A year ago I asked a simple question Reggie Bush: What is he?  The answers were varied and quite detailed.  There was some heated discussion, but in the end there was not a true consensus.  Many people posted what they thought he should be, but there was only one person who got the answer right.

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Is anyone else finding it hard to focus on their day to day lives?  People will be talking to me and I won't have an idea what they are talking about.   All I can think about is the game tomorrow.  I have been about useless at work all week.   If it isn't about this game I don't care.  Luckily my wife is understanding, most people would be peeved that they have all but been ignored for a week.  I am scouring the web to see the umpteenth "expert" analize the upcoming game.  It has been discussed to the point that every possible angle has been broken down in detail.  There's nothing new, yet I can't stop reading.  I am so excited.  I wake up every few hours at night with revelations about the game.  After a few seconds I realize that needing a solid pass rush isn't a revelation and I go back to sleep. 

I can't be the only one having difficulties functioning...

Does this happen to every fan when their team makes it to the big game, or just the first time?  Will I be more calm next year when we make it back?

After two days of heated debate, I'd like to take the temperture of the room as they say.  I'm very curious to see what we all think.  The reactions were more visceral than I'd imagined, but a lot of good information has been brought up. 

The arguments ranged from extremes;  Reggie is overpaid and needs to go, to Reggie needs the ball as often as physically possible.  Let's see where we really stand.

I'd like to see comments for the poll continued in the main thread, so we avoid having to repeat ourselves.

After reading a post on 2006 draft grades I began thinking more about Reggie Bush.  I was very happy with the drafting of Bush, but as the writer pointed out, he hasn't lived up to his draft grade.  There have been moments of sheer glory, but he doesn't have the constant production you'd expect from a top RB.

During his time in the league Bush has rushed for an average of 500 yards a season, 3.4 yards per attempt.  Other backs taken that high in the draft the past few years have done more on the ground. Adrian Peterson 1500yds, 5.2yd/att, Marshawn Lynch 1100yds 4.1yds/att, Jonathan Stewart 836yds 4.5yd/att.  

Reggie Bush came out of college as an amazing RB.  His moves would leave defenders grasping air as he rocketed down the field.  Before he was drafted there was some chatter that this couldn't translate into the NFL.  NFL Defenders were much faster and wouldn't be juked out of their shoes like college players.  After three years in the league there has been some truth in these analysis.

Now we all know this is only part of the story.

Bush has tallied more yards recieving than rushing in his career averaging 7.5yds/rec.  His ability as a return man has turned more than one game around for us.  Having to account for him creates problems for defences, and probably contributes to Drew's amazing numbers.  It's clear that Bush is a valuable contributor to the team, but how should we think about him.

He's been compared to Brian Westbrook, but Wetbrook has never had more reciving yards than rushing yards.  He's as much a threat up the middle as he is around the edge.  He's a RB with amazing recieving abilities.  Bush has never excelled as an up the gut style runner.  He is always looking to bounce a run outside.

When were we most succesful?  2006, when we had a power back in the backfield(Deuce!) and Bush moving around as a multi-dimensional threat.  in 2007 we had a disappointing year, and Deuce missed almost all of it.  He wasn't the same last year, and it showed in our record.     

I think a better comparison might be Wes Welker.  He is an acomplished punt returner and catches a lot of balls underneath.  With Bush's quick moves he's able to maximize these passes for larger gains.   Bush is a much faster player and is a always a threat to run a reverse. 

All told Bush has more abilities than simply calling him a RB or a WR.  But I think he should be viewed more as a slot WR.  He could motion into the backfield and run the ball if the defenses look favorable, catch a quick screen and burst up field, or simply run a slant and carve up opposing defenses. 

With two fourth round picks - who should we be looking for? 

I think the RBs Greene or Jennings would make a good pick if one of them lasts 'till the mid-fourth. 

I'd like one of these 230lb backs - wouldn't mind a trade to move up some.  We don't have much ammo, I do NOT want to trade a first day pick from next year for a second day pick this year.  Maybe we could trade next years third and a fourth this year to get into the third to get one?

I don't think there's any good LBs or DT's left.

There are some possible CBs : Moore, Barnes, Mickens,  or Washington

Is there any other guys I should be rooting for tomorrow?

After weeks of looking at players and mock drafts I think I have a sense of where players will fall this year.  Looking at our needs I put together what I think would be the ideal plan of this draft. 

There has been a lot talk about getting a RB early.  After losing a few games this year b/c we couldn't pick up 3 & 1's or 4 & 1's I understand the sentiment, but defense has to be a higher priority.  I argued that we could get a big back later, like McClaine last year, but who is that this year?  I started looking over the running backs this year to find one to target, and I found two, but they won't be there in the 4th.  So we need to try another tactic.

Since joining CSC I have said that we need to drop back and get another first day pick.  My thought was that we needed to add two high potential defensive players.  One in the front seven, and one in the secondary.  I would put secondary as the more critical need.  After Jenkins though there is a drop-off to the next best DB.  If we stay at #14 Jenkins would be the best pick, but I think we can do more for the team by trading down.

With 12 picks in the draft NE is the place to look for a trade.  They are very active in moving around on draft day, and they need to consolidate picks.  They won't be able to add 12 men to their roster, so staying put means they will draft players that they will never sign.  Bellicheck wouldn't waste picks like that. 

My thought for the ideal plan is to trade our #14 pick and next years second to NE for their #23, #47, and #58.  I dislike trading away next years pick, but if we want to address the three areas of need, we'll have to do it.  NE would like to bank some of their extra picks this year for next year, as well as being able to move up and get Brian Cushing. 

With our picks we should target the following:

#23 - Clay Mathews - An excellent OLB that could join Vilma and Fujita and create a powerful LB corp.

Ziggy Hood /Jerry Peria - A stout DT would be an excellent compliment to Sed Ellis.  We'd be stronger at the point of attack against the run and our DE's should be able to put more pressure on the QB, easing pressure on our DBs  

#47 - Darius Butler/Louis Delmas - After Jenkins this is the next best group of DBs.  Either adding a Safety or Corrner is necessary for the long term development of this team.  We have too many players in these position that are patches.  They might work for a season, but aren't long term answers.

#58 - Shonn Greene/Rashad Jennings - A 230lb power back would be ideal to put games away when we have the lead late in the fourth quarter.  These are the two top prospects, and they won't last much longer than a late second round pick. 

I think this would be the ideal strategy.  It may not be possible - NE doesn't have to trade with us, but we have done alot of business over the years.  I think with these three key additions we would be the best team in the NFC heading into camp.  If you have a shot of being this good, I think it's worth giving up a draft pick next year.