Dat Nguyen and a #1. Dallas gave it serious thought. Denver was offering Trevor Pryce for a #1. Both those guys were just as old, had bigger contracts and medical issues, which Ellis and Glover don’t have.

And Dallas doesn’t have to cut them because their bonuses won’t put the team over the cap.

Terry Glenn was acquired for a 5th rounder. Keyshawn was traded for Joey Galloway. The market for both DLs will be much better, cause there are not enough to go around. If you’re a team like Kansas City, with a closing window because your team is old, and a new, defensive coach, do you flip a second rounder to Dallas and get a known quantity who might get you into the playoffs, or roll the dice on a rookie?

It only takes one, Larry.

Whoops. Ogunleye was traded to Chicago for a #1, not a 2.

The good news for the Cowboys is that there appears to be a glut of quality OT which is our biggest weakness. This gives us more options, including potentially moving down the draft board. Petitti is simply not the answer. The question to me if what if any value Ellis and/or Glover have. Can we package Ellis with our 3rd can we get a high 2nd?

Ideally, after trading down a few spots, I would like to see us get Justice / Winston / McNeill / Scott with our first choice, Carpenter / Ahmad Brooks / Manny Lawson with our 1st second round pick (via Ellis trade) and the best available athlete (hopefully someone slips big-time on draft day) with our original 2nd round pick.

Ngata is a stud who will be long gone by the 18th pick…and speaking of Ahmad Brooks, anyone know why he went from a potential Top 10 pick a year ago when he almost declared early to a possible 2nd round selection this year?

Rafael,

You trust rookies to solve the o-line problems next year?

Not at all. However, sign LJ Shelton, who will not be all that expensive, and the Cowboys could still draft an OT in the first round. Shelton could hold down the fort at RT for 2006. Then the draft pick can take over in 2007.

We need to build an offensive line for the future, especially since our existing one has so many miles on it. We’re not going to do that with LJ Shelton, who is not good enough to be more than a stopgap, or with Jon Runyan, who would just add age to the existing geriatric unit.

I would not be upset if we went into training camp with an offensive line of Adams, Allen (at a reduced cap cost), Johnson, Rivera, and Shelton as the projected starters, with a first-round pick, Colombo, Pettiti, Peterman, maybe Gurode, maybe another draft pick, and maybe even Tucker, as reserves fighting for playing time and roster spots.

Rafael, allow me to compliment you on your fine commentaries and running a nice blog here for us Cowboy fans…

As far as values go, I think that a second rounder for La’Roi Glover and a third rounder for Greg Ellis would about be market value today…

I tell you what my shopping cart would carry from the first and second rounds…via additional trade values acquired with movement of both Ellis and Glover…even if it required a slight movement up in the first, and the payment of a draft pick from the 2007 draft:

2006-

1 OT Marcus McNeill Au
1a NT Haloti Ngata
2 OLB/DE Manny Lawson NC St
2a OG Charles Spencer Pitt
3 FS Pat Watkins Fl St

…and before the question is asked, yes, I would go into the season, counting on everyone of those draft picks. During free agency, I would sign one interior linebacker, a prominent starting free safety, and a dollar heavy kicker…

Putting a name on positions-Corey Chavous at free safety, and Adam Vinaterrie for the place kicker

Day Two could then be used for a developing quarterback competitor, a dominant fullback, a developing-speed receiver, and another linebacker or two…oh yea, a tight end!

If Dat Nguyen is able to come back and play, then some of the cap money could be used for a name type of receiver, which includes someone from the following list:

Reggie Wayne-Colts
Randel El-Pittsburgh
J. Jurivicious-Seattle
Kevin McCardel-San Diego
Kevin Curtis-Rams

My favorite from that group, would be the addition of Curtis and allow him to grow alongside of Crayton…

So, if Dat did come back, and the above was accomplished, the Cowboy roster would look like this:

Defense

SOLB Manny Lawson, Scott Fujita
SILB Bradie James, Ryan Fowler
WILB Dat Nguyen, Scott Shanle
WOLB DeMarcus Ware, Kevin Burnett

