[CRedskinsRule]

Originally Posted by JoeRedskin

Just curious about people's philosophy for this draft: At the 5th pick, for the Skins, which would you rather do:

(1) Take a player with a potentially higher ceiling but who is a bigger risk for flaming out? (Think Justin Blackmon); or
(2) Take a player who is considered safe, has a high floor, will almost definitely give several good to very good seasons but may not ever be a "playmaker"? (Think Q. Jammer)?

Personally, I am fully committed to option 2. This team is so talent poor that it needs quality, quality and more quality - particularly on D. Now is not the time to take risks -even with (or especially with) the 5th pick. Rather, right now, I am looking for solid starters who may or may not be the next S. Taylor/J. Seau/L. Tomlinson just so long as he isn't Blackmon/Sanchez/Curtis Ennis. Give me an E.J. Junior, Gary Jeter or Duane Bickett and I'll be okay with it. [All players listed are former 5th spot picks.]

Obviously, I am hopeful we get a playmaker, but, for this team, at this time, I prefer a low-risk, high floor type player. For example, from what I have read, Fowler or Cooper would be the type of guy with whom I would be happy - Gregory, White, not so much. Once the base is built with tough, talented football players (like the guys we seem to have gotten in FA), then take risks and maybe pay for an N. Suh or J. Byrd. To me, a solid build means no "flash" but, instead, lots of quality guys and an eventual dash of flash.

Outside Brady, where are the playmakers in NE? In Seattle, you have the Legion of Boom (made up last year of one 1st rounder (Thomas) and two 5ths (Chancellor, Sherman) and a 7th (C. Williams)), Wilson (3rd) and Lynch (trade). G.Bay? A. Rodgers and his receivers (none of whom are 1st rounders) and Mathews. All of these teams have first round picks scattered amongst their teams as solid contributors but who are not necessarily "playmakers." Really to me, the only sure-fire playmaker at the top of the draft is Williams. After that, every potential high ceiling guy also has the potential to be out of the league or a back-up by year 4.

At 5 I want a moderately high upside guy, with no obvious off field issues and no health issues. With only 4 guys off the board a team should get a rock solid player who will impact immediately and a virtual guarantee that his spot won't be a concern for the next 3-5 years (One proviso is if the player is behind another strong position, say we took a stellar LT, then you may not start him right away).

I am so anxious to see who we draft in the first 3 rounds. I have convinced myself that Mr Scot will make impeccably logical and fascinating decisions and leading us on a 5year mission to explore strange new places such as the playoffs conference championship and superbowls, to boldly go where DS has never gone before.