I'm not sure a high price LT is feasible nor do I want to lose a high draft pick. I rather take a chance of a Lane Johnson(or whoever) and keep him for multiple years at a cheap rate then splurge on a LT. That's just me though. I don't feel we need to have a elite guy there... just someone that's good enough.

I'll point this out again, the top three tackles Jockel,Fisher, Johnson won't make it past 11. That leaves D.J. Fluker....who I wouldn't pick as high as 15 when there are talented tackles in that later rounds.

Saffold is not a high priced LT, he's in the final year of his rookie deal....ivory for Saffold gives them something for the pick they have invested 3 years in and gives them some backfield help for isiah pead, for us 2 million off the books and a LT for a year at rookie salary, if he's good you give him under what you would have given Bushrod, if not you can start looking at jake Matthews.

I'm not sure a high price LT is feasible nor do I want to lose a high draft pick. I rather take a chance of a Lane Johnson(or whoever) and keep him for multiple years at a cheap rate then splurge on a LT. That's just me though. I don't feel we need to have a elite guy there... just someone that's good enough.

We know Joeckel and Fisher won't be there. Johnson on the other hand could very well be there at 15. Regardless if he's there or not, it doesn't change my train of thought. If we took someone in the 3rd or 4th and felt he could do the job, I'd be okay with it... I'm not stuck on it having to be one of the top 3 tackles.

While Saffold isn't getting paid right now, he will be. If we're trading a high draft pick for Saffold, it's not something we should be looking at short sighted. It's going to cost a lot to re-sign him. Otherwise it would be senseless to trade a high draft pick for him if our intentions was to keep him for only one year. It would also be senseless to take a wait and see approach on a contract situation as you've pointed out. If he doesn't work out and we cut our losses, we're back at square one and still wasted a draft pick... a high one at that.

The idea of Ivory for Saffold is also unrealistic... very unrealistic. Extremely unrealistic. Brittle backup running back for a starting left tackle. I'm sure I don't have to go any further with that.

Don't get me wrong though... I wouldn't be disappointed if we made a move for him at all. I just don't think we need to especially if it's going to cost us a draft pick or two that coincides with his ability.

I agree. We don't need a super star at LT, just a guy who can get the job done. In our system our guards are more important in protection than our tackles. Bring in someone solid and thats all we need. Money can be used in other areas.