I'm sure this is Q but it should be noted that the last 2 players taken at #1 that were not QB's:
1. Saw their front offices and coaching staffs fired before the end of their first contract.
2. Signed 2nd contracts with a team that didn't draft them.

Yeah I don't think our 2003 team would be as effective in today's NFL as it was then...

I'd still take a flyer on the #1 QB prospect at 1 when you need a QB rather than 10 guaranteed years of Willie Roaf. I don't think Joeckel even has Joe Thomas potential.

But if Joeckel turns into Joe Thomas and we take him I won't hold a forever grudge against him...it'll just make for a disappointing draft day 2013.

If we must take an OT I hope we can at least trade down to do so.

That's a fair point too. And to be fair, we're supposedly trying to run a WCO.

It just depends. The Ravens had former 1st round picks at each tackle position. It worked for them. But their passing offense was let's run downfield for a long time and have Flacco chuck it up it there.

Why not?

I think the offense would be better, the defense would obviously be worse.

Our 2003 offense would be dominant in any era, I think.

Doesn't mean they'd win a Super Bowl... but even though the league has entered another level of passing offense... the top rushing teams the last few years have still made the playoffs.

well this league has turned into a total passing league

Vermeil's offenses were always predicated by the run. Maybe they would still work. Meh what am I saying. They probably would still be badass.

at least half of that team was fun to watch

Look at the Niners, they can maul people up front. They finished 4th in rushing, 23rd in passing offense. And who's the guy designing their schemes up front? Mike Solari. He's still dominating.

The top 4 teams in rushing this year all made the playoffs. 6 of the top 8. That's half the playoff teams.

They also spent three first rounders on their line.

The Colts, Saints, Packers, Steelers, Cardinals, Steelers, Patriots, and Giants were on average below average to terrible rushing teams.

:shrug:

I don't doubt the 49ers have a good line...

but how did the two teams that made the Super Bowl get there?

Amazing QB play.

and some horrible safety play

And Smith still took a shitload of sacks.

That's what happens when you don't have dick as your perimeter players.

And before you or anyone else says "Kaepernick", I'll remind you that Alex Smith is not a dual threat, nor is he a threat to run for a touchdown from the 20 yard line, let alone 50 yard line.

QBs are about equally responsible for sacks as their offensive line. Alex Smith is a sack machine.

So perhaps I took it the wrong way when you told me yesterday that you don't think QB's are clutch and that it's a team sport?