Sending a message

Going into the draft, Rick Smith positioned us well to draft for talent, not for need.  He said as much both before and after the draft, and I believe thats just how he drafted.  The back to back TE's say it all.

What they (Casey and Hill) also do is send a message to OD.  Quin, McCain, and Nolan also send a message to DRob.  The message is: This is a team.  No one player can hold us hostage.  DRob is attempting that now, and I believe the situation is handled.  If he doesn't show up, we're covered. I would not respond to DRob at all now.

OD has not, and hopefully will not, take the road that DRob is taking now.  But this pick gives the team leverage to try to take care of OD and pay him accordingly without being forced into a losing contract.

I've heard you draft for next year's needs, and thats one of the reasons the back to back TE's is tenable.

The two big things that stick out to me now are: TJ and RB2. 

TJ is still starting, with no hope in sight.  I guess Okam is hope.  But, most likely, TJ is starting DT on day one.  At least now he's a two down guy.

We need a cap casualty for our Slaton backup, or one of our UFA's to prove everyone wrong.  Its not impossible, but I would like our chances more if the FO liked a guy this weekend and took him, vice signing the leftovers.  We don't know if they are happy or extremely disappointed with their RB situation right now.  I think we're in trouble, personally.  I think we need a quality backup to spell Stevie.

We are in a position to win 9 or 10 games this year.  I think our defense is solidified, and I think Bush is gonna bring some pressure, which will help our backfield and get us some turnovers.  But RB scares me if Slaton stubs a toe.