Defensive Tackle

[BeastsoftheNFCeast]

In my opinion, we definately need a defensive end, Daniels is crap and is only getting worse due to his age. I dont know what to think about defensive tackle though. Griffin is good, Saleve'a is crap, and Golston is hovering around average. Is Golston good enough to be considered a starter? I think with his play last year, the answer is no, but he is young so he very well might develop into a quality starter. Should we address defensive tackle in this offseason, or let it be and hope it plays out well?

[PorterHouse]

I dont think resignin Boschetti is the answer. And if we dont get someone in there to eat up blocks, Fletcher will be unproductive. We definately need to adress the d-line. But as far as Salavea bein crap, I cant force myself to agree with you there. Goldston has a real good upside being young and all.

[SmootSmack]

Why'd you title this thread "Defensive Tackle" and then start with "In my opinion, we definately need a defensive end". Interesting

As for your question, I think a strong DT can have a bigger effect on the entire defense more so than a DE can.

[Big C]

a new DT who can absorb blockers will take pressure off of everyone on the defense. they will free up the linebackers to make plays, allow the defensive ends to rush easier, thus helping the secondary. a big DT is twice as important to us right now as a new DE.

[beatdallas]

I'll take either one. The d-line play last season was terrible.

[stu_nna]

Hmmm, but we are stronger at the tackle spot than the end spot. Overall I think a tackle would help decrease rushing yards. Yet to effectivley pressure the quarterback everydown a end makes more sense. I'd prefer an elite tackle, but this year the more pressing need is at the end spot.

[Big C]

Originally Posted by stu_nna

Hmmm, but we are stronger at the tackle spot than the end spot. Overall I think a tackle would help decrease rushing yards. Yet to effectivley pressure the quarterback everydown a end makes more sense. I'd prefer an elite tackle, but this year the more pressing need is at the end spot.

i disagree, i think our DT's are weaker than our DE's. griffen had a bad year last year and is getting a free pass from many because of how good he was a few years ago, and golston did well for a low round rookie but griffen and golston are the same style players, penetrators. neither absorbed blockers and our defense was badly exposed. if we go into the season with the same tackles we are in huge trouble, we can get by with our DE's. a new DT will improve daniels' play, while i doubt a new DE will improve our DT's play. we will still be destroyed by the run

[stu_nna]

Originally Posted by Big C

i disagree, i think our DT's are weaker than our DE's. griffen had a bad year last year and is getting a free pass from many because of how good he was a few years ago, and golston did well for a low round rookie but griffen and golston are the same style players, penetrators. neither absorbed blockers and our defense was badly exposed. if we go into the season with the same tackles we are in huge trouble, we can get by with our DE's. a new DT will improve daniels' play, while i doubt a new DE will improve our DT's play. we will still be destroyed by the run

I keep thinking with a middle linebacker known to make tackles, and a with Griffin and Salavae healthy we will have different results. So, i still belive that Cornelius is the real deal.
We gave up alot of rushing yards last year i think Fletcher will really help improve in that area. Yet still without getting pressure on the quarterback our secondary gets ate up. Also with a good pass rush i think alot of opions on Los (carlos) will change. More pressure equals more turnovers, more turnovers lead to more points and a healthier defense. Whadyathink?

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by stu_nna

I keep thinking with a middle linebacker known to make tackles, and a with Griffin and Salavae healthy we will have different results. So, i still belive that Cornelius is the real deal.
We gave up alot of rushing yards last year i think Fletcher will really help improve in that area. Yet still without getting pressure on the quarterback our secondary gets ate up. Also with a good pass rush i think alot of opions on Los (carlos) will change. More pressure equals more turnovers, more turnovers lead to more points and a healthier defense. Whadyathink?

I agree with the general theme, I only disagree with pretty much everyone's assessment of Joe Salave'a to me the guy has never been more than an average player. I like the hard nose, bust your ass guy as much as anyone, but the fact is he's just not that good. He never has been. They need to replace him and they need to replace Griffin in my opinion. I'm sick of guys who can't stay on the field...*cough* Springs and Griffin *cough*

[70Chip]

This argument has been on going in the Draft Forum. I have taken the position that we need a DE more than a DT although both could use improvement. I think I part company with many in that I rate Golston as an adequate starter and they do not. Also, others take the position that because we spent so much on Carter we have to hope he pans out. I say even if Carter plays better, Daniels and Wynn are over the hill.

