We're all going to see where those two picks would've been.
It's funny how the "crystal ball" argument is brought up in reference to what "might" happen with those picks, and as a way to discount making the deal, but it's ignored when we're talking about how Harrell will turn out. We don't have the exact same crystal ball to tell us that an injured Harrell is a better move than taking two likely, yes...likely, top 15 picks. Logic dictates those picks will be Top 15 picks.
There's a stronger argument for those picks being Top 15 than there is for Harrell being better than what those two future picks would've brought to the table, a lot more.
Let's cut to the chase... If those picks turn out to be Top 15 picks, as they should, will hindsight tell you it was a mistake to not make the deal? What numbers does Harrell have to put up to make his selection a better move than taking the Cleveland deal? Corey Williams had 7 sacks last season at DT. I think it's fair to say Harrell better have more than 7 sacks and a huge improvement to our run and overall defense. If he misses half the season due to injury this will be a monumental blunder.
It's important to point out that the teams who passed on the Cleveland deal after Green Bay were... Jacksonville, NY Giants, Tennessee, Cincinnati, and Denver. Everyone of those teams has reasonable expectations to make a playoff run. These teams appear to subscribe to a "win now" philosophy meaning they would bypass such an offer. Dallas is in the same boat, but Jerry Jones makes bold moves. We aren't on the verge of any sort of playoff run, therefore, we should've taken that deal.
Why isn't anyone upset with him trading down the two times he did? The trade downs were not as valuable as picking up an extra 1st, and likely high first next year but people seem comfortable with getting Brandon Jackson, James Jones and Aaron Rouse.
Go on record all those who think it was wise to take Harrell over the Cleveland deal. Tell me what he has to do to justify passing on that deal? Also, tell me what record we need to have to make this wise. I think it's an uphill climb to get back to 8-8 this season. Also, tell me where Cleveland's pick has to fall to justify not adding it.
It's really going to sting if Cleveland is picking 3rd again.