CPHawk":icvgl0ym said:
The way we draft, they should just trade our 1st rounders for proven NFL defenders.
Understand the sentiment.
But really, this rarely ever materializes. For two reasons:
1. Teams don't trade away proven DE talent often. That's why Clark fetched such a high price. And even then, his rookie deal expired.
2. The roster benefits of a productive young DE in terms of salary cap savings is massive. If you draft a player capable of 7-10 sacks a season, then you basically have the equivalent of 18M+ of additional cap space relative to getting a proven commodity. Consider, that Quandre Diggs has a cap figure of 5.2M. One could acquire 2-3 quality starters with that kind of savings.
That's why the 3rd round pick cost for Clowney was such a steal. It basically was your scenario stated above (trade for proven NFL defender), but instead of a 1st, it was a 3rd round pick.
In the end, it's really quite uncommon for a proven NFL anything to be worth the value of a 1st round pick. Unless they are still on their rookie deal. Age/decline and cap hits are low enough and less risky enough to get both the expected productivity and still have cap flexibility to even add or retain more talent.
Edit:
ivotuk":icvgl0ym said:
That said, we need an Al Woods replacement so that we don't get gashed in the run game.
I would keep an eye on Ross Blacklock (TCU). Looks like a decent prospect that could be had late in day 2. Would provide similar quality, but definitely an upgrade on pass rushing. Has good length and kind of see him as a Tony McDaniel type of player for us. Disruptive, who can get some sacks, but tough against the run as well. Looks more athletic than Tony was. But looks long limbed on tape.
