I guess the way I look at it is I'd rather them take someone like Kelvin Banks out of Texas to hopefully be our LT for the next decade+. Although him even being available for our pick might be a stretch. I'd like to see them go for a top end talent on the line vs signing and 2nd and 3rd rounders.
But if you do that then one of your second rounders needs to be on the defensive line, if not both. There really aren't any big impact defensive lineman you can bring in via free agency.
Then go sign Jevon Holland from Miami to replace Brisker.
That's what I would try and do, at least. Still likely have money to replace the Stevenson/Smith spot as well.
I don't think Banks is an OT in the NFL. I honestly think the tackles next season may still be B. Jones and Wright. If you go by Brugler's top 50, which generally is good, the top 3 tackles in the draft are Campbell (viewed as a guard by some teams), Banks (viewed as a guard by many teams), and Simmons (injured).
Brugler on Campbell:
Now in his third season as the Tigers’ left tackle, Campbell is a very natural blocker due to timing and balance through engagement. His lack of ideal length will be an issue for some teams (scouts believe his arms will measure right around 33 inches at the combine). I’m keeping him at tackle until he shows he can’t do it — but even if he moves to the interior, Campbell is still the best offensive lineman in this draft.
Brugler on Banks:
Whether you like him best at tackle or guard (NFL teams are split), Banks is a quality offensive lineman because of his ability to maintain leverage and create force through his body mechanics. He spends too much time on the ground, but the tools are there for him to become an immediate NFL starter.
Now, every year has some Wright-esque riser who has played at a smaller program that doesn't win many games that isn't much reported on until around senior bowl time, so there is that.
But even with Jones's clear deficiencies, the biggest issue on the line is the interior. If they can get Trey Smith in FA, someone like Kelvin Banks or Tyler Booker out of Alabama (who might be in the range for the 2nd round pick), and the best player who isn't playing center in college but could do it in the NFL (like Graham Barton last season), that's at least something to work with. It would be a crazy young line, but it at least could be good in the future. Replace the LT in a deeper tackle draft.
Jenkins is also still playable on guard, but he's obviously injured ALL THE TIME.
You're right that CB2 and SS are probably possible to replace for relatively cheap and still get decent players. Loads of teams also get good safeties late in the draft.
So:
QB - fine
WR - fine (maybe get a late round WR in there)
TE - fine (Everett is trash, but Kmet is really good)
OT - needs new blood on LT at some point, but not necessarily this year. OT class is bad.
OG - needs two new players if we assume Jenkins isn't being re-signed. OG class isn't super strong, but gets much stronger if you think Campbell and Banks are guards.
C - needs a new player, but this center class is BAD.
RB - fine. RB class is good, so they might swing at something, but I doubt it.
DT - needs depth, but Dexter and Billings is probably fine for the time being. DT class is good.
DE - needs a difference maker on the other side of Sweat. This is a deep DE class.
LB - overpaid but fine.
CB - need a new #2, unless someone miraculously fixes Stevenson, or Smith is better than I think he is.
S - need a new SS, and someone to replace Byard when his age rears its head.
I really do think the first three picks probably need to go OL/DL, OL/DL, OL/DL. I do think 2 of those need to be OL, but I'm not going to flip a table if they opt for a DE first, since the way things are going the two 2nd rounders are going to be in the top 45 picks.
