But even their strategy makes sense. They are absolutely not going to get someone good enough in this draft to change their fate in 2013–they aren’t winning this season no matter what.
And in a draft that is loaded with depth but not necessarily stars, it makes sense to punt on this draft and load up next season with ammunition to make a move to get a true impact player. It’s a risk, but they seem to be the only one taking that risk, which is a big plus too. It’s always a good idea to evaluate a strategy against what everyone else is doing. That’s how you take advantage of market inefficiencies.
Actually, looking into it more, all the teams with horrible management seemed to have messed up this draft, like always, but their idiocy is hidden by the crazy amount of talent available. My favorite is Carolina: they just drafted 2 DT’s in 2011. They have holes all over the roster, pressing needs everywhere - horrible secondary, terrible safeties, few offensive weapons, etc. So what do they do? Draft 2 DT’s AGAIN and an OG with a 5th round grade in the 3rd. It’s not as obviously bad as years past, but it’s still pretty atrocious, considering how talented the draft is, especially at safety.
I could see that… but isn’t this draft perfect for them, in that they can build solid, starting depth everywhere, then try for a future star later? It’s not like they are one playmaker away from being a SB contender.
I really think you guys are being too hard on the Panthers. While I am far, far from a Cam Newton fan, I think they’ve done a pretty good job in their recent drafts. Sure there are major fuckups (Armanti Edwards? Really?), but Luke Kuechly looks like a star, Greg Hardy was a great find in the 6th round, and there is some talent there. As far as this draft goes, I think Star will be great, and people tell me Kawann Short is good (I’m not buying it), but I like the AJ Klein pick. They do still need alot of help though.
NOW the Bears trade back? At least they got a 7th back.
Wonder if they were targeting those CBs that went before their pick and they opted to trade back or if the Falcons really wanted Maponga and thought he’d be gone. Let’s see if Swope or Dysert are still there at 30.
It depends who that superstar is. I would say that you have a better chance to drastically improve your team with one superstar than with several good starters. One really, really good player can make several average guys around him better, too.
I’m not saying I prefer that approach. But either option has value and there’s a lot to be said for being the only team to take advantage of a viable strategy.
Maybe they’ll move Eddie Lacy to ILB. Or, if they’re really desperate, they could sign a couple of overaged, oft injured, unimpressive free agent linebackers and pretend they’ve taken care of the position.
Another guy named Quinton for the 49ers. This time Dial. He’ll fight to make the roster as a backup 3-4 DE. Seems to have good size for a 5-tech. I like the pick.
Damn Redskins just drafted two of “my guys” in this round. Chris Thompson and Brandon Jenkins. If I didn’t hate Daniel Snyder so much, I might consider rooting for them.