QB? How?

[kerouac9]

Those teams you just mentioned all had top notch defenses, and top notch running games. Imagine if they had a good QB. Nobody cares about those teams because without that franchise QB they will always hit a glass cieling.

Your basically trying to tell me that an OLB is going to make a greater impact than a potential franchise QB...

We won 5 games last season. How the the Seahawks have a top notch defense OR running game? I think that every fan on this board would be happy with going to the playoffs two years running and the Conference Championship game each time.

An OLB who can play will make a greater impact than a potential franchise QB. Whom would you rather have: an actual pass rusher in Julius Peppers or a potential franchise QB in Joey Harrington?

I don't believe that Cam Newton or Blaine Gabbert are slam-dunks as potential franchise QBs--not to the extent that Miller, Peterson, and Quinn are as defensive prospects. I'm willing to see if we can trade down a little and take that chance on greatness with Newton while picking up a 3rd round pick or something, but not at #5 overall.

 

[Cbus cardsfan]

And don't give our 2012 first round pick for him either. Our LUCK would be we would get the first pick in 2012, but Philly would have it......

I would take my chances on that. The Cards would have to go with Max Hall if they want the #1 overall pick. It's possible but not very likely. Cincy, if they don't have Palmer, is my choice to be the favorite in the Luck sweepstakes. Tennessee and Miami have potential runs at the #1 pick in them. Carolina will be right there again. Depending on who gets a QB, the Cards and SF could be in the mix. If either get Kolb, they'll like be a .500 team or better. If they go with Troy Smith and Max Hall, #1 pick here we come.

 

[kerouac9]

I would take my chances on that. The Cards would have to go with Max Hall if they want the #1 overall pick. It's possible but not very likely. Cincy, if they don't have Palmer, is my choice to be the favorite in the Luck sweepstakes. Tennessee and Miami have potential runs at the #1 pick in them. Carolina will be right there again. Depending on who gets a QB, the Cards and SF could be in the mix. If either get Kolb, they'll like be a .500 team or better. If they go with Troy Smith and Max Hall, #1 pick here we come.

See, I think this is the case if they get Bulger or Alex Smith, as well; it's just that those guys aren't going to cost you a first-round pick and a contract with eight figures guaranteed.

If the work stoppage is resolved under 2010 rules before the draft, I think we'll see a FA brought in. If the work stoppage is resolved with a rookie wage scale before the draft, I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cards draft a QB if the elite defensive prospects are off the board.

The issue is if a work stoppage isn't resolved until after the draft, and it's an extension of 2010. That means that the #5 pick won't have a rookie scale deal, AND free agency will follow the draft. Do you want to pay a #5 pick now, pay a guy like Kolb $22 million guaranteed (which would be the starting point, likely), and then trade next year's pick which will be cost 70% less? That would be highway robbery.

If you're sure that Kolb is a guy who can put up QB ratings in the mid-90s for the next five years starting with this one and lead a team deep into the playoffs, then you have to make that deal. If you just think that Kolb might marginally better than the other options, I don't know. Because you're sacrificing guys you could get this year, the guys you might get next year, and John Skelton.