my turn. While most of you do not agree, as I can see from my reputation points sliding, here is my humble opinion.
LT is not the major need it once was. I do not think Pitts is the long term answer, but he works for me this year at least. I still believe he is a better OT than OG.
We have no true MLB.
We have no true FS
We lack depth at TE
We lack depth at DE
We lack a lot, but in order as of now, here are our needs as I see them:
If we switch to a 4-3:
DE - I would like to adress this spot with the Jets, either with a trade down for Mario, or a trade down involving Abraham. We could also just sign him during FA, since the NYJ are unlikely to match an offer.
MLB - Regardless of our system, we have no true MLB who is starting calibur on our roster. I am not sure how I would like to adress this, but maybe a developmental pick, a true MLB, not a DE/OLB convert. I'm thinking maybe a Jimmy Cottrell, Tim McGarigle, Tim Dobbins or a Nick Reid (look them up if you dont know them yet) for latter round picks. Our current LB situation does not really allow us to adress this in an early round, though it is a VERY big need, and was exposed this year and will be more so next year.
FS - Again, regardless of our system, we have no true FS. Colemen was a temporary fix, but has lost a few steps along with his passion. I do not want a 6th round SS starting at FS for my team. I like CC, he is a great back up seeing as he can play both safties, but we need a true FS. I am looking to upgrade here with Ko Simpson at pick #33. After Huff and Ko, the FS class really falls off for the next few rounds. I also think we need a SS, but only in the later rounds. I like Slay, but have a hard time fitting him into my mocks. I am projecting him as a 5th round pick.
OC - Steve McKinny is not the answer here, and most agree. Hodgen showed some positive improvement over him, but was injured. He did seem a bit undersized, but I like how he held up. However, all-world C LeCharles Bently is available this offseason. He is able to pull, and hold the point of attack against a bull rush. He has proven his ability and is worth whatever monitary compensation he request.
OG - Steve McKinny is our best OG, and he is only slightly better than adequate there. His contract will finally allow us to release him, though I would not be opposed to keeping him as a back up/mentor. Weigert is often injured, but is signed to an expensive contract. We could use an undersized rookie, to run in the zone scheme we are soon to employ. I would be looking for an OG in the third round, where we generally find the kind best suited for our new system.
This is all I feel like assessing right now, but here is how a mock (done off the top of my head) could look for us:
We trade our #1 to the NYJ for their #1, #2, John Abraham, and a 2007 #2.
We trade our new #1 to the 49ers for their #1, #3, and a 2007 #1
#1. vernon davis TE, maryland
#2. ko simpson S, south carolina
#2. daryn colledge OT, boise state
#3. charles spencer OG, pittsburgh
#4. freddie roach LB, alabama
#5. dwayne slay S, texas tech
#6. josh huston K, ohio state
#7. aaron harries LB, texas