"why should we pass up the higher-rated (offensive) prospect?"-Rick Smith

[HPF Bob]

Smith is saying the right things. If there's an offensive player graded much higher than any defensive player on his board, they take the offensive player. And they can have that on the record to improve their chances of a trade down scenario should a QB or Maclin be there with a severe drop down to the next guy (although I love Hakeem Nicks - I think in the right system he could be like Jerry Rice whom the draftniks also complained was too slow).

Do I really think Smith will draft offense in the first?? NAAAAHHHH! But he still has to say he might so as not to get boxed in on draft day.