I was literally, I mean LITERALLY, screaming for Manny Lawson in 2006 - I knew we'd take him; that's why, although I could see us one, I'm not buying into the "the Patriots really want Gholston or C. Long" stuff.
So was I. Actually I was praying BB would tade up and grab Wimberley. But when that didn;t happen, I was riding the Manny bandwagon full tilt.
BB once said it was hard to find bug guys that run fast. And there was Manny, a big guy that ran very fast. And BB passed on him!
And even though deep down inside, I think we need a third down speed rusher; ala Meriman or Ware or Taylor, super badly, I can not honestly see BB taking a Gholston or C Long because I do not think he is comfortable PROJECTING them into a different position.
(FYI does anybody know how many forced fumbles Gholston caused last year? I do. The answer is ZERO! Very telling stat.)
The reason I picked up on Groves so long ago was that BB had 2 games of film of Groves as an OLB in a 4-3 and that combined with his size and speed, led me to believe that BB might see something there. But now we have a heart valve problem that needed surgery, so I would not even think of spending 1st round money on Groves.
I still believe BB will try at all costs to trade out of #7, even if it is not trade chart wise to do so. If BB can NOT get out of the #7 spot, I think he goes USC, Rivers or Ellis.
And while neither is a perfect fit in his schemes, they are versatile enough to add depth this year and eventually start somewhere down the road.
PS: If BB takes OLB Rivers and ILB Williams this year and ILB Malulaiga and OLB Cushings next year, we could start four USC LBs on our 2009 defense. Wouldn;t that make Pete "the rete" Carroll smile ear to ear?