Most of the argument is brought on by the 6th overall and wether to take Branch or Adams. My view is that they should split the difference, trade down, and get one of each. However, if they keep the 6th overall, they should take Adams or whoever they rate highest at DE.

My botton line is that 1. We need to improve the DL. 2. This is a multi-year process. 3. Defensive End is the more immediate need.

[stu_nna]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

This argument has been on going in the Draft Forum. I have taken the position that we need a DE more than a DT although both could use improvement. I think I part company with many in that I rate Golston as an adequate starter and they do not. Also, others take the position that because we spent so much on Carter we have to hope he pans out. I say even if Carter plays better, Daniels and Wynn are over the hill.

Most of the argument is brought on by the 6th overall and wether to take Branch or Adams. My view is that they should split the difference, trade down, and get one of each. However, if they keep the 6th overall, they should take Adams or whoever they rate highest at DE.

My botton line is that 1. We need to improve the DL. 2. This is a multi-year process. 3. Defensive End is the more immediate need.

Its true there is no quick fix to our line problem. We need some raw talent in Daniels's spot and Salvae's spot immediately.
I'll have to differ with the thought that Golston is an adequate starter though. If he played a full seasons then we might rank worst than the 06 campain. Golston is an overachiever, a great back up and good to keep our starters fresh.
Overall though good thoughts lets draft both positions and coach em' up to be talented starters.

[GMScud]

I want Alan Branch more than anyone. He's a 6'6 330lb monster with quick feet, a huge wingspan, and he can play some end too. He would be awesome at plugging the run and eating up blocks, and I think Fletcher could have a huge season playing behind him. If Carter continues his improved pass rush that began coming on at the end of the season, we could be in good shape, and with an improved secondary we could afford to blitz more... I dunno, if we trade down there are good players available too- Moss, Carriker, Spencer. It seems like we debate this everyday, and I always feel torn...

Because if we have Golston and Montgomery, Griffin and S'alavea, and we resigned Boschetti, I don't see us drafting another DT. What to do, what to do??

[Crat92]

I agree. At first I was hopin for an impact DE. But now that think about it, we really need somebody that can stuff the run! If we can solidify the D up the middle, the edges wouldn't get exposed.

[Crazyhorse1]

Originally Posted by Crat92

I agree. At first I was hopin for an impact DE. But now that think about it, we really need somebody that can stuff the run! If we can solidify the D up the middle, the edges wouldn't get exposed.

A lot of talk has gone out about Adams being too light to play against the run
in the NFL, inspite of his huge number of tackles in college. I disagree. The has the skills, obviously, and he will have the size. He's 6'6" and 260 but the guy can press about 360 and is heavily muscled and thin. He could easily put on 15 to 20 lbs and still be the fastest lineman in the draft. Kiper says he's the second best player in the draft. I say he's too good to pass up. Branch's two tackles per game and no sacks really bother me; the numbers are just too low, whether he's double teamed or not.
I wouldn't be too disturbed though if we dropped back just enough to get DE Carriker and a stud DT early in the 2nd. Carriker's a frightening guy, a real physical freak of nature with a brain-- a solid pass rusher and a real big crusher in the running game who's got to be double teamed. He might be one of the more underrated guys likely to go in the first round. With Carriker, we will get the eqivalent of a DT who can rush.

[skinsfan_nn]

Originally Posted by stu_nna

Its true there is no quick fix to our line problem. We need some raw talent in Daniels's spot and Salvae's spot immediately.
I'll have to differ with the thought that Golston is an adequate starter though. If he played a full seasons then we might rank worst than the 06 campain. Golston is an overachiever, a great back up and good to keep our starters fresh.
Overall though good thoughts lets draft both positions and coach em' up to be talented starters.

There can be a quick fix to or D-LINE it's called healthy players, PD is fine. Sal is aging, however, I think Golston did a great job when Sal could not go...which was to often. And certainly think he can start....look who was behind him?
What makes you state him as an overachiever...to me that's what you want? I certainly think we have enough underachievers..."AKA" BL,ARCH
My position is DE first, DT second, to be adressed in Draft.