The Chase for the #1 Overall Pick

[nunusguy]

Here's a question about a potential scenario for the Draft ? After last night, it's looking more and more like we get the top pick. OK, so if that happens and we decide to wait until a later round for a QB and therefor use our top pick on the best non-QB in the Draft and assume we think that's Clowney, how much of a factor is it that our best player on our current roster is already a DLineman ? Then to further complicate the situation say we reward JJ with a huge new contract this upcoming offseason as many expect we will do ? Too much cap/resources invested in a single area of the team, i.e., defensive line ?

[Keith]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

... use our top pick on the best non-QB in the Draft and assume we think that's Clowney, how much of a factor is it that our best player on our current roster is already a DLineman ? Then to further complicate the situation say we reward JJ with a huge new contract this upcoming offseason as many expect we will do ? Too much cap/resources invested in a single area of the team, i.e., defensive line ?

Since the new CBA where the 1.1 pick gets so much less money, I don't think that is an issue at all. The most important thing is to draft a player (regardless of position) that is worth that pick's compensation.

As far as over-spending at a particular position group, perhaps DL would be the preferred one, again, assuming you are getting requisite performance in return. After QB, the next most important indicator to continued success is pass rush.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Keith

Since the new CBA where the 1.1 pick gets so much less money, I don't think that is an issue at all. The most important thing is to draft a player (regardless of position) that is worth that pick's compensation.

As far as over-spending at a particular position group, perhaps DL would be the preferred one, again, assuming you are getting requisite performance in return. After QB, the next most important indicator to continued success is pass rush.

I agree with all of this Keith. And I'll add that even though they are both DL, they don't play the same position. Watt is an inside guy and Clowney an outside one. He would be an OLB in our current system and a DE if we end up 43 next year. Watt would likely become a DT in a 43.

As for too much in one position, it has not hurt the Broncos to have Thomas, Decker, and Welker. The Detroit DL carries there whole Defense. The Patriots killed with Gronk and Hernandez. Tamba Hali and Justin Houston anchor one of the two best defenses in football this year and Sherman and Browner anchor the other one.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by barrett

Watt would likely become a DT in a 43.

I see JJ's natural position as a strong-side 4-3 DE, in the mold of Michael Strahande. But he could play inside or outside in the 4-3, much as the great Reggie White did. But JJ is clearly athletic enough to be an edge-rusher as a DE in the 4-3, and then on the strong-side over the TE he'd be a monster against rushing plays.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

I see JJ's natural position as a strong-side 4-3 DE, in the mold of Michael Strahande. But he could play inside or outside in the 4-3, much as the great Reggie White did. But JJ is clearly athletic enough to be an edge-rusher as a DE in the 4-3, and then on the strong-side over the TE he'd be a monster against rushing plays.

It depends largely on down and distance. On run downs he may lineup outside. On pass downs he likely slides inside. He probably bounces around quite a bit either way. But he is not a true edge rush guy, even though he can do enough of it to make a guy respect it and not shade inside. He is most effective over the guard and shooting a gap.