GBN's Quick Look at the 2009 Draft

[Roy P]

After watching the Ore St. vs. USC game, I'm not so thrilled about going after Brian Cushing as an OLB. He reminds me a lot of Tim Shaw (who was recently released by the Panthers). If I'm convinced that we need a "playmaker" at OLB, then I'd be more inclined to go after a WLB like Aaron Curry who will be able to defend the pass, run, and rush the QB on all 3 downs. I don't see Cushing as a guy who can put much pressure on the QB on 3rd down by putting his hand on the ground when we are in a Nickle formation.

Another thing that really hit home with Mays not playing as much during that game (and Bob Sanders sitting out the Jags game) was how important a dominant Safety can be. When we drop one of our guys into the box, it really doesn't stop the run. Perhaps this weekend I'll be proven wrong. At any rate, I'd love to have a guy who can wrap up a RB in the backfield before they break loose for 10+ yards. Can William Moore be that guy? Perhaps Mays?

I'm hopeful that we got a run-stuffing DT in the middle with Frank Okam. Therefore, I won't say that is a "have to have" at this point.

However, getting a DE who will be able to pass-rush better than N.D. Kalu is a definite must have for this defense.

The emergence of Steve Slaton has been a nice surprise. I'd like to get his complement, if Chris Taylor can't meet that role. Mainly, to keep Slaton fresh but to also gain short yardarge when moving the pile is required. Luckily, I believe that role could be met by getting a player later in the draft or possibly signing an undrafted FA.

So, on Sept 26, 2008, my priorities would be the following....
1. S (William Moore)
2. WLB (Aaron Curry)
3. OL (Alex Boone, Kraig Urbik, Andy Levitre, or Andy Kemp)
4. DE (Derek Walker)
5. QB (Chase Daniel)
6. SLB (Stryker Sulak)
7. RB (Tristan Davis or Herb Donaldson)