As I've stated in paraphrase before, I always regarded Elam in the same boat as guys like Roc Thomas and Leonard Fournette, i.e. fine additions that I would like to have, but not real needs or major losses should they go elsewhere.
Coming into this class, I felt our needs were as follows, in no particular order:
(1) A top quarterback (because you need one of those in just about every class)
(2) To revamp the OL by signing a large OL class, with possibly JUCO help at OT
(3) Upgrade pass defense by finding cornerbacks and edge rushers
Obviously we've got a long way to go and things are just getting started, but in terms of targeting needs we have largely hit home runs on all three fronts at least in the initial recruiting phase. No guarantees that any of it pans out, but on the front end all you can hope is that you get the guys you want and the guys that you get address the most glaring needs that you have, and we've certainly succeeded in that respect.