Let's face it fellas. Branden Albert is going to be traded for a 2nd round pick, most likely the Dolphins'. Nothing more, but nothing less either...

We as fans always overvalue our players and undervalue everyone else's (see Alex Smith). From an outsiders perspective, Albert is a nice player with some limitations on a 1 year contract. That being said, he is arguably one of the best LTs in pass protection, but that doesn't get us a 1st round pick in return.

Adapt and move forward.

Recouping our 2nd round pick this year BEFORE trading should get you excited! We all seem to realize that the 2nd round in particular is loaded with talent. What this draft lacks in top end players, it makes up for in depth, namely at WR, CB, DL and ILB. All of those positions need upgrading on our roster ASAP.

I was hard set against just letting Albert walk a few weeks ago just because we could draft a cheaper version at #1. But getting anything back in the first 2 rounds is a hole new ball game. Our front office is setting us up for ultimate flexibility come April 25th. No trade partners? We'll take Joeckel and fill a need with a quality talent in Rd. 2. But if we trade.... that's when the world opens up.

Trading back will bring at least an additional 2nd round pick. And this is where our flexibility pays off. We can let the board come to us and rely on the quality depth I just mentioned, or we can pull the trigger and package our 2 2nds and grab an impact player at a position of need in the 1st.

Chief's nation looks pretty nice with Branden Albert not in it. The worst thing that happens is Luke Joeckel and some added draft day flexibility. Sounds nice to me.