See, this is the kind of post where I don't feel the other person's arguing in good faith.
Take the debate on trading down for example:
You first assume that I'm not a fan of trading down and subsequently ask my thoughts on if I was open to trade the 3 OA.
I respond with general guidelines and a thought process on why and how I'd be open to trading down throughout the draft.
You respond that it's not the same at the top of the draft and that its a reach to draw them together.
Obviously, if someone asks me draw two things together, I'll do it as I assume that person is interested in my thought process and not because he's baiting.
And throughout all of this, you're not taking any stance.
You start with the assumption that the draft is a crapshoot and the late 2nd rounds on are basically worthless errr *House money*. But at the same time, MB had 90 seconds to "plan" (since that's how you call it) during each pick between the Olofsson pick to the 62nd one to make sure a worthless asset like Hillis would be available at 66. That's your "logic scenario" (btw, yes, I know teams do discuss trades based on who could potentially be there). All of that, for a 5th rounder in a draft where talent dipped around the end of the 3rd.
And, you suggest all of this based on absolutely no evidence. None. Not only that, but you never actually take the stance that this is what you think MB did.
And then, you admit scouts know each other (which I actually brought up) and who they're high on. And guess who's at the top of the scouting pyramid, who would have most access to this info ? Hmmm...
So, here's actual evidence, cited straight from the horses mouth:
1. Timmins wanted Hillis badly.
2. Hillis was one of his favorite players.
3. He was nervous about trading down to 66. Didn't want to miss him by trading down.
So, let's actually try to further this debate, because we're stalling and I feel like none of the points I brought up are being addressed. You can obviously elaborate these questions, but without a definite yes/no answer to start them, I don't feel like we'll be able to go anywhere from here on (and I'll then have to bow out of our debate).
1. Does this sound like someone confident his player would be there?
2. Does this sound like someone who didn't mind dropping to the next guy on his list ?
2. Do you think Timmins recommended MB to go ahead with the trade or not ?