kungfoodude

Doesn't really sound like it would make much difference, unfortunately. There are solutions to solving the problem in the NFL but they would likely be very expensive, so I doubt you will see them anytime soon.

I simply don't agree. We largely opted for backup caliber players and to accumulate JAGS. It would be nice to be wrong but aside from Horn, I believe the 2021 draft class will be considered a dramatic failure. My takeaway at the time is that we passed on starters for improved depth. I just don't see that as being much of a decision long term.

Mid-to-late round picks are fine to accumulate but not when you fail to draft well in the 1st-3rd round. That's just basically gambling on low probability chances in the hopes to hit on longshots. I suppose if you can predict success at a savant level, that would make sense. Otherwise, you are just doing it for nothing. The draft last year definitely indicated the latter and not the former. Hence why I don't just give Fitt a pass on being good yet.

Well it might be overrated but when a lot of excellent IOL are taken in the second or third round, it does make the value of using a high first round draft pick less. But, you also might get a Quentin Nelson type, as well. Additionally, you are locking a player in at a relatively high price for an IOL even as a rookie(which is one of the big arguments against taking RB's in the top 5). Deservedly or not, former first round draft picks also tend to command higher prices in their subsequent contracts. Although you may end up with an All Pro caliber IOL from Neal/Ekwonu/Penning not panning out at LT, it would definitely be a missed pick. Even if they are successful players.

I am not sure that what he did last draft and season wouldn't be considered "willy-nilly." I know the board likes Fitt because of his aggressive trading but we have really yet to see that produce any meaningful results. So, I would be rather skeptical of his trade prowess until we see those results.

That is kind of the nightmare scenario. Watching us mortgage future draft capital in another "win now" attempt.

The only thing that should give us some level of pause for Neal(which if he is there I would take him in a heartbeat) is that it is a little bit wild he isn't universally viewed as a HR #1 OT pick. Especially given his athleticism and size. Everything about him screams #1 overall pick material but he didn't always play at that level. Nor do teams universally view him as a top 10 pick. That is actually a little concerning.

Yeah and I do understand that. Especially when you pick at 6. If the guy ends up being a long term Pro Bowl guard, you could have technically gotten that much later. Not great positional value at all.

The concern is the level of involvement, which we don't truly know.

In the story I was told, the dude was often drunk at practices. Also, if you are still smelling like booze, you likely still have a measurable BAC.

I have heard from a former NBA player that they had a guy show up reeking of booze for a lot of practices and still dominate. He is also a multiple All Star player.

If he falls to the 4th, we better make that pick.

Boy it would be nice to have that 2nd round pick......

He's jealous that Barner is more successful.

Faalele??

I generally disagree. I can see a definite argument for him being a bust as a LT but it's hard for me to envision Ekwonu or Penning(barring injury) being true busts. The way they play the game, the athletic ability and their intelligence(both smart guys), makes me think they will be successful SOMEWHERE on the OL. I don't see all the same things in Neal or Cross. But, I mean, give me any of the 4.

I think that is the thing about saying "bust." Do we mean Greg Little bust or a guy who busts at the position? Guys like Neal, Ekwonu or Penning might be Pro Bowl caliber players at RT or OG. Is that a true bust or maybe just a guy that wasn't great positional value?

I kind of think he could kick inside to guard and play really well though.

Guys like Zion and Salyer are way it hurts to badly to not have 2nd or 3rd round draft picks. Once again there are long term start potential IOL available in the 2nd and 3rd round.

That was gonna be my comment. If you mean AT LT, Neal or Ekwonu. But I also think those guys could be Pro Bowl caliber OG's or RT's. The biggest chance of being an overall bust, probably Cross.

With Fields and Slater on the board, the Horn pick was fuging mystifying.

Eh....I mean....did it? I would call it a mixed bag, at best.

Okay, so this is just a bunch of general nonsense. Not really much of a story.