Philip Merling Article

I hope I'm wrong when I say this, but to me Phillip Merling is more of a run stuffing defensive end then a pass rusher. I was watching some of his highlights on NFLN today and he didn't really stand out as a pass rusher.

I think he's all but a lock to be our pick at #21. I think he'll probably be there when we pick and if he is, unless some great offer comes along we're taking Merling at 21.
Good stuff, I hope he is there for us.

I hope I'm wrong when I say this, but to me Phillip Merling is more of a run stuffing defensive end then a pass rusher. I was watching some of his highlights on NFLN today and he didn't really stand out as a pass rusher.

Well, here are several things I've heard (in no particular order)

-Blache loves Daniels (but I think we all knew that already) and would ideally like to get a similar player seeing as to Daniels is a bit long in the tooth

-They don't want to draft a pure pass rusher. Meaning they don't want someone who's only value is really against the pass because they realize AC's weakness is playing the run. They don't want that issue at both ends

-The team is really high on Wilson (and supposedly Buzbee, to a much lesser extent) and think he can really excel as their unofficial "sack specialist" and they like the idea of having a "young Daniels" that can slide to the inside effectively on situations where Wilson would come in

So all the above kind of points to Merling

-Also, I think they're trading their 2nd round pick

-Also, I think they're trading their 2nd round pick

I think they're going to trade their 2nd round pick as well, but what do you think they'll trade it for? Personally I think the team will trade up with the Jets for a shot at Jordy or Malcolm.

-Also, I think they're trading their 2nd round pick
WHAT...WHAT...WHAAAAAT !!!!!

For what,or rather whom? Don't hold out on us O keeper of behind the scenes knowledge.

For more picks in later rounds (possibly later in the 2nd and early 4th and 5th). I don't exactly know. I just know that they're starting to think that that pick might be easier to trade and help them achieve their goal of stocking up on mid-round picks. And they think there are a couple of potential trade partners.

It will really depend on how the draft unfolds.

I like the sound of Merling with our first. WR shouldn't be that big of a need that we need to address with our early picks.

Its all up and crazy right now. I just watched the Sports Center Mock Draft Special and they have us getting Merling as well, but with almost the entire first ten picks, there was almost always a mention of trading up or down. I would not be surprised if anything happened. Every year it gets more and more unpredicatable! As far as Merling is concerned, I think he would be a great pickup but only because the CB talent is low this year. I would much rather draft a CB in round one. Maybe next year.

I hope I'm wrong when I say this, but to me Phillip Merling is more of a run stuffing defensive end then a pass rusher. I was watching some of his highlights on NFLN today and he didn't really stand out as a pass rusher.

We already have a pass rusher in Carter, we need a run-stopping DE and someone to eventually replace Daniels.

DE/Merling and WR/Kelly work out updated. JLC blog

Also, starting quarterback Jason Campbell is with the Skins and flying to Oklahoma, so you would have to imagine he'll be throwing some passes Kelly's way.

I like the sound of Merling, I hope he is there for us. He sounds like a pretty tough mofo and a nice compliment to our line. Off topic, but what I really like about this update from JLC is JC's visible commitment to the team, flying out to test out the WR prospects. He has wonderful character and is really doing everything he can to be the best he can and help out. I am really excited about him this year working with Zorn, I feel a breakout year for him and he most definitely deserves it!