RI: Malcolm Kelly and Phillip Merling

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by SouperMeister

I still say that we must go D-line in the first round and roll the dice that one of the WRs that we like slips.

This strategy would be pretty smart, provided the right d-lineman is there for us when we pick. Sticking at 21 and ending up with Merling at least gives you a chance to have a major pass rusher. Trading down, while sensible for filling depth, usually means you miss out on the major pass rushing talent. Of all the gems that can be unearthed later in drafts, pass rushers are the ones that are the hardest to find. Once you get past the first round, it gets very difficult to find a strong pass rusher who can also hold up against the run. This draft figures to be no different, Merling has that upside, but there are questions on guys like Calais Campbell, and after him there's not much in the way of pass rushing threats.