2009 Offseason...
Two teams are faced with a similar problem. Both have potential HOF LTs who due to age and injuries, are nearing the end of their careers.
One team, the Rams, decide to let their veteran, Orlando Pace, move on to a new team. They then draft draft his heir apparent, Jason Smith, in the first round of the draft.
The other team, the Seahawks, decide to keep their veteran, Walter Jones, and go with the BPA, Aaron Curry in the first round of the draft (they could have taken a Blue Chip LT in Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher).
Fast forward to November 2009. Jason Smith has started to emerge as a very solid starter, and he is regarded as a player who has the upside to be a very good LT for many years to come. Aaron Curry has not disappointed, but he also has not dominated as some thought he might (in fact, James Laurinaitis, who the Rams selected in Round 2, has arguably outperformed Curry as a rookie).
As both teams are laboring through losing season, they are likely to once again have selections in the Top 10 picks of the draft. Again, the needs are similar. Both teams need to look for a QB of the future. Both teams need more youth and talent at the WR position.
The difference is, Seattle still needs a LT, and there is a very good chance that they'll have to use their first pick to fill that key position.
The Rams, on the other hand, have filled that position, and can go in another direction (QB, WR) if they wish to in Round 1.
Two teams are faced with a similar problem. Both have potential HOF LTs who due to age and injuries, are nearing the end of their careers.
One team, the Rams, decide to let their veteran, Orlando Pace, move on to a new team. They then draft draft his heir apparent, Jason Smith, in the first round of the draft.
The other team, the Seahawks, decide to keep their veteran, Walter Jones, and go with the BPA, Aaron Curry in the first round of the draft (they could have taken a Blue Chip LT in Eugene Monroe or Michael Oher).
Fast forward to November 2009. Jason Smith has started to emerge as a very solid starter, and he is regarded as a player who has the upside to be a very good LT for many years to come. Aaron Curry has not disappointed, but he also has not dominated as some thought he might (in fact, James Laurinaitis, who the Rams selected in Round 2, has arguably outperformed Curry as a rookie).
As both teams are laboring through losing season, they are likely to once again have selections in the Top 10 picks of the draft. Again, the needs are similar. Both teams need to look for a QB of the future. Both teams need more youth and talent at the WR position.
The difference is, Seattle still needs a LT, and there is a very good chance that they'll have to use their first pick to fill that key position.
The Rams, on the other hand, have filled that position, and can go in another direction (QB, WR) if they wish to in Round 1.
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