OldTimer1960

But the trick is, you kind of have to decide your path before the draft because FA is open and mostly over before the draft in April.

I think that arm strength is the question. I am not stating the he does not have an NFL capable arm, but that is what the knock was on him coming out of college according to the various draft publications I saw.

Really? One LB away from a top-10 defense? Wow, I must be watching the wrong games. I don't want to come across as totally negative, but this defense is not very good. I agree that there is lots of talen in the secondary (if healthy) with McKelvin, McGee and young Jairus Byrd, but Whitner/Scott/Wilson at the other safety spot is nothing to write home about (IMHO). I think DE is still a glaring problem. Kelsay is sort of OK and Schobel is still a decent pass rusher when healthy and if he doesn't retire. I can't say that Maybin is a bust after one lost year, but his total lack of playing time in a lost season could lead some to believe that the coaches see absolutely nothing in him. I think two new starting LBs are needed - unless the team goes to a 3-4 then maybe 3 new ones. Kawika Mitchell might be adequate at one OLB, but Ellison/Harris/Scott/whoever else has played there are not answers on bottom third NFL defense let alone a top-10 D. If Stroud can stay healthy, they may be OK at DT, but you have to wonder if the DTs had some part in the woeful run D.