Can't you basically insert any and every rookie name here? None of them have performed at the NFL level, yet are all drafted/signed to replace veterans that have performed at an NFL level.
Yes. That's why I was all in for Alex Smith, Kirk Cousins, and Bradford as our replacement QBs instead of trading multiple picks to trade to the top. (SK showed his stuff by getting a QB but also did not trade away multiple drafts.)
When you consider that over 50% of the guys drafted will wash out, a player that has performed at the NFL level gets extra credit (from me). That young vet has gotten over the many hurdles to both make a roster and stick. They got an NFL contract and finally got some money in their pockets but continue to play for more. We got some real numbers at the NFL level whereas a rook is an educated guess as to how they will bring their college performance to the NFL level. That educated guess extends to even the very top prospects and picks.
Of course there are some talents that are like cream and rise to the top---but there are just as many that sour instead. That said, I want to keep our top picks (1-3) to go for the chance at rookie gold and fill out the roster with proven young vets or old dudes on a one-year prove-it deal.
Don't know if you remember George Allen of the Redskins---he was known for his 'Over the Hill' Gang and would routinely trade picks for vets. I'm not to his extreme---but I see the value in that approach.
That's my perspective and you could make a good argument against it. With the Cards looking at a large turnover next year combined with lots of cap space, I expect to see plenty of FA vets on the team this time next year.
So, what is your approach to developing the roster???