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We should have traded down last year. Other than the QB positions, the talent in the top 5 or so was not appreciably better than guys in the mid-round. Oher was better than J. Smith, Monroe or Andre Smith at LT, Cushing, and others, were better than Curry, for example. I see lots of talent available at #9-15. If we get a second rounder extra in the top 50, that's pretty good value this year. You get Earl Thomas, Dan Williams, or a top rushbacker (and maybe even Clausen) and then you have three picks at the top of the second (instead of two). There are still very talented players available in the top 50 at NT, RT, WR, LB.
It appears that Pioli may not be sold on Clausen at #5 and is looking for a reach. If you are going to reach anyway, then you might as well get a pick.
The other thing I like about this is that Pioli is making the calls now to judge what teams might want. I hate it when I get the feeling that GMs just wait for the 15 minutes on draft day to get the call, sitting there only with the Value table as their friend. That is when mistakes are made. Knowing who is interested in moving up and what they would offer, before Thursday, is a very good exercise. It doesn't mean that he will trade, but at least he knows the market value of the #5 pick and can factor that in to his decision-making process.
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