Only 8 OL's in the top 45; 9 between 71-100

[MaineMan]

Our OL is not the problem on this team. The problem is that if the OL doesn't dominate on any given night, and Brady has an off (for him) game, the team struggles. That's because our defense is incapable of winning games.

Our premiere pass rusher had a whopping 5 sacks and 1 FF (that being with not time left in a meaningless game) - all while being a liability against the run.

Our "pro bowl" safety had more penalties called on him than he had passes defended because he is more concerned with head-hunting than playing the ball.

Our best DL had to be moved around every single game to cover up for deficiencies.

Our best run stuffing LB is a huge liability against the pass.

Our best coverage LB is a major liability against the run and screens.

Our starting CB was benched after being lit up for 2 straight games to start the season.

Our starting CB who replaced him had to play pass-rushing DE for a half against the Colts because BB thought he was an upgrade from our previous 3rd down pass rush specialist - Shawn Crable.

So I say - use the top 45 picks to get some playmakers on defense.

I agree with all your individual points about various defensive players. However, I don't believe that these weaknesses collectively form "THE" problem with the team. I don't believe that there is any single problem that kept us from moving on in the playoffs. it was more like a couple relatively big ones and a bunch of somewhat smaller ones. And, we won't fix even most of those smaller ones in this one draft.

I DO believe, however, that, as well as the O-line did (or did not) play in 2010, it WILL become a problem in 2011 and a dire emergency by 2012 if we don't take the relatively unusual opportunity we have in this draft to solidify it for the future it with one or two of our top 60 picks. To me, the is one of those "couple biggies" we really need to address if we want to be able to get past the first playoff round next season.

 

[TheBaronPatriot]

I haven't ready anything here about Tyron Smith.
From what I've read he's very athletic with great feet.

He Looks more like a DE (not much fat) at 6"5 280 and needs to put on weight no question about it. He reminds me of Ferguson from the Jets who came out a bit light himself. I wouldn't be surprised to see him weigh in around 305. In which case he would be about as large as Matt Light.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I haven't ready anything here about Tyron Smith.
From what I've read he's very athletic with great feet.

He Looks more like a DE (not much fat) at 6"5 280 and needs to put on weight no question about it. He reminds me of Ferguson from the Jets who came out a bit light himself. I wouldn't be surprised to see him weigh in around 305. In which case he would be about as large as Matt Light.

I'm much rather get someone like Lee Smith, who is a ferocious blocker but not a great receiving TE, and then train him up like they've done with Steve Maneri.

 

[bucky]

I agree with all your individual points about various defensive players. However, I don't believe that these weaknesses collectively form "THE" problem with the team. I don't believe that there is any single problem that kept us from moving on in the playoffs. it was more like a couple relatively big ones and a bunch of somewhat smaller ones. And, we won't fix even most of those smaller ones in this one draft.

I DO believe, however, that, as well as the O-line did (or did not) play in 2010, it WILL become a problem in 2011 and a dire emergency by 2012 if we don't take the relatively unusual opportunity we have in this draft to solidify it for the future it with one or two of our top 60 picks. To me, the is one of those "couple biggies" we really need to address if we want to be able to get past the first playoff round next season.

What makes this such an "unusual opportunity"? This is not a particularly good OL class. And if we happen to resign both Light and Mankins, our OL needs for 2011 are going to be zero and our needs for 2012 can be addresses by pick 60 or 74.

Fact of the matter is that any of the issues I listed in my earlier post appear to be more problematic for 2011 than our OL.