Laron Landry makes the most sense for our team right now. Safety is our weakest position, and in this defense, it is the most important position. Jason Allen will be up to speed next year, and adding Landry would give the defense an instant fit from day one. Landry already know's Saban't techniques and would probably take less time than any other new player in learning the playbook.
While there are other positions to address, here is an explanation as to why we go in a different direction:
1. I think the offensive line will be rebuilt with a combination of a free agents, the healthy return of players (McKinney, Toledo, James), and drafted talent.
2. I believe Culpepper will rebound and play very well behind a rebuilt line. I don't see us taking a QB in the first round. Maybe the second or third depending on how the draft plays out.
3. I think the conversion to more of a 3-4 defense will be beneficial to unearthing talent. I believe Capers, Saban, and Mueller will be able to find sleeper prospects for hybrid linebacker/defensive ends throughout the draft to add some much needed youth to the front seven. Fred Evans and Rodrique Wright will add the youth needed on the interior line.
4. The cornerback position isn't as bad as most people think. A healthy Travis Daniels, plus another season for Goodman and Will Allen will make this unit a strength next year. Depth needs to be added in the draft.
5. The receiving corp could use another set of reliable hands, but I just don't see us spending a top pick on Calvin Johnson. I think Chambers gets one more year to prove himself, and I think McMichael gets one more year to develop some consistency. I could see a scenario where potential replacements are drafted--not gamebreakers, but sure-handed receivers.
While there are other positions to address, here is an explanation as to why we go in a different direction:
1. I think the offensive line will be rebuilt with a combination of a free agents, the healthy return of players (McKinney, Toledo, James), and drafted talent.
2. I believe Culpepper will rebound and play very well behind a rebuilt line. I don't see us taking a QB in the first round. Maybe the second or third depending on how the draft plays out.
3. I think the conversion to more of a 3-4 defense will be beneficial to unearthing talent. I believe Capers, Saban, and Mueller will be able to find sleeper prospects for hybrid linebacker/defensive ends throughout the draft to add some much needed youth to the front seven. Fred Evans and Rodrique Wright will add the youth needed on the interior line.
4. The cornerback position isn't as bad as most people think. A healthy Travis Daniels, plus another season for Goodman and Will Allen will make this unit a strength next year. Depth needs to be added in the draft.
5. The receiving corp could use another set of reliable hands, but I just don't see us spending a top pick on Calvin Johnson. I think Chambers gets one more year to prove himself, and I think McMichael gets one more year to develop some consistency. I could see a scenario where potential replacements are drafted--not gamebreakers, but sure-handed receivers.