[DJ's left nut]

Originally Posted by RunKC

The issue I have with this logic is yes missing on a a first rd pick hurts, but we’ve wasted more resources trying to fix this tackle which has played a bigger part in hurting the roster.

We have set two 3rd rd picks on fire (Wanya/Niang), 25% of the contract of a 2nd rd pick (Kingsley) and a 1st rd on Orlando Brown Jr for 2 yrs and this issue has only gotten worse.

It’s the to the point with tackles that I treat it like QB. I just don’t want “projects” anymore. Wanya Morris, Kingsley and even guys like Charles Grant. It feels like that pick has a horribly low chance of working out. History suggests that you have to get a left tackle in the first rd bc you are sure as hell not getting anything in FA but band-aide’s.

I think Simmons was worth the swing. He’s undeniably talented to play LT minus this injury. Nobody we have had any shot of getting was talented enough in the first place.

The extra draft capital helps here. Sure Clyde failed, but Sneed was lockdown corner, Gay was a good starter and Danna was a nice rotational player. Sure Felix hasn’t worked out, but Rice has softened the blow there providing a potential blue chipper.

I think the biggest issue we’ve had for 2 years is we’ve only had 2 positive immediate rookie contributors. Rice and Conner in 2023 and then Worthy and Hicks. There’s been no volume there like there was in 2021 and 2022.

Even without Simmons, I could legitimately see 4, maybe 5, players from this class making a positive impact this year. ONM, Royals and Williams will get their snaps. I’m very confident in that. I think Gillotte will push for snaps too bc he’s just that ****ing good. Also think Smith will be an immediate kickoff returner and get a handful of snaps on offense.

Oh NOW you've gone and done it...

(And Conner mostly sucks; he's been less of a 'contributor' than Wanya Morris)