Peppers says he wants to explore free agency

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Dirtbag359

Before I forget. If what Smootsmack said has the merrit that I think it has then that's seems like a direct contradiction against Vinny's front for "oh we take the best player available because when you draft for need you get in trouble." What Smoot described sounded more like a "thats our guy" mentality (especially with the infatuation as it relates to Cushing) as well as the idea that they can get this particular running back in the third round. To elaborate it sounds like they already know what they want and they're going along the path of do first, answer questions later.

Maybe I'm wrong but from where I'm sitting this is how the front office's possible "plan" looks.

It's not necessarily a contradiction. Yes they really like Cushing (from what I've heard) and they believe they need a linebacker but they won't necessarily take him if he's there if a better player (regardless of position is there) and they feel they can fill their need for a linebacker later on. It just so happens that they apparently think Cushing will be there at 13 (I don't see why he wouldn't be) and that he is not only a need but also the best player available at that point (assuming other players go as planned).

But it's so early in the process. Next week, approximately, the staff will start to really detail their wish list for free agency. Over the next couple of months as free agency shakes out, they'll get a sense of what they want to accomplish in the draft.