The way the "experts" talk about this draft, there's going to be an early drop off in talent in the first round, but some depth in the "B" player area. If they're right, you might be better off if your team trades down and grabs extra picks.
Where Love goes is going to heavily impact what happens with Minnesota, IMO. If he's gone by 7 the Commanders could very well take Downs. Which would mean that Thieneman is in play for the Bengals at 10.
I believe that Flores would be good with Stukes, who tested at the Combine with the Safety group IIRC. Or Haulcy, Smith, Wheatley, Ramsey, Clark, Scott, etc. All are better prospects than Jay Ward was.
But Thieneman is a full tier higher than any of those guys. His floor is higher AND his ceiling is higher. It's highly likely Flores views Dillon as the natural heir apparent to Harrison Smith.
The problem is that Banks, Hunter & Miller will all likely be gone by 49. Orange, Corleone, Halton & Jackson are the next tier down. Would Brian be good with missing out on the higher end DTs in order to get the higher ceiling player in Thieneman?
Would Brez allow Flores to reach for DT at 18 if no trade backs present themselves? He's talked about guardrails and being mindful of the future. None of these DT prospects are going to be able to replace the production of both Allen & Hargrave as Rookies. Dillon plays as a Rookie and replaces Smith in '27.
Most interesting Draft in years!