I wanted Jenkins but would've been fine with Darrisaw, who is now the starting LT for the 8-1 Vikings. Obviously the medicals on Jenkins were a bigger deal than I possibly could have known. Darrisaw apparently was a consideration at 21 for the Colts, but they went Paye instead. Didn't like the pick at the time because he was Ballard's typical traited up low production DE. I think Darrisaw and Justin Houston would've been a better combo than Paye and Eric Fisher, but I doubt a DE as talented as Raimann falls to Round 3 of this year's draft, but that's definitely a hindsight thing.

You always like to play the hindsight game. At least you are consistent.

Not defending Dam, but Ballard should have gone w/ Darrisaw which is what a lot of us on here said back then (including myself). In a vacuum Paye has turned out to be a good pick, but we had a pressing need at a more valuable position and Darrisaw would have obviously fit that need to a T as well as have been great value at 21.

It's not hindsight if you call it at the time. Has Paye consistently generated a pass rush yet? Or does he look like a guy who will be primarily a good run defender and won't generate much pass rush?

Here is a better question: Does this defense struggle more when he is not on the field? Absolutely. Everyone saw it when he missed a game, and again yesterday when he was ruled out during the game. He is a rock for this defense.

if healthy, paye would have probably had double digit sacks. and he was by far the best at getting consistent pressure.

i understand wanting the LT position shored up, but no need to act like paye is a bad player. he was a good pick

There is a gigantic gap between "not an elite pass rusher" and "bad player". I never said he's been a bad player, and he has exceeded my expectations to this point. I doubt he'll ever be an elite pass rusher (think T.J. Watt last year, Nick Bosa, Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, prime Von Miller, etc.)

Would have, could have, should have: waste of time