If we trade down, which we should, then a potential H. Walker scenerio really could present itself. I know the NYJ's seem to be the safe bet but I would not rule out Tenn's interest in the top pick. It would only make sense that Fisher and Chow could be very happy with Leinert, who no matter what happens will not be available at the #3 pick. Not to mention that with McNair, Leinert would not be the starting QB until 07 or 08. 1 to 2 years learning the NFL game behind McNair would pay huge dividends. So, don't be suprised if the NYJ's talks heat up, that Tenn doesn't get on the phone to make a strong pitch.
IMHO, I would stock pile picks rather than add a veteran player as partial compensation. I would then parlay this position of power into a slam dunk over the next 2 drafts. No matter what happens this new rebuilding process is going to take at minimum 2 drafts and a couple of really smart FA pick ups. With this new talk of listening to offers for the #1 pick coming out of our camp, we are essentially "chuming the water to create a shark feeding frenzy". I'm 100% behind this move of showing our hand.
If we get the #3 or #4 pick and feel that the players we have rated high on our draft boards could still be available after the 4th pick and before the 13th pick, don't be suprised if we make a move again. Possibilities:
If we trade with Tenn:
2006, R1-#3, R2 & R4
2007, R1 & R3
If we trade with NYJ:
2006, R1-#4, R2 & R4
2007, R1 & R2
Potential moves for the #3 or #4 picks and teams that might be interested in moving up:
If we trade the #3 pick, possible suitors for VY or RB: GB-#5, SF-#7, Det-#9, Ari-#10 or Bal-#13.
2006, R1(Above), R3 & R5
2007, R1 & R3
If we trade the #4 pick, possible suitors for JC or DF: Oak-#6, Det-#9, Ari-#10, Cle-#12 or Bal-#13.
2006, R1(above), R4 & R5
2007, R2 & R5
If we could pull these moves, the team picks up 10 additional draft choices minimum plus our standard 13 picks for 06 and 07. 23 picks all told. This is cetainly our H. Walker deal. Thing is, can we accomplish what we want by starting this years draft at #5 or as late as #13????
We could potentially end up with:
2006: 1-R1, 2-R2, 3 or 4-R3, 2 or 3-R4, 2-R5 & 1-R6
2007: 2 or 3-R1, 2 or 3-R2, 1 or 2-R3, 1-R4, 1 or 2-R5 & 1-R6
Bottom line, picks 1-4 hold tremendous value in this years draft, all we have to do is capitalize on this situation. So, lets build a new team. With the wave of potential FA's the possibilities of getting 2 FA's to help this team at the right price should be very doable.