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

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Keith

First, I am NOT in favor of drafting a WR in the first round. In fact, related to our other Browns thread, if we really wanted a WR, I'd trade back in the first round and then send that pick for Braylon Edwards.

I'm not in favor of drafting a WR in the first round, either. However, as you pointed out with your 3 points, it shouldn't be off the table. There is a very good chance that Maclin doesn't make it to us at #15, I have a hunch he'll be off the board. However, if for some reason he is available, I would imagine that he would be the Best Player Available, not necessarily the BPA at a position of need.

So, if we don't need a #2WR with our 1st round pick, the prudent thing to do would be to trade down until the BPA is a player who plays at a position of need for our team. Now, if that isn't possible because we can't negotiate a trade down, then we should take the player that has the most worth. Remember when the Chargers drafted Manning when they knew he wouldn't sign? Take the BPA and find a way to trade him (that might go for Mark Sanchez too).

Now, if you wouldn't want a 1st round pick to be "wasted" on a WR, why would you give up draft picks to trade up into the 1st round only to waste that one on a WR? Sure Braylon is more of a proven commodity, but wouldn't you imagine he'd want to get paid like one?

Currently, my top 10 players on my draft board includes 1 WR and 2 RBs. That means 7 out of the 10 are defensive players that I'd like to have in Texans uniforms. So, while I'm not looking to add to the offense philosophically, I'm not going to bite my nose to spite my face either.