As instinct, it's emotion-based, and cancels out critical thinking. This is why, prior to the establishment of the Department of Education, critical thinking was actually taught in most schools.
I can point to the majority of current mock drafts to pretty much prove how the herd instinct dominates us today--at the expense of critical thinking.
I can see how you could logically think that Danny Shelton would be a good pick for the Browns. It's not fair of me to expect people without Browns OCD (like me) to know that Mike Pettine doesn't run a traditional 3-4, that Phil Taylor played well at nose tackle early-on, or even to want a quick-fix, and to figure a nose tackle will do it.
If you're not obsessed like me, you just know that the Browns sucked against the run last season, and a nose tackle is important in a 3-4 as a blocker-magnet, and a guy who makes a big mess that running backs have to run around.
So even though they're wrong, I can't pick on them.
But the right tackle fixation? That's pure herd instinct.
Mitchell Schwartze can be described as the weakest link on the Browns offensive line. But that's a relative statement, because the rest of the line is exceptional. Schwartze actually ranks about in the middle of all offensive tackles, making him average. (Slightly above, actually--and improving).
It's logical to want to upgrade here, but the problem is the narrative:
"The Browns wanted to replace Schwartze at right tackle and move him to guard".
Where did that come from? Well, it came from a writer or commentator who thought that this would be a good idea. He or she no doubt was clearly stating their own opinion.
But another writer or commentator heard this, agreed, and reported it as fact, according to "sources".
All bets were off! It spread like wildfire until, a couple weeks later, Mike Pettine was asked about it at a press conference. He defended Schwartze, and said "I don't know where that came from".
Didn't matter. It also didn't matter when the real experts, who appeared oblivious to the fact that this was a rumor based on speculation nesting on a bed of wild guesses, pointed out that Schwartze doesn't fit a zone scheme at guard.
Some even said "that doesn't make sense". Didn't matter.
It was "out there", see?
So today, a whole bunch of mock drafters have the Browns using a first round pick on an offensive tackle. You see, it's taken root and grown. Replacing Mitchell Schwartze has become an urgent priority in their minds.
And it's all based on (ill-informed) bullcrap! It's now considered a "need"! It's been a long time since I could nothink like that, and I'm frankly amazed by it.
Don't be a sheep. Please.
Micheal Bowie started for the Superbowl Seahawks, and will challenge at right tackle and/or guard this season. This guy is no joke. He's already here and under contract. But because his name isn't mentioned constantly, he has ceased to exist for everybody but myself and a few others.
If Mike Pettine does feel that it's more important to replace Schwartze than to start phasing the aging John Greco into a utility role, Bowie can and will replace Schwartze.
He's better suited to the zone/trapping scheme the Browns will use, and stronger at the point.
Finally, why not THINK, just a little here: If the Browns do draft an offensive tackle in the first round, why not draft one who fits this blocking scheme perfectly, and is also the best CENTER in this draft (Cameron Erving)?
At least Tony Grossi named him in his most recent mock. That's ONE guy who thinks with his brain, anyway.
A little known fact: if you repeat a lie, it remains a lie. Right tackle is LOW on the list of Browns' needs, and Mike Pettine might still not know where all the bleating about Schwartze came from.
1: Quarterback
2: Number one reciever
Below here, you can toss nose tackle, edge-rusher, and the other stuff in a box and label it "Best Available Player".
Late addition: Copy/paste from JerrySherk (maybe the real one?):
Please spend 12 and 19 to get Marcus, I would be thrilled if we can pull that off. We will have to get in front of the Jets, so 3-4-5 are the spots to target.
We can fill the other needs later in the draft and with the veteran FAs that are left. We have plenty of cap to do more 1-2 year deals with veterans while the draft choices from last year, this year, and next develop.
If we get the QB and show development then Mack probably stays. That's worth another 1st rd pick if we don't have to replace him.
We can also trade some of next years picks to get more players now if there is someone we need. We have comp picks next year to fill in and replace the picks we use this year.
We have the bridge QBs in McCown and Thaddy Lew. Go get Marcus and be patient until he's ready.
We can fill the other needs later in the draft and with the veteran FAs that are left. We have plenty of cap to do more 1-2 year deals with veterans while the draft choices from last year, this year, and next develop.
If we get the QB and show development then Mack probably stays. That's worth another 1st rd pick if we don't have to replace him.
We can also trade some of next years picks to get more players now if there is someone we need. We have comp picks next year to fill in and replace the picks we use this year.
We have the bridge QBs in McCown and Thaddy Lew. Go get Marcus and be patient until he's ready.
"We will not win anything until we fix QB."
Brilliant!
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