Tweaking our offensive/defensive lines

[Roy P]

How much do you give up to trade up for Eric Berry? Do we have enough to get that high? Could we trade a Dunta Robinson and some draft picks to get it done? How much of a drop off is Earl Thomas from Eric Berry? For that matter, could Brandon Ghee play FS without giving up anything other than a 2nd round pick?

[HPF Bob]

You guys do realize we're picking 20th this year, right? We're not in that 8-12 range anymore. So trading down (ala Cleveland) doesn't work nearly as well when you're already starting at 20 and moving up to get Eric Berry means trading half of your draft to climb up and get him.

Oh, and I did mean Caldwell. My bad.

[sinnister]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

You guys do realize we're picking 20th this year, right? We're not in that 8-12 range anymore. So trading down (ala Cleveland) doesn't work nearly as well when you're already starting at 20 and moving up to get Eric Berry means trading half of your draft to climb up and get him.

Oh, and I did mean Caldwell. My bad.

Yup. You are right. I think that there is no way it happens. It also means not filling some needed holes. All valid points.

[NBT]

I just think Wilson coming back negates the have to have need for FS in this coming draft. DT & OL are just too good in this draft to sacrifice the player or draft pick it would take to get Berry. I am like PK in that I usually like the idea of trading down. However, with us not drafting till the 20th pick this year, the idea of trading up holds some appeal for me.

[HPF Bob]

Having watched Thomas all season, I think he's an excellent ballhawk who makes big plays but he's not a big hitter. You pair him with Pollard (or "Brady Killah", as I've started to call him) and you have a good combo. You pair him with a safety who can't stuff the run, and you are more vulnerable.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

You pair him with Pollard (or "Brady Killah", as I've started to call him) and you have a good combo. You pair him with a safety who can't stuff the run, and you are more vulnerable.

Of course I'm going to pair him with Pollard. That guy was my MVP.

[sinnister]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Having watched Thomas all season, I think he's an excellent ballhawk who makes big plays but he's not a big hitter. You pair him with Pollard (or "Brady Killah", as I've started to call him) and you have a good combo. You pair him with a safety who can't stuff the run, and you are more vulnerable.

I havent seen a lot of Thomas, but the little bit I have seen of him I like. I thought he played great when I have watched him. From what I have read, I would love to pair him with Pollard, just like I would love to pair Berry with Pollard. I am afraid that we may have to trade up to get a shot at Thomas though.

[cland]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

You guys do realize we're picking 20th this year, right? We're not in that 8-12 range anymore. So trading down (ala Cleveland) doesn't work nearly as well when you're already starting at 20 and moving up to get Eric Berry means trading half of your draft to climb up and get him.

Oh, and I did mean Caldwell. My bad.

I feel like trading down out of the #20 into the second round, is almost easier than trying to get out of the top #10 these days. With the depth in this class I'd love to see us draft at #37, #51, #60, and maybe an extra pick in the third.

[nero THE zero]

Originally Posted by cland

I feel like trading down out of the #20 into the second round, is almost easier than trying to get out of the top #10 these days. With the depth in this class I'd love to see us draft at #37, #51, #60, and maybe an extra pick in the third.

With the absence of a salary cap and the lingering possibility of a rookie pay scale I don't think this paradigm holds true anymore.

I do agree about adding picks though.

[HPF Bob]

It sure seems to me that our top three draft needs are DB, RB, OG in no particular order. So, before trading down, I'd look to see where each group looks like they'll be losing their top players and not fall below that.

Of course, free agency could and probably will change our needs list which is why mocks at this time of year seem a bit pointless.

[NBT]

Sure Bob, but it still gives us a chance to soundoff and give our opinions, whether or not they have any efficacy.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

It sure seems to me that our top three draft needs are DB, RB, OG in no particular order.

The next question is when we talk DB, are we saying CB or FS? I really think that the only difference makers at FS are Berry or Thomas. I'm starting to get on the bandwagon that thinks Taylor Mays may not be the next Sean Taylor.

We can get an OG in the 3rd, but does he crack the lineup and make an impact?

So, a FS in the 1st, OG in the 2nd, and RB in the 3rd.
If the FS is off the board, then I'd say OG in the 1st, then CB in the 2nd, RB in the 3rd.

[sinnister]

Originally Posted by Roy P

The next question is when we talk DB, are we saying CB or FS? I really think that the only difference makers at FS are Berry or Thomas. I'm starting to get on the bandwagon that thinks Taylor Mays may not be the next Sean Taylor.

We can get an OG in the 3rd, but does he crack the lineup and make an impact?

So, a FS in the 1st, OG in the 2nd, and RB in the 3rd.
If the FS is off the board, then I'd say OG in the 1st, then CB in the 2nd, RB in the 3rd.

I totally agree Roy. I think the difference makers at db are the FS, and that is Berry and Thomas, in that order. So, if we are going in that direction, that is great. If not, then OL, RB, DL, or even LB. Heck, a dominant WR to pair with AJ would be great.

[sinnister]

Originally Posted by Roy P

How much do you give up to trade up for Eric Berry? Do we have enough to get that high? Could we trade a Dunta Robinson and some draft picks to get it done? How much of a drop off is Earl Thomas from Eric Berry? For that matter, could Brandon Ghee play FS without giving up anything other than a 2nd round pick?

Roy, I do like Witherspoon as well. I noticed your signature. Personally, I think Earl Thomas could be very good. I don't think he is in the same league as Berry, but I can't honestly answer how much better our secondary would be with Berry vs. Thomas. How much will it cost......Wow. Another good question. Would they take Drob......Another good one. I believe that Berry could make us significantly better, which is why I do the deal. It's probably to early to say what the Texans will do, but it is fun thinking about it.