I don't want to touch the LJ talk (ps, working him into a stable is the best possible situation for the "lots of wear on the tread" back...) or the Gonzo talk (tempting as it is from a dream point of view.)
Just talking about trade value for Cassel:
Clearly Pioli knows how to trade down and get value for the 3 overall. Regardless, what we are expressing on this thread (see the guy w/the list of high draft pick busts,) is that the draft affords you high upside and high risk. What Cassel gives you is pretty decent upside and very low risk; i.e. he is proven, and he CAN get better. Obviously it doesn't hurt that Pioli's "picked" him once already.
What are you looking for with a #3 overall guy? Obviously a superstar, but that's also not necessarily what you get. In most cases, you are hoping that you will get a significant NFL player who can play right out of the box.
Well, that's what Cassel already is.
So to me, sure, a GOOD NFL QB, with some upside potential still, represents a significant enough upgrade to merit a #3 overall. I'm sure this will piss off the usual crop of draftniks, but they're never right anyway so I'm only so worried about that LOL.
Do I think Pioli does it? Do I think the Carolina scenario is sexier? No, and yes. But we'll see. As I recall we'll be alllllll the way up to the Combine soon. We have a ways to go.
PFnV