Jerod Mayo?

[Rajmahal33]

My only issue with picking Mayo so early is that, starting LB's in the NFL are almost a dime a dozen. More importantly, there are diamonds in the rough to be had for sure. Whether its in later rounds or FA market signing or even in off of a practice squad. If need be we can find a LB or two at any given time (case in point Godfrey)

Also LB's tend to be system guys (more so than any other defensive position) so a great guy for our current 4-3 system could be ineffective in a 3-4 role (or for zone vs gap responsiblities, or rush vs pass, etc etc). Who's to say we don't get a new defensive coordinator in a year or two who implements a totally different system which Mayo might not fit into (a la Lavar). Vesting such a high pick in a guy who isn't absolutely necessary to improve our defense would be foolish IMO.

Considering the risk-reward tradeoff as well as the overall pool of starting LBs, I think it would be a stretch to pick up any LB in the 1st round. There will be CB's, D-linemen, O-linemen, and WR's available of comparable talent levels.