The track record shows that Lito has had horrible luck staying healthy. The track record also shows that ALOT of the iggles have had a rough time of it when it comes to staying on the field.
Perhaps there is a commonality between Lito's injuries, and The rest of the Teams' injuries. A common factor other than the game of football...Perhaps its the training/medical staff. Perhaps its the style of defense they run, or how they practice...
Theres also a track record of Lito being a great player and shutting down great receivers. As another member posted before, He has shut down TO three times, and had a WONDER of a game against Moss Last Season. Tell me what receivers on this level Assante shut down last season? There isn't a play making receiver on this level in our division.
Many times last season Assante would cover the opposing teams' number 2, as Hobbs would draw the tougher match.
Im not making the arguement that Assante sucks, nor am I making the argument that Lito is a better DB or even on the same level as Samuel, but I am arguing Lito has SHUTDOWN great recievers,
Comparing Lito and Samuel may be like comparing apple to oranges, as they are both very different in their style of play.
Samuel is a Ballhawk, an excellent route jumping ZONE corner, but isn't really known for completely taking away another teams best receiver.
Lito is a Man - Man corner. He CAN completely take away an opposing teams best receiver, Perhaps the reason he doesn't possess the flashy stats is because teams dont throw the ball his way, due to the receiver not being open.
Lito being on this team, would Change the type of defense we run. The knock against him not "making everyone around him better" is crap and heres why:
to Quote Disgruntled tuna fan:
He disrupts the receiver at the Line of scrimmage, thus throwing the timing of the route off, making it take LONGER. This IMMENSELY helps the pass rush!!! One hand washes the other...
Now in conclusion...
The cost!
Using this Value Chart, I dont see Why a Swap of First Rounders(moving from 7 - 19), and the inclusion of OUR late third wouldnt work. Perhaps, you get away with including a 4th rounder, or not including a pick at all...
And his Contract? Give him an Extension! He plays for 4 million this year. If he shows he is worth it, OBVIOUSLY, he gets a ~4 million March Roster Bonus, and 5-6 million a year after that.
The rest of his current contract looks like this:
2008: $3,450,000 (2 mil base salary+1.45 mil proration; $2,900,000 dead money if cut)
2009: $4,450,000 (3 mil base salary+1.45 mil proration; $1,450,000 dead money if cut)
2010: $3,700,000 (base salary)
2011: $4,250,000 (base salary)
Bottom line
Lito is a 100% PROVEN quantity when compared to the CB's in the 2008 draft. He can Help RIGHT NOW. He has SHUTDOWN top talent in the NFL Somewhat consistently.
Dom Capers is our Defensive Backs Coach. Even if he starts 10 games next season due to injury, Odds are thats 100% better than if we played with a rookie on the roster for 19 games while starting Bryant.
I say the Benefit Far Outweighs the Risk. If BB were to pickup Lito, I would not be opposed! Im firmly in the Lito to the Pats Camp. Now...let me start my novel post in support of Pacman! Lets make it Rain! :bricks: