Defensive End - How Big is Our Need?

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by dmek25

i agree with you about the biggest need being defensive tackle. but, i don't want Branch. so who would be the next choice? thats why i want Adams, to turn up the pressure on opposing quarterbacks

I likes Gaines Adams also but I think the concern is about his size (despite the fact he could easily put on another 6-10 lbs.) and whether he would, or would not have to be a situational player since I'm convinced the team feels it can get another serviceable year out of Daniels. Like I said before DT or DE is fine with me. Adams at DE or Okoye at DT......How I wish we could land them both.....Just call it wishful dreaming.

For those concerned about the size of Adams, he's the same size Dexter Manley was playing at the same position. I like him, it's just a matter of how he would fit into the defensive rotation at this time.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

I likes Gaines Adams also but I think the concern is about his size (despite the fact he could easily put on another 6-10 lbs.) and whether he would, or would not have to be a situational player since I'm convinced the team feels it can get another serviceable year out of Daniels. Like I said before DT or DE is fine with me. Adams at DE or Okoye at DT......How I wish we could land them both.....Just call it wishful dreaming.

For those concerned about the size of Adams, he's the same size Dexter Manley was playing at the same position. I like him, it's just a matter of how he would fit into the defensive rotation at this time.

Yeah but today's tackles are bigger than the ones Manley faced.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Yeah but today's tackles are bigger than the ones Manley faced.

For a player who relies on speed as opposed to power and strength, this could be to his advantage. Granted many tackles are bigger now than the one's Manley faced, around the league you see the smaller DE's having success against bigger guys using their speed and quickness.

[jermus22]

I really like the idea of drafting Branch at DT. He is a beast in run support with tremendous size and power, something the defensive line lacked last year. He wouldn't need to start immediately, but if he rotated with Salevea at DT, he would be ready by (or before midseason). His play would boost the production of the other DL flanking him (Carter and Griffin) and free the linebackers up to make tackles.

[jermus22]

Another reason Branch would fit in our defensive scheme is that his abilities suit Salevea's particular position. While Griffin is generally used more to shoot gaps and penetrate, Salevea is asked more often to stuff the run and occupy blockers. When Salevea went down with injuries last year, his replacement (Cedric Golston) lacked the ideal size and strength for that role. As a result, opponents ran effectively up the middle, our LBs contended with OL, and our DBs had to make most of the tackles. Branch would fix that problem, keep Salevea healthy and rested, and allow Golston to occasionally give Griffin a breather (and allow Golston to develop as a gap shooter instead of run stuffer). In short, Branch could help our defense the way Dave Butz helped in the '80s.

[jermus22]

As a right (weakside) defensive end, Daniels is solid against the run and above average as a pass rusher. But on the left (strong) side, he lacks the size to contend with bigger tackles as well as tight ends, making him only modest in run-support. His age (34) means he will need to be relieved occasionally so he can be effective as a pass rusher; that would simply involve rotating in more players like Renaldo Wynn and Demetric Evans to maximize our pass rush.

[freddyg12]

the d line got pushed around a bit in a few games. AC is certainly no run stuffer, but if we get our O going we'll build some leads & GW will turn em loose on the pass rush.

[Beemnseven]

Am I the only one who finds it absurd to heep praise upon Andre Carter for being able to "turn it on" for half a season?

Will we all sit here next year and be thankful if Andre gives us a solid performance for 8 games, while the other 8 he just uses up oxygen?

I wonder if Patriots fans, Colts fans or Philly fans rejoice with the fact that one of their starters actually decides to put forth some effort for just 50% of the season?

My, have our standards fallen.