Good post. I actually like the pickup for the reasons you stated above and because I personally believe that he will develop into a solid player at least. I disagree that this pickup is an example of incompetence by the staff or a waste of a scholarship. Had the staff shown this type of "Incompetence" towards the secondary last off season then we would be in the playoffs awaiting a quarterfinal matchup.
P.S. You seem to be quite optimistic about the Xavier Lucas situation. I hope you're right. Getting Lucas would give us the potential to completely transform our secondary. Not just upgrade but transform. Of course I'm taking the additions of Poyser, Brantley and Karnley into that consideration but Lucas would be the most crucial piece as he could then lineup opposite from OJ Frederique and give us not 1 but 2 young and gifted cover corners both going into their second year. Brantley would be CB3/maybe Nickel and move around while Poyser gives us speed, range, physicality, striking ability and instincts from the Free Safety position. I would like one more Safety but I understand if the staff likes Patterson or Day there. Now that secondary as I just described would allow our new DC the freedom and versatility to do a variety of things.