See I think drafting BPA is the luxury. IMO the long term success of this team is going to depend on if - big if - we can protect the quarterback. If we get positively gashed by the run next season because we have no talent in the defensive interior, but our quarterback stays clean and healthy for 16 games, I'll be a lot more optimistic about our future than if Darnold ends the season on IR but we've got the next Aaron Donald.
Right now, a good left tackle is substantially more valuable to us than a great defensive tackle. I'd love to trade down to precisely the lowest spot we can get that tackle, but reaching won't bother me in the slightest.
I totally get it...Darnold IS the franchise and the team seems to be moving forward with that mindset, which is awesome. I've coveted him since that Jan. 2017 Rose Bowl.
My point is, at 4-12 we have needs everywhere. The priority is to keep Darnold healthy, no doubt, but it should also be to
stockpile talent, especially elite talent. If I was convinced that the difference between a healthy Darnold and an injured darnold is the difference between Jonah Williams and Beachum, I'd be more agreeable to what you're saying. I just don't think that's obviously the case.
We need talent, period. Skipping over the bluest of the blue-chip prospects to reach for "need", esp with a top 3 pick, is very short-term thinking imo. If Orlando pace was in this draft, yes, I'd sell my soul to draft him to protect Sam. Jonah Williams-types are available basically every draft. Nick Bosa or Quinnen types are more rare, and when they're available it's only to teams shitty enough to be picking in the top 3-5.
I do like Jonah Williams. If we trade down, yes, he (or whoever is considered the top OT at the time) will be someone I hope we get. I think this whole board agrees with trading down.
