[papabear]

I'm not against taking a D-lineman in the first, but it's also not my first choice. I think if we are going to go for a DT then it needs to be someone like Raji who is expected to be able to play more of 2gap space eating type of tackle. The problem with that is that I don't think the chances of any rookie DT being able to step in and dominate for 16 games (DT's need to grow into that position) so I doubt we would see the full benefit of Raji next year (that shouldn't be a reason not to pick him though).

If we're talking ends then I think we need a speed rush type guy who FLIES off the ball. The problem is most of those guys aren't very good against the run. So we are either using a first round pick on a specialist, or giving up a little in the run stopping department. I'm sure there are plenty of guys quick enough to be the speed rusher who are adequate against the run....there just very hard to find. With Mario at the other end and a hopefully improved interior we should be able to work around it, but if all we need is a specialist there should be a fast undersized DE later in the draft who could fill that role.

I would like upgrade our LB's too, but I think the most logical upgrade would be at SAM. Again, I'm not sure I want to use a first rounder on a guy who likely won't be a three down player. Demeco could be moved over to the WILL, but that puts another promising young player on the sidelines...so that new MLB better be pretty darn good.

I don't see CB because of Bennet, Molden, Reeves, and Dunta (assuming he comes back). I know most people would like to see Reeves gone, but even if that happened it would still be tough for them to get on the field even if you assume they beat out Molden.

Safety to me is the obvious choice based on needs, but I'm not sure if there are any there that are worthy. I am completely off of the Moore bandwagon. I wouldn't be upset if we took him, but it's not something I'm rooting for anymore.

I think you need to take a look at every player available when your turn comes up in the first round. It's hard enough to get 10 guys to agree on who the best is at position x....it's even harder to get everyone to agree on who is the best when comparing two guys at vastly different positions. That's where need should be the tiebreaker. I don't think we need anything other than better depth and a compliment to Slaton on offense, so I hope we get another difference maker on defense somewhere in the draft.