I would also fire Smith. I would bring in Marvin Lewis a PROVEN DC.
Definatly would fire this guy. He has a proven track record and its not good. I would go after someone with lots of eexperience and a GOOD proven track record.
Im sorry but we cant add ANOTHER explosive, quick-twitch DT like you have suggested. That is the main flaw of this defense now. We need a plugger, someone who demands serious attention that can hold his ground against the run.
I have one focus only also but its not DE. Its DT and its A Haynesworth. There is NO ONE that could help this team more NO ONE! I dont care what he cost because not only is he the best at his position but putting him next to Mario and in front of Ryans takes so much pressure of our 2 best players it cant help but make them even better. We CANT afford to NOT match whatever offer he is given. Also remember DE is the strongest position in the draft.
Absolutely this is what the top of the draft is all about. Pluggign holes. But you cant plug a whole at the expense of BPA if said player is significantly better.
This is where I get my DE. Michael Johnson (Georgia Tech) He is just the kind of athelete (6-7, 260 explosive first step) we need opposite Mario. If he is gone Im looking at Ole Miss' Greg Hardy, at 6-foot-4, 265-pound is one of the most explosive defenders in the draft or Indiana's Greg Middleton 63, 275 that led the leauge with 16 sacks last year.
Second round im looking at stockpiling talent and depth at OL. My 2 top targets are (as of now) Ryan Stanchek, West Virginia - 6-4, 300, SR (LT)
and Greg Isdaner, West Virginia - 6-4, 322, JR ...(G) Keep throwing these type of guys at Gibbs and he will deliver us a top of the line line.
In the third im going after another plugger. Terrence Mount Cody DT Alabama junior (#62, 6-4, 365), Try and score on that goaline defense.
Since we are adding 2 new DT's into the mix this allows me to trade TJ for a 3rd or 4th round pick.
With the remaining picks Im looking at players that can fit our scheme and play multiple positions. Especially OL and D front 7 Players like OLB/DE Clay Mathews DE USC #47. Mathews has a knack for making big plays and that is something we need desperately. Although I will say right now that Mathews will be a high round pick if he continues to play like he has so far. "in the opener -- six tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, two fumble recoveries at Virginia -- opened some eyes. As a stand-up pass rusher, Matthews constantly was in the face of Virginia QB Peter Lalich. He also securely tackled ball carriers in space and took on blocks. This could be the third Clay Matthews to suit up in the NFL.".
http://www.nfldraftscout.com/ratings/dsprofile.php?pyid=57020&draftyear=2009&genpos=OLB
Well thats how I would do it.