SDE Marcus Spears, Jeremiah Ratiff
NT Jason Ferguson, Haloti Ngata, ‘Pepper’ Johnson
WDE Chris Canty, Vontrell Jamison/Kenyon Coleman

LCB Terrence Newman, Aaron Glenn
SS Roy Williams, Justin Beriault
FS Corey Chavous, Pat Watkins
RCB Anthony Henry, Jacques Reeves

Yea, I think I could live with that defense, now…

Offense

LOT Flozell Adams, Marc Colombo
LG Larry Allen, Charles Spencer
C Al Johnson, Andres Gurode
RG Marco Rivera, Stephen Peterman
ROT Marcus McNeill, Rob Petitti

TE Jason Whitten, Dan Campbell, Sean Ryan
FB Lousaka Polite
RB Julius Jones, Marion Barber, Tyson Thompson
QB Drew Bledsoe, Tony Romo, Drew Henson

WR Keyshawn Johnson, Patrick Crayton
     Terry Glenn, Kevin Curtis

K Adam Venaterie

The thing about O-Linemen and D-Backs is those positions are the MOST difficult (other than QB, which is the hardest) for a rookie to come in, start at, and be effective for a whole rookie campaign. The reason is because so much of those positions at the NFL level is being able to react to and contain players that are much bigger, faster, and stronger than they have ever faced in college (or their whole life), and both require much more technique than others and have steeper learning curves.

How many times have you seen opposing teams try to create matchups of one of their best veteran pass rushers against a rookie OT/G? Or veteran wide receiver against a rookie DB? Most of the time the outcome isn’t even fair.

Just imagine being an average to above average veteran pass rusher in this league…who would you rather face: a journeyman veteran OT who may not be stellar, but has been around long enough to know a lot of DL moves, who has played against you twice before, is conditioned, and has solid technique…or a big freshface rookie from the SEC or Big-10 who has never gone up against you (or hardly any NFL pass rushers) before and despite the physical gifts and great college career is green and a little bit anxious? I’d rather go up against the rookie ANYDAY!! I’d be looking forward to that matchup ALL WEEKLONG.

Same with DB. If you are a veteran WR, maybe 4-5 years of NFL experience, with good speed, hands, and moves (far better than even the best WR’s in the PAC10 or ACC), who would you rather face: a middle of the pack DB who has played you and at least 30 others as good as you before, been in the NFL at least as long, has solid NFL techniques down, knows your game and has already been clowned by you as you schooled him for a big play 3 years ago…or would you rather face a rookie who led his college conference in INT’s, big hits, whatever, but has never faced you before, doesn’t know your speed/moves other than from film, has only played against 3 or 4 players with your speed/skills/moves before in his LIFE, and who has to rely only on what he learned in training camp, practice, film, college, and his football instincts to stop you. I’d rather have the rookie covering me ANYDAY!!

Bring in veteran NFL free agents for OL, DB’s, and QB’s (unless you have a top 10 pick for QB and time to develop one). Draft RB’s, LB’s, DL’s, WR’s, etc. I don’t want to watch our 1st or 2nd round draft pick get schooled all next year by the NFC East, have Bledsoe on his backside or worse, and have everyone complaining that BP picked the wrong guy again. Same with FS, people remember the rookie DB who gives up the big play in the big game more than they do the time the rookie DB covers the WR properly and the QB doesn’t throw that direction.

One thing about Ellis, is that he may become the second best pass rusher that becomes available. Once teams get into a bidding war for Abraham, for the teams loosing out, Ellis becomes a major value. If Donnie Henderson (a defensive minded coach) takes over in NY for Herm Edwards, then the Jets may be interested in Ellis to fill the whole that Abraham left. If they get a 1st rounder for Abraham, then giving up their 3rd rounder would not be a huge loss.

Glover too will recieve a lot of interest. Denver is a possibility. Heck, they have the rest of our defensive line from the Campo era, might as well get the player considered the best. His Pro-Bowl honors, the NFL’s Strongest Man title, and his ability to pressure the QB from his DT position should yield a day one pick too.

