Bpa
Great discussion thus far.
I can't think of any theories, philosophies or practices that don't have some grey area to them. One can never follow ony one plan without allowing for some alterations.
That's where some of us get to caught up in theory over reality. The best way to draft is the BPA theory. Does this mean a team never ever alters from that plan no matter what? Of course not, this is where the "grey area" enters into the equation.
The Cardinals have showed why drafting for need simpy doesn't work in the long run. TJ, Knight, Stone etc... are just a couple of examples of why this philosophy will often leave a team wanting. Also factor in injuries, FA's, attitude problems and as we all now the draft can be a real crap shoot. The best way to avoid the risk factor on players making it in the NFL is to take the BPA. Think about how many drafted players are busts, even in rds 1 and 2. Now consider if your team hits on 80 or 90 % of their picks in these rds. Let's also define "hits" as a pro bowl caliber player.
Is it luck that certain teams just seem to re-load with new talent year after year. Of course the ability of the front office to evaluate talent is the biggest factor, but where the odds start to work against teams is when they reach for a need. Hell that's what FA and the later rds are for.
The Cards have how many pro bowl players???? I believe the answer is 1. I don't care who your coach is a team won't contend for anything with that lack of talent.
We need some impact players on this team at just about every position on the team. If the next Randy Moss is available in this draft then we had better take him. If it's Marvin Harrison then we should consider our options and evaluate if another player at another position is close in regards to talent.
So this is a long winded way to say drafting with the BPA theory is the proper way to draft but you have to take into consideration all possibilities.
In regards to FA DT's I agree with the Shaun Rodgers crowd. I think that since Philly has not already extended Simon should give us an indication of their evaluation of his abilities. I can't think of a single player on that team that was young and greatly valued by the organization that wasn't re-signed at this point in their contract. They have plenty of cap room and always get great players extended. I'm not saying Simon wouldn't be an upgrade on this team but he wouldn't have the impact some of us believe.
I keep hoping this is the year that CB need and BPA coincide for this team. The good news is that since the Cards have so many needs and potential upgrades at just about every position that this will be another BPA draft from top to bottem. Mix in some Pro Bowl caliber players amongst the existing squad and this team suddenly becomes playoff contenders.
