Defensive End - How Big is Our Need?

[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.