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Sheriff Gonna Getcha · 01-12-2008, 11:36 AM

Again, I'd LOVE to have Betts and Portis sharing the load. But, I still believe we have greater needs at other positions that could justify the trading of Betts for draft picks.

We need to start thinking about gradually replacing, and immediately adding depth to, the O-line. We need a new #2 WR if you are unhappy with ARE (which I am not). We need a new SS if you are unhappy with Doughty. We need a new CB if you think Springs will be gone, Rogers will not be back from injury, OR Leigh Torrence should be relegated to dime duties. We need a LDE if you think Philip Daniels will be cut, retire, or needs to be replaced within the next season or so. We need a new DT if you think Griffin will be cut and Golston isn't read to step up OR we need more depth. We need new linebackers if you think Washington will be cut, Fletcher is getting old, Rocky will not be recovered from the torn MCL and ACL, and HB Blades hasn't shown enough to replace any of our current starters on a long term basis. While I think we have a great roster in place and do not intend to overstate the need for new personnel, I think we have several areas in which we could improve by adding new young guys via the draft.

Moreover, with all due respect to Portis, Betts, and every other RB in the league, RBs are the most fungible players in the league. When former 4th round pick Rudi Johnson went down with injury, the undrafted Kenny Watson stepped in and nearly created a RB controversy in Cincy. Willie Parker, who also went undrafted, replaced Jerome Bettis without missing a beat. 7th rounder Ahmad Bradshaw, 4th rounder Brandon Jacobs, and 7th rounder Derrick Ward stepped into Tiki's shoes and produced the 4th ranked rushing attack in NY. 4th rounder Marion Barber made the Pro Bowl in Dallas. Brian Westbrook replaced the fan-favorite Duce Staley in Philly and was a late 3rd rounder. UFA Ryan Grant seems to be destined to replace Ahman Green in Green Bay. Ernest Graham was running as well as, if not better, than the Caddy in Tampa. And the list goes on.

Betts is a nice luxury, but one that I'd give up if it meant we'd be able to draft another Rocky McIntosh at another position of need. All that being said, this is pure offseason speculation.

01-12-2008, 11:36 AM	#38
Sheriff Gonna Getcha Franchise Player Join Date: Feb 2004 Age: 47 Posts: 8,317	Re: Should we deal Ladell Betts??? Again, I'd LOVE to have Betts and Portis sharing the load. But, I still believe we have greater needs at other positions that could justify the trading of Betts for draft picks. We need to start thinking about gradually replacing, and immediately adding depth to, the O-line. We need a new #2 WR if you are unhappy with ARE (which I am not). We need a new SS if you are unhappy with Doughty. We need a new CB if you think Springs will be gone, Rogers will not be back from injury, OR Leigh Torrence should be relegated to dime duties. We need a LDE if you think Philip Daniels will be cut, retire, or needs to be replaced within the next season or so. We need a new DT if you think Griffin will be cut and Golston isn't read to step up OR we need more depth. We need new linebackers if you think Washington will be cut, Fletcher is getting old, Rocky will not be recovered from the torn MCL and ACL, and HB Blades hasn't shown enough to replace any of our current starters on a long term basis. While I think we have a great roster in place and do not intend to overstate the need for new personnel, I think we have several areas in which we could improve by adding new young guys via the draft. Moreover, with all due respect to Portis, Betts, and every other RB in the league, RBs are the most fungible players in the league. When former 4th round pick Rudi Johnson went down with injury, the undrafted Kenny Watson stepped in and nearly created a RB controversy in Cincy. Willie Parker, who also went undrafted, replaced Jerome Bettis without missing a beat. 7th rounder Ahmad Bradshaw, 4th rounder Brandon Jacobs, and 7th rounder Derrick Ward stepped into Tiki's shoes and produced the 4th ranked rushing attack in NY. 4th rounder Marion Barber made the Pro Bowl in Dallas. Brian Westbrook replaced the fan-favorite Duce Staley in Philly and was a late 3rd rounder. UFA Ryan Grant seems to be destined to replace Ahman Green in Green Bay. Ernest Graham was running as well as, if not better, than the Caddy in Tampa. And the list goes on. Betts is a nice luxury, but one that I'd give up if it meant we'd be able to draft another Rocky McIntosh at another position of need. All that being said, this is pure offseason speculation.