Offer made on Chad (1st rd '08, conditional 3rd rd '09)

[The Goat]

I'm less and less excited about CJ or any other vet WR coming to town as part of a big trade. There are 5 1st round quality OTs in the draft with another 2 inside o-lineman and another 4 top tier DTs. Last year proved beyond any reasonable doubt we need young talent at these positions and it's very hard to believe all of the top guys will be gone by the 21st pick. CJ carries a huge risk factor because of his personality w/ the loss of picks we desperately need. For instance, when (not if) our current stock of lineman become injured during the season the downside is huge. Meanwhile, the upside to CJ is questionable and we know exactly what we're giving up: young talent where we need it.

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by The Goat

I'm less and less excited about CJ or any other vet WR coming to town as part of a big trade. There are 5 1st round quality OTs in the draft with another 2 inside o-lineman and another 4 top tier DTs. Last year proved beyond any reasonable doubt we need young talent at these positions and it's very hard to believe all of the top guys will be gone by the 21st pick. CJ carries a huge risk factor because of his personality w/ the loss of picks we desperately need. For instance, when (not if) our current stock of lineman become injured during the season the downside is huge. Meanwhile, the upside to CJ is questionable and we know exactly what we're giving up: young talent where we need it.

Really? You think there's that much first-round OL talent in this year's draft?

[EARTHQUAKE2689]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Really? You think there's that much first-round OL talent in this year's draft?

no there are 2 OT left for 1st round talent and a guard/tackle

[The Goat]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

Really? You think there's that much first-round OL talent in this year's draft?

Sure several drafts have 1) Jake Long 2) Ryan Clady 3) Chris Williams 4) B. Albert 5) Jeff Otah 6) Gosder Cherilus going in the first round. Most of these guys are expected to go before the 21st pick, but I just think it's unlikely all of them will definitely be gone. The steelers have publicly said this is the most talented o-line draft group in 25 years. On the other hand, the top DTs will probably be gone by 21 but who knows. I could be wrong on taking o-line at 21 over a trade for CJ... but I still think it's a much more practical move. I still think young talent on the line kills two birds w/ a single stone: better line (rushing attack/pass protection) and it lets Cooley get away from the line of scrimmage to work his magic. IMO we will all be shocked at what he'll do if given the chance to work more as a receiver. (sorry for being long winded)

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by The Goat

Sure several drafts have 1) Jake Long 2) Ryan Clady 3) Chris Williams 4) B. Albert 5) Jeff Otah 6) Gosder Cherilus going in the first round. Most of these guys are expected to go before the 21st pick, but I just think it's unlikely all of them will definitely be gone. The steelers have publicly said this is the most talented o-line draft group in 25 years. On the other hand, the top DTs will probably be gone by 21 but who knows. I could be wrong on taking o-line at 21 over a trade for CJ... but I still think it's a much more practical move. I still think young talent on the line kills two birds w/ a single stone: better line (rushing attack/pass protection) and it lets Cooley get away from the line of scrimmage to work his magic. IMO we will all be shocked at what he'll do if given the chance to work more as a receiver. (sorry for being long winded)

The Steelers, and others, have said this is the deepest OL draft group (which isn't exactly the same as most talented). I think that even if Otah or Cherilus is there at #21 that is too high to take them. Unless Albert, Williams, or Ryan Clady (I wish!) fell to us at #21 I think we can be as effective addressing our OL needs by selecting something like Schuening and Hills in the 3rd round. In fact, I would argue that what we need more than one great lineman is several very good linemen.