I was thinking about our teams needs on defense. I think our 2 biggest needs are (not in order of importance): 1) a way to imrpove the defensive front 2) the cornerback situationSo, my question is, what would you rather have, someone like Charles Grant signed for less money then a top notch CB and drafting a CB like Aaron Ross or Marcus McCauley in the 2nd round, or would you rather a CB like Asante Samuel signed for a bit more than Grant and drafting someone like Ilaika Alama-Francis with the same 2nd round pick? Personally, after thinking it over, I think I would want Grant + Ross over Samuel + Alama Francis because I think cornerbacks are always risky, they have on and off seasons much more frequently then most other positions, and it is much harder to find a great 3-4 DE, like Grant, then a good CB.
I go with the DB and draft DL with one of our top 2 picks. Experienced shut down DB's are few and far between, so if one is availabler I go get him... I'm not in love with Samuel, on the other hand I would love to see Nate Clements in Green and White. I would then go with either DL, LB or OL with our top 2 picks (any combination) I would also like to see us draft - Darrelle Reves (SP?) Junior CB from Pittsburgh. A lot of people are over-looking this guy. Lots of INT at Pitt last year and a physical cover corner. One mock draft had him in Round 1,(Miami) but a Top 20 pick IMO is overly ambitous. Personally I peg him as a late 2nd round talent, that would have been a 1st rounder had he stayed for his senior year. Good coaching at Pitt too, no matter what you think of him, Wannstedt is a very successful former NFL D coordinator. The kid has already received real good coaching.
