I think the situation is fairly simple. Posters here, as in every year, don't value TE's as highly as bb and pioli. They've used 2 firsts and third (plus the pick to trade up to get graham) to get what we had last year plus all the picks on failures long gone. This doesn't count Mills, who is a mystery man.
If Graham goes, we will certainly look at TE. To think that bb and pioli won't consider a TE with two first round picks shows a misunderstanding of how the team values positions in the draft.
I recognize that it is POSSIBLE that the FO values Watson and Thomas so much that they will let Graham go, and sign JAG free agent to replace him, and think everything that is fine. I just don't see it.
BTW, the fact that the FO chooses to bring in veteran linebackers year after year, instead of drafting them, does NOT mean that they don't value the position. It simply means, that in THEIR experience, they'd rather train UDFA's like Alexander, Woods and Mays or get their linebackers from other teams like Colvin, Vrabel, Cox, Phifer and Seau (and yes, Beisel, Brown and Gardner). Just by the way, this regime has drafted five linebackers in six years. None are signed for the 2007 roster. The bottom line is that this position has been a strength.
Defensive backs are another matter. They will definitely draft a defensive back or two, especially if Samuel is not expected to play.
The issue is VALUE and perceived need. I think that posters here have different views than than the FO regarding first round value by position, and the need at TE.
Whether any of the TE's will be an appropriate value pick is another question entirely.