[Roy P]

Looking back at the 2006 draft the Miami Dolphins had a need in the Secondary and already had a very good RB in Ronnie Brown. So, at #16 they selected Jason Allen who could play CB or at worst play FS. They did not draft DeAngelo Williams (drafted #27), who I might say would have had a bigger impact on the team. That is why a NEED can't be the main reason to select a player.

In 2004, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafted WR Michael Clayton #15 overall allowing the Patriots to draft DT Vince Wilfork #21. Now, the Bucs had a pretty good defense and needed to add some offensive weapons. However, that just looks like a bad decision based upon strengths and weaknesses of the team's roster. We are talking about the same thing here, just on opposite sides of the ball.

Now I realize our offense moved the ball pretty well and our WR's and Slaton are pretty good. So, taking an offensive player isn't a priority. Therefore, if Maclin or a good RB is on the board, we should strive to trade down. That way, if we draft Matthews with the 19th pick, we should get some compensation (like a 3rd round pick and less guaranteed money) that reduces the risk. Remember when we traded down and could not draft Derrick Johnson?

I don't know if they wanted him, but I think they did not. By trading down, they were able to acquire Eric Winston. Now, I'm not sure if Travis Johnson + Eric Winston => Derrick Johnson, but at least they didn't "reach" for TJ without a safety net simply because they wanted a DT more than a LB.