Options at DE

[JWsleep]

I'd give a 2nd for AS. He's got the skills and he fits our need to a T. I'd be surprised if we get him for a 3rd.

I'm still ok with getting stronger in trade and FA--the key is taking the right people. AA was a mistake because he SUCKED, not because we got him in FA.

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by JWsleep

I'd give a 2nd for AS. He's got the skills and he fits our need to a T. I'd be surprised if we get him for a 3rd.

I'm still ok with getting stronger in trade and FA--the key is taking the right people. AA was a mistake because he SUCKED, not because we got him in FA.

Good points all around, BUT from a cap perspective, we can only afford to give up precious cap dollars if we get cheap young talent in there to replace said signing 2-3 years down the road. We simply can't afford to deal picks for Schobel, because then our hands are tied when it comes to replacing Carter/Schobel/Griffin.

I can't stress enough how important it is from a cap situation that we hit on all of our first day draft picks over the next two years. I mean, we're pretty much screwed in 2009 defensively if we don't get at least two starters in the draft next year.

And its really difficult to make good picks if you don't have the picks.

If we wait ONE year, all these players will come to us in FA if we still want them. A day one pick is a big premium to pay for one year usage of a player.

[JWsleep]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Good points all around, BUT from a cap perspective, we can only afford to give up precious cap dollars if we get cheap young talent in there to replace said signing 2-3 years down the road. We simply can't afford to deal picks for Schobel, because then our hands are tied when it comes to replacing Carter/Schobel/Griffin.

I can't stress enough how important it is from a cap situation that we hit on all of our first day draft picks over the next two years. I mean, we're pretty much screwed in 2009 defensively if we don't get at least two starters in the draft next year.

And its really difficult to make good picks if you don't have the picks.

If we wait ONE year, all these players will come to us in FA if we still want them. A day one pick is a big premium to pay for one year usage of a player.

I hear you, GT. In the end, your most likely right--we've got to take the pain this year, and hit it in the draft. But AS would be a good fit, cap notwithstanding. Wouldn't be surprised if our FO goes the short term root again. They are obviously hopeful on finding some more Antonio Pierce type guys in late rounds and undrafted FA, but that's not a safe thing to bet on.