I do think Ireland has done a far better job than those before him for the past decade. He tends to get held responsible for the entire last decade of horrendous drafting, when in reality, he has had a hand in the last four, and has had to start from scratch thanks to his predecessors. The points he made in the interviews that I'm glad he made and I agree with:
- Our roster is much better today than when he arrived. Younger, more talented, deeper. Long, Pouncy, Bush, Bess, Stark, Soliai, Wake, Dansby, Burnett, Vontae... we have a young talented core. When he got here, the cupboards were bare!
- Our roster was not entirely to blame for our 6-10 season. The same roster that started 0-7, finished 6-3. Same guys. Perhaps coaching has something to do with it?! Maybe giving Moore a chance to compete for the starting qb job in pre-season, rather than handing it to Henne? Well, you're both gone now, aren't you?
-One do-over if you had it: Pat White. (Was widely known to be a Parcells pick that Ireland disagreed with).
-We are not quite Superbowl caliber yet, but we are moving in the right direction. We have a few specific needs that we will address through the draft.
-You build through the draft and realize that beyond the first couple rounds, they are developmental players that might take a year or two to bear fruit; doesn't mean they're not good picks.
-Won't be pressured into taking a qb. (Gasp! Not even by posters on a fansite?!)
-Your draft board today should not look much different than it did at the end of December. Love that! These guys haven't played any more games, so barring health concerns or legal issues, nothing much has changed. If you had Tannehill as a late 1st or even 2nd round guy back then, don't take him at 8. If we passed on Flynn because Sherman says this kid's the bomb, then go ahead and take him. But plan your draft, then draft your plan!
