It is widely observed that Chris Ballard tends to draft players with a well above RAS (Relative Athletic Score). He is often given grief about this choice, fair or unfair. I have little doubt that the score is a factor in his draft process, but I would venture to guess that it is not at the top of his criteria. It may well, however, be a tie-breaker if the decision is close between two players. I obviously do not have any facts to back this up, but I won’t let that get in the way of the story.
I may be overstepping again here, but I would look at the roster and think that the defense needs more attention in the draft and free-agency than the offense, as long as the contracts for D. Jones, A. Pierce, and M. Pittman are not still looming. CB got in front of the microphones and told us that we need to be younger and faster on defense. I think this statement focused largely on the linebackers and edge rushers, but could include an aging Kenny Moore.
I may be wrong again, but free agents are not often “younger”? They can still be fast, but if they are chasing a second contract, they have some time in the league. To me, this would indicate that a free agent signing might be more likely at the DT position, than some of the positions that need to get younger and faster. This makes the draft the most likely place to find some speed and youth on the defensive side of the ball.
If a guy like Rodriguez ran a bad 40, would it take him off of our board? We have been clamoring for football players over athletes, but I don’t think anyone disagreed with CB’s assessment for the need to get younger and faster. How much input will Lou have? We have some sort of indication of his likes, based on the picks from last year. J.T. had a good RAS, but did not run the 40 or the 3 cone drill. Walley ran 4.4ish with a broken wrist, but he had a relatively poor RAS. Wohler actually had the highest score of the three picks.
Given those selections, it appears that Lou might look at functional speed over measured speed, which I think a lot of us could get behind. If a guy gains a step or two because he has quick recognition or better anticipation than others, he will be where he needs to be without that great 40 time.
I think the bottom line is that this draft needs to produce at least one starting LB and he needs to be one that can be an asset in coverage. It would be great if we also were able to land a pass rushing specialist, but it may be hard to turn a 2nd or 3rd round pick into a starting DE or EDGE. A more realistic goal would be to get one that develops into a starter after a few weeks.
I’ll be curious to see if CB’s win or go home situation produces a different draft strategy. What do you think?
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