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T-fo is Medium Pimpin' said 01/23, 08:22 PM
I'll go with:

Joe Thomas - if you're starting a franchise from scratch, you start with the guy who anchors the O-line. He's young, and already at a near Pro Bowl level.

I also want to get a franchise QB. But I have to keep in mind that the first couple of years might be a little rough...he's going to need to scramble and make plays on the run. I don't need a pocket passer, no matter how great the credentials...I'm gonna go with the guy who has a game that fits that description, who finished rated right behind Brady in the rankings but is five years younger and will mature with the team. I'll take...
Ben Roethlisberger.

Finally, great RB's pop up all over the place, a la Ryan Grant and Willie Parker. I'm also not willing to take a chance on Adrian's injuries. I thought about a stud WR, but I want someone to anchor my D-Line and bring the heat - someone who brought legitimacy to the Texans D and is also a youngster...I'll take...
Mario Williams

T-fo is Medium Pimpin' said 01/24, 08:47 PM
There's a simple reason for not taking Brady, and it's the same reason for not taking Peyton. This isn't about taking the best QB in the game. I'm not even trying to pretend that Ben ranks higher. But remember, you are building an expansion franchise here. That puts youth at a premium.
Brady is excellent and at the top of his game, playing for a premier franchise. He is at the top of his game when his line gives him a pocket and he picks apart the opposing defense. Unfortunately, that's not a luxury he would have with an expansion team. You need a QB who can evade a constant pass rush, move out of the pocket and create a play. That's where Ben's game comes into play. He's shown he can take a pounding and still make plays...plus he's only in his mid-20's...he'll be in his prime when the team finally starts to gel.
As to choosing a defensive stalwart over an RB, it's simple. The comments give plenty of other good choices to pick from besides Mario. But the point is you have to build around someone on D as well as O. RB's are not. in the long term, franchise players. They generally have shorter careers than other positions.

T-fo is Medium Pimpin' said 01/25, 09:31 PM
A forfeited turn in a tourney TD? Bad form Paddy, bad form. Get in my belly.