Let's talk defense

[724Skinsfan]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I think while your statement is somewhat true, it's becoming more and more common in the NFL that if you get drafted at all, you're expected to become an immediate contributor. First round picks are almost expected to start immediately.

Right, but at what level of proficiency are the rookies playing at? How effective is their contribution? It still takes a rookie a longer time to fully contribute than it does a veteran. The rookie may start but he's going to get "picked on" by the offense or the defense. You don't see too many cases where a FA gets the brunt of attention because its generally assumed that they have a shorter learning curve. Do we want Mario Williams or Andre Carter this year?
All of the players we acquire were someones draft picks at one time or another. Some are castoffs others couldn't be financially retained. Whether we draft them or someone else drafts them doen't make much of a difference to me.