Will Brian Orakpo = the next Vernon Gholston

[The Goat]

Ok...i guess you painted the worst case scenario. For the likely scenario I'll plagiarize Mr. GTripp and say Orakpo is probably just Carter reloaded, which isn't a huge addition for us on defense and ultimately doesn't make a great impact for some time cuz Carter probably isn't going anywhere. The best case scenario is Orakpo bulks up a bit and becomes a badass run-stopper so he can be our stud LDE who also gets to the QB.

Probability among the scenarios: 10%, 65% and 25% respectively IMO.

...it's fun to make predictions when they don't count for anything

[redskingrove]

The biggest difference between Orakpo and Gholsten is the company he is surrounded by on the field during game time. The 49ers are mediocre at best. With Haynesworth, Griffin, Carter, P.Daniels/R. Wynn for D line, then L. Fletcher, Orakpo, and R. McIntosh as LB crew, Greg Blache could easily start bringing the PAIN with the blitz and feel comfortable doing so. With Orakpo at LB, that would more often that not put a RB trying to block him on a rush. Do the math! Also Orakpo could be spelled at LB and slide in to DE on passing plays if desired. The options are endless. I'm anxious top see how Blache plays his hand. Now the big question is can the Offense put points on the board when the Defense shuts a team down?

[GMScud]

Originally Posted by redskingrove

The biggest difference between Orakpo and Gholsten is the company he is surrounded by on the field during game time. The 49ers are mediocre at best. With Haynesworth, Griffin, Carter, P.Daniels/R. Wynn for D line, then L. Fletcher, Orakpo, and R. McIntosh as LB crew, Greg Blache could easily start bringing the PAIN with the blitz and feel comfortable doing so. With Orakpo at LB, that would more often that not put a RB trying to block him on a rush. Do the math! Also Orakpo could be spelled at LB and slide in to DE on passing plays if desired. The options are endless. I'm anxious top see how Blache plays his hand. Now the big question is can the Offense put points on the board when the Defense shuts a team down?

How do the 49ers fit into this discussion??

[Ijaeger]

Originally Posted by redskingrove

Now the big question is can the Offense put points on the board when the Defense shuts a team down?

I'm hoping we improve by an average of 3 points per game offensively while doing the same defensively. I stand by "if you can score 21 per game and hold a majority of your opponents to < 21 then you have a strong contender.

[Lotus]

Originally Posted by Ijaeger

I'm hoping we improve by an average of 3 points per game offensively while doing the same defensively. I stand by "if you can score 21 per game and hold a majority of your opponents to < 21 then you have a strong contender.

Maybe our improved defense will give the offense shorter fields, resulting in those 3 points you desire.

[vallin21]

There is no way BO is going to be the next Gholston. BO is way more talented and experienced than Gholston was, and BO is more motivated to succeed.