Poll: Which position on the defense would you draft for first if there were studs on the board at all 3 areas of need?

Safety.

DT is an easy upgrade over the off-season. I do not have any particular free agents or trade scenarios in mind, but there are seemingly always veteran DTs available that can shore up the line for a year or two (Grady Jackson's services a few years ago is a perfect example). Dorsey is out of the question as he's a sure top-5 selection and I don't envision Ellis from USC having a significant impact as a rookie, leading to the dreaded "investing in the future" strategy that I loathe. We need immediate impact, and that's certainly attainable with the 10th selection.

I feel like we're going to make some noise in the off-season and land a solid LB. Be it free agency or through a trade, there are several options available. Pair that FA with Fujita and Shanle/Simoneau, and we're in pretty good shape. On top of that, I was relatively unimpressed with Laurinitis' play in the NC game and find him to be undersized. I think he will be forever compared to AJ Hawk for obvious reasons, but he will never emerge from his shadow as I believe he is inferior. Additionally, I think Manauluga from USC at 10 is a bit early.

As many of yall have highlighted in your off-season "wish lists", I also think we'll make a significant CB signing which is good since drafting a CB early is risky. The safety position is different and can provide us with some significant improvements on the defensive side of the ball even at the 10th pick. If Kenny Phillips from Miami is available, regardless of who else is available, we must select him - he's an outstanding athlete that will have an immediate impact.

I really hope Loomis and Co. don't screw this one up like last year...