Eric R:

I think you are right about Ellis and Glover. There are a lot of teams that need D-Line help, and both of these guys would be immediate impact linemen in a 4-3 defense.

Another thing about Denver is that they have 2 first round picks this year (albeit late in the 1st on both), so giving up a 3rd or maybe even a 2nd rounder when they are already pretty loaded with talent anyway for a guy with Glover’s talent and ability wouldn’t be that big of a deal. The only downside for the Cowboys would be that Denver’s picks would likely be near the bottom of either round.

Ellis to the Jets for a 3rd rounder would be ok too, all things considered. It’s just a shame to think that the Vikings got a 1st round pick and a former 1st round LB for Randy Moss. If you include the two 1st rounders we lost in the Joey Galloway deal we wouldn’t have had to do because we still would have had a good receiver after Irvin went down, it makes JJ and Gailey’s passing on Moss all the more devastating in retrospect. One of the all-time draft blunders for this team. Maybe taking Ellis instead of Moss was some sort of karmic retribution for getting the better of the Vikings in the Herschel Walker trade?

Sterling,

Drafts are not made to fix problems for the upcoming year. They are made to build for the future. If a team needs immediate help, especially at those positions you have noted, it should not rely on the draft to fix them THAT YEAR.

That definitely does NOT mean a team should ignore in the draft those positions that take time to develop. It just means they should look elsewhere (free agency, trade, or within) to plug deficiencies in those positions this year.

If another Anthony Munoz or Larry Allen is available in this draft, I do not want the Cowboys to bypass him merely because he will mostly sit on the bench for a year — like Larry Allen did. [Yeah, I know Larry played his rookie year. But, he wasn’t ready for it.]

Also, as a 6-10 team, the Cowboys had holes deep enough that rookies could provide improvement, plus a high enough draft pick to get a more ready-to-start player. As a 9-7 team with a stronger roster, we have fewer such openings (especially at positions where rookies can step right in and contribute immediately), and we have a lower draft pick, with a correspondingly lower chance to get an immediate-impact player. The next DeMarcus Ware is not going to be available to us this year. He will be long gone by the time we pick.

Not that it is the greatest need at this point, but I hope the Boys can get Dwayne Slay from Texas Tech somewhere in the draft. Seems ok in coverage and is an absolute monster hitter with 8 forced fumbles this year, all coming from bone jaring hits. He averages 12.5 tackles per game and is listed at 6’3" and 214. He hits a ton and might have an instant impact on special teams wich would give him a great upside with BP and hopefully work his way into the defense which could help with stopping the run.

Mr. Bill:

I realize the purpose of the draft, but you have to distinguish between the first 3 rounds of the draft and the second day. Yes, drafts are a way to build for the future, but position players and RB/WR’s drafted in the first 3 rounds are almost always expected to come in and contribute immediately or at least sometime in their first season.

I don’t necessarily agree at all that the next DeMarcus Ware won’t be available at #18. This draft is very deep because of all the juniors who have declared, and we may end up having our pick of a few different players of that caliber. Keep in mind that Ware was a #11, and with all these top 10 juniors coming out the Cowboys 18 this year is more like a 13 or 14 last year. That’s pretty close to where we got Ware, and since we got Spears at 20 we will for sure get a player of at least his caliber.

Parcells only signing up for 2 more years along with Bledsoe, Key, and TG’s age and contracts shows me that this team is built to win it all within 2 years. That is the window of opportunity. I doubt if BP is going to want to get burned again drafting OL’s when he can solidify the defense with a 1st rounder. He has been drafting at least one OL every draft since he has been here and none of them have worked out at all. I think he’s rightfully feeling like drafting offensive linemen is like buying a lottery ticket. As a guy who likes to bet on the horses in his spare time, I have heard BP quoted as saying he likes to place small bets that can payoff big. Low risk, high reward. That equates to drafting OL’s on the second day more than on the first.

I see what you are saying about using the draft to build for the future and not as a band aid for temporary difficulties. I also agree that if a true surefire stud RT is still around at #18 BP should at a minimum consider pulling the trigger. My guess is he will address the O-Line through veteran FA’s though.