Yes ! Another draft fanpost that won't say anything more than what has already been said. Or is it ?
We talked a lot about FA strategy, which people to bring in, at what price etc... But rarely about draft strategy (saying we shouldn't draft a QB but rather an ILB, or a WR instead of a pass rusher isn't a strategy). We have needs likely everywhere, and we need to start somewhere. We won't be able to fill every needs in one year. Or even two. We need patience.
My roadmap for our rebuild is the same than what Oakland have been doing since 2014.
Step one: Get centerpieces around whom you should build your team
There is one thing a lot people are saying here : draft this WR, our QB will be better !
NO ! A WR DOESN'T MAKE A QB BETTER !
A good WR makes the offense better. It makes things easier for a QB, but it doesn't make your QB better. A WR with a huge catch radius won't improve your QB accuracy. A good and fast route runner won't teach your QB to throw with anticipation. A dominant WR who can make catches in traffic won't help your QB to read defenses.
So : NO ! DRAFTING A GUY LIKE DAVIS, WILLIAMS OR SCHMIDT WON'T MAKE KAP OR GABBERT BETTER. IT WILL MAKE OUR OFFENSE BETTER DESPITE OUR QB'S WEAKNESS.
Sorry for that part :)
I was saying, draft centerpieces. Assuming Myles Garrett is already taken and none of Watson/Trubisky/Kizer have showed anything to be worth the #2 overall, the question is, who do we draft ?
Trading down is the best options, but let's say we can't trade down! What is our move? My best guess is going with a pass rusher. Allen is a poor fit for our scheme, I don't see us drafting him. To me we should go with Derek Barnett or Carl Lawson (or Tim Williams). Check out this comparison between the two of them.
According to this podcast, I would rather go with Barnett than Lawson. The first has been more productive as a pass rusher and is a better in run defense. The second, despite being a more athletic and explosive player is known for his health problems (which is a problem to me).
The 2nd round, we should look at a QB. If any of Watson, Kizer or Trubisky is there, I would go with him. If not, I would go with Rudolph Mason (Mahomes is a prospect I don't know, but who can be considered also).
The 3rd round will be spent on an OL, preferably a Center (Pat Elflein).
Step two: Add weapons to support your players.
This one will depend a lot on the 2018 draft, but we should draft powerful guys to complement our QB and OLB strength. A powerful receiver and an ILB to complement Bowman should be a good choice.
Also finish building your OL.
Step three: Enjoy the Free Agency
With a little luck, during the 2nd year, our pass rusher, and QB play would be enough to help us win more games and attract big name Free Agent to fill our needs.
I know this 3rd step sounds very optimistic, however the first 2 steps should be easily doable and should bring results. I don't think we will be able to bring FA in before the beginning of the 3rd year of our rebuild. We are bad, really bad. Nobody would come here except for the money, a lot of money, guaranteed money. And that's how you overpay people who won't do anything for the team.