I am against trading up in this draft. But if we had to move up who would have to be on the board to make you pull the trigger?
For me, it would have to be Joe Thomas. I dont think we should move up for any other player because the cost would be atleast another potential starter in draft picks. And we cant afford that for anyone but the franchise LT imo.
IMO, you can get the same quality at offensive line in the 2nd, 3rd or 4th round. You should never break the bank for one in the 1st. That being said, I would trade the #8 pick, DC, and a 2008 3rd rounder (maybe a 4th also, if we have to) to OAK for the #1 pick this year and take Calvin Johnson with that pick.
CJ
WILL BE an immediate impact rookie at WR and also
WILL BE the BEST Wide Receiver in the NFL in 5 years! He's the closest thing to a "can't miss" we've seen in a draft in a long time.
6'5" 235 45" vertical 4.35 40...bigger, stronger, faster than T.O...more physical than Randy Moss...bigger and stronger, more physical than the other CJ (Chad Johnson)...bigger and stronger, more physical than Steve Smith...
5 years from now, Marvin Harrison will be done...Torry Holt will be done...
My money would be on CJ all the way!
I know Kub and Smith have said they don't want to give up any draft picks, but in CJ we have a chance to get a guy that will immediately add much needed explosiveness to our offense, not to mention a guy that could single-handedly turn this franchise around (jury's still out on Mario). And, we're just giving up a 3rd in 2008, possibly a 4th as well. CJ will prove more valuable than any 3rd or 4th round pick...guaranteed.
I know we need OL and DL help, but when a special player like this comes along you don't pass him up simply to address a need and you do what you can, within reason, to get him.
Now for the hard part...Why would Oakland make this trade?
I know that Oakland desperately needs a QB, and given JaMarcus Russell's exemplary Pro Day workout, why wouldn't they want to stay at #1 and take Russell? Good question, this is where the art of negotiation comes in handy.
Al Davis and Lane Kiffin may be inclined to believe that a change of scenery and a fresh start will be just what David Carr needs to restart his career. With the allure of picking up the #8 this year PLUS a 3rd round pick in 2008 and possibly a 4th to go with it, added to the Raiders' need for help at just about every offensive position, this offer could be something that Al Davis will take a long hard look at.
I would also list DET as a possible trade partner at the #2 spot, but I think it would be too risky to ASSUME that Oakland would take Russell. They could very well draft CJ and leave us without our guy.