Just for the sake of hypothetical discussion, which would you prefer group A 1. Frank Okam DT Texas 2. Dan Bazuin, DE/LB Central Mich 2. Manny Ramirez, OG, Tex Tech 3. Brian Robison, LB Tweener, Texas 4. DeSean Wynn, RB Florida ~~~~ group B 1. Marshawn Lynch, RB Cal 2. Michael Griffen S Texas 2. Lawrence Jackson, DE/LB USC 3. Kyle Young G Fresno St 4. Josh Beekman G BC ~~~~ group C 1. Justin Blalock, G Texas 2. Victor Abiamiri DE/LB ND 2. Adam Carriker DE Nebraska 3. Brian Leonard FB Rutgers 4. Ben Grubbs G Auburn
Group C would give us the best collection of talent of the three, in my opinion by far. Group B is quality as well though, just not sold on Lynch.
I personally like A the best, because it's filled with what we need most - defense. The only problem I have with it is that I'd prefer to get a RB with one of the 2nd rounders... maybe Michael Bush will fall down there now after his injuries. Also, Tony Hunt of Penn State is a lot like Cedric Houston + breakaway speed and durability. He'd be a solid pick in the 3rd or 4th if we can't get a back earlier, and a Hunt/Washington combo would work very effectively. I haven't exactly been looking into the NFL Draft yet, so I don't know player-to-player which group is the most talented, IMO. Lynch is a very, very risky pick for B. He's a talented playmaker, but has a tendency to disappear in college games, so he'll likely do the same at the NFL level. Finally, last but not least, there is no way Brian Leonard falls into the 3rd round. He's a natural, all-around football player
But this kid is a weapon in the running, passing, and blocking games. He is not just a FB, he can be used as a HB, WB, whatever. He has the ability to step right in and be a top 10 FB in the league right away, and as I said he can be used in many different ways (would be great for us as a HB, FB, HB as I said). I don't expect him to be a 1st rounder, but he'll likely land in the early to mid 2nd round, IMO. Don't forget that he is also a workout beast, and his bench and 40 times will likely be fantastic for a FB, making his stock go even higher.
We're not going into the draft with the same group of backs, Tangini is going to have to make a splash in free agency to get an upgrade at RB, so we're not desperate come April.
We aren't drafting 2 guards in the first four rounds. In the first three rounds we are going to draft. RB, LB, D-Line and maybe a guard with our extra pick depending on who is avaliable. Leonard is luxary that we can't afford to pick up right now.
