Early ESPN Mock Draft

I could see taking Levi Brown first. If Wharton comes back 100% that makes for a nice competition. Gross might even try to pick up those weight things once in a while. I think two good book-ends is what our RBs need to get out in space. This defense doesn't play well tired, so I'm leaning on the running game.

There are enough good safetys that they likely could end up in another Marshall situation where a good one falls to the second pick.

If they go defense first, I want a leader, in this day and age, I don't know if the young guys are going to listen to players who are struggling themselves. Maybe that's Willis.

 

I've seen a couple of mocks that have Nelson going ahead of Landry and to the Panthers

 

I've said it before, but I like Brown better at OG than OT and Wharton has improved at LT...I'd rather not see another reshuffle.

A good Safety can be had at any time, there is always a couple that play well outside the round they were drafted in and Fox gravitates toward lunch pail guys back there.

Agreed, you need a leader out of your #1 no matter what position. Problem is if a need at MLB is to be filled, looks better to fill it by moving an existing player (Draft permanently or I have wondered about Diggs there) or get a vet. Just don't see the talent there at MLB. Blades is the cream of the crop and he is Lester Towns slow.

 

I think there is a lot of hype around Willis because he fills a need and he is projected to go around our pick. That is only natural. The coaches are just as likely to pass him up if he is there as not to though.

We need to add a safety who can cover and is a sure tackler. (Nelson or Landry would work)

We need to add a quality linebacker to the mix, and probably need to re-sign Draft for depth. (Willis would be good but so would a veteran free agent like London Fletcher)

We also need something to spark on offense. A 100% healthy Steve Smith and a 100% healthy OL will do a lot for our offense but I would love to see us add another weapon. We have talked about tight ends too much but it would still be a nice upgrade if we could land one who can catch. (Eric Johnson should be released by the 49ers)

Overall we should be able to go for BPA since we are not in dire need at any position. We have enough talent to be much better than 8-8 when our players are healthy.

 

e.g. LeFors

 

dont want anyone named Nelson

 

That system is coming to the NFL in 2007...can it make Vick look better than he is?

I actually think more highly of Brohm than I did LeFors and the guy before him. Brohm seems to have more in the lines of technique and just natural ability. He's as heady as LeFors with better tools...he has more to offer, IMO.

 

Certainly, it's natural. But it's also good to know some other guys. That's just part of the process.

Very much agreed. I'd as well spend it here as any, but maybe FA changes this a bit.

Dan Graham will be out there too, and probably not for huge money. I don't have much faith in this happening, though.

 

The Pats seem to put a lot of resources into tight ends. Graham was a first round pick wasn't he? Anyway I think Jake would benefit greatly from a reliable tight end. With Steve Smith constantly pulling a safety over to double team him there should always be gaps that a tight end could find to get open.

Mags you mentioned free agency in relation to our problems at safety. Who do you see out there that would be an upgrade on what we have? Grant has been kicked around for a return but other than him who is out there that can cover? Our pattern the last two years has been to just sign a bunch of scrubs and see which one sticks.

 

yeah, Graham was a 1st, as was Watson. Thomas was a 3rd.

S - depends. Ken Hamlin's another.
Tony Parrish, maybe, but he looks more like a stopgap situation since he's having trouble keeping a job. Same for Tyrone Carter.