Freaky, you dont know about life over the cap yet.
Teh draft is the only place we can get players AT ALL. A guy that isnt much now can be at least serviceable after two years of level 9 training. Since we cant replace guys like Tise, Ake, Iseli or Zarebski (or Terr) when they get old from the FA pool, I'd say the draft still matters a lot.
Is my rook going to even play much, let alone be a factor this year? No. But in 3yrs when I have to replace Zarebski and Iseli, and cant sign anyone else to do it, he'd better be ready.