You know, it's interesting hearing some tidbits about 3-4 LBs coming out this week.
Charley Casserly on NFLN said he goes back with Bill Cowher, and Cowher was absolutely dead set against talking a DE-turned 3-4 OLB without first knowing for sure you were going to give the guy 2-3 years to develop and learn the position as a back-up. Makes you wonder how much use a OLB who is a former DE in college would've been in making an immediate contribution. Kampman spoke this off-season about how it was different having to study TEs, WRs, and Ts on tape instead of focusing on just Tackles.
Personally, I'm fine that we didn't draft any OLBs. I think there is an overblown perception that we need an OLB. We've got Mathews and Jones, who were a decent starting tandem. Biggest thing is that there very young, you expect them to grow as players and get better. Behind them we have some questions for sure, but it's not like we're without hope. Obizor has flashed some potential, as has Jeremy Thompson (all the way back in TC last year, I know). Poppinga is a solid run stopper, too. I think we're okay - we are in a position to get better without necessarily drafting more talent at the position.
CB too, you've got Lee and Underwood who should both grow. Tramon is a decent option as starter, also. All is not lost, really. You've got Nick Collins who can come down and cover as a nickel here and there if need be. We'll be okay there too, at least in the short term.
I'm trying to say we filled our most pressing needs, IMO. Well, that is besides punter. But you get a strong feeling from hearing Ted today that our starting punter is already on the roster. I hope he's right... in his defense he could sign any punter off the street and it'd be very hard not to improve on Kapinos' numbers.
The NFL: Where Greg Jennings Happens.