Roy,
you're right, you can't make everyone happy.
(BTW, Roy's are always right, just ask me:-)
I like our offense and don't think we're that far off, either, but just because it's good doesn't mean it can't get better, especially when every other team is gonna try to improve their offense in the draft. I like Maclin, but think he'll be gone by the time the 15th pick rolls around. Harvin is just as good with better experience having played a vital roll in two BCS championships. The thing I really like about him is he plays RB and can spell Slaton. Something we need. But he can also line up as WR and safety valve and even do some returns. He's just so versatile for one player. Players that talented come around once every so often. He's virtually a can't miss.
Our defense needs to be upgraded and given some quality depth at multiple positions, but drafting an OLB that is a project in the first round doesn't help us on improving on an 8-8 season while other teams get better. I know we need probably 2-3 linebackers, but drafting for that need in the first round will make us reach for a player that probably won't be ready for at least a year. That player would be going up against elite players in the pros and I don't know if he's ready for that yet. It's gonna be really hard to learn that position in the pros going up against the best RB, TE, and linemen there is. Just ask Duane Brown and the 11 sacks he surrendered last year. We don't need to reach for another first round project.
The good news is that this is a deep class for linebackers and corners and we should be able to find starters at both positions in the mid-rounds. Dante will always need a quality backup after his surgery, and you could easily make a case for Reeves as well. He didn't start turning his head to make a play on the ball until the end of the season.
I think building a good defense should start in the secondary. Once you have your deep targets covered, you should build up the D-line with some good run-stuffers and pass-rushers to pressure the offense. Then build a quality LB corp that is smart, aggressive, and with good instincts.
We're not far off and could make HUGE improvements through this draft.
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