Addressing the LB position

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I think we're hurting here more than at any other position, including offensive line. So many questions

1. How much longer can we count on Fletcher in the middle? He's basically been Superman but how close is he to just dropping dramatically in production (and even games played)

2. What are our intentions with Rocky? Assume there's a cap and he becomes a free agent after this upcoming season, are we planning on locking him up long term? And where are we playing him? Right now he's the starting weak-side backer but some would argue that he's better suited for the strong-side

3. Do we give Blades the chance to be the everyday starter at either of the outside spots, or his versatility too valuable and do we keep him as the rotating LB off the bench?

4. Where is our depth? We just signed Fincher and we've also got (for now) Tyson Smith and Matt Sinclair. Smith and Sinclair combined have only slightly more NFL gameday experience than Paintrain. And Fincher only has a bit more than that. Do we need a Cato June type veteran to come in and provide some "experience" a la Randall Godfrey?

5. What about Khary Campbell?

6. Can we afford to pass on a linebacker at #13? I'd say yes, if we had a later first or even a second round pick but right now we don't. So I don't know, it really depends on whether you feel more comfortable with Heyer/Jansen at RT or Blades at either OLB slot.

1. We can bank on Fletch this year, but it's critical we have a contingency plan in place. I do think Blades is going to step right in for him, which is why I don't think we'll be in the market for Maualuga or for Laurinaitis.

We can't just plug in Blades if he's needed elsewhere. I also don't think you can count on him to replace the leadership of Fletcher as long as he's still on the roster. This is his defense until the day we cut him.

2. I think Rocky has lost his role as a nickel LB for good. I think we'll move him across to SLB, and I don't think he's in the future plans. Of course, a breakout season could mean a franchise tag next year.

3. Well, an impact linebacker from the draft is more of a need than getting Blades on the field, but at the same time, I wouldn't sign anyone to block Blades, and I'd work to get him on the field for 40-50% of snaps from the base 4-3 package, and he's the de-facto nickel linebacker. And, I don't think that Fletch should play 100% of snaps this year. Blades should get a small percentage of his snaps, plus it will work well that way with the whole radio in the helmet thing.

4. Getting an undersized DE in the draft will do wonders for the depth issue, but I'd still float a contract offer at Marcus Washington anyway. No smallish cover-two type OLBs please.

5. Sign that tender, son.

6. Yes, we can afford to pass at a linebacker at No. 13, and we should if one of the big four tackles there. If we could turn our third round pick into a late second rounder, the draft is deep enough to land a pass-rushing LB there.