How much have we improved player personnel?

[SkinsGuru]

Originally Posted by 30gut

Although the personnel hasn't been upgraded I think the OL will be better. Last year in conjunction with the scheme they were a good pass blocking unit and with continuity I see improvement or at the very least status quo of a solid unit.

For me Lauvao and Licht are candidates for release. I think Long is more then ready to take over at LG or could take over at Center and be imo an upgrade. Although Le Rib isn't a world beater I think he's equal if not better then Kory (especially in the run game). Then there's the Alabama kid who could challenge for Center or challenge for LG if they move Long to center.

I don't think the DL has improved. But, I don't think they lost a lot. From my research I think the DL was better, especially in the run game then people give them credit for. Baker, was stout when Knighton was out (although I read somewhere that he does not want to play NT [source?]). My boy, Hatcher was basically a pass rusher only while Ricky Jean was solid against the run. I don't think we've lost much in terms of run stopping.

My question is replacing Hatcher's interior pass rush. This could come from several places. The best bet is a healthy Stephen Paea who is historically a good interior rusher. Other options are a return to form Kendell Reyes.

Early on I assumed that Matt Ionniddis would play 5-tech in base and 3-tech in sub/nickel 4-man line. But, I've heard Jay and/or Scott say that he could play NT.

I could actually see Matt have success at NT in this scheme because its not based 2-gap scheme. AND being a rookie that 'I don't want to play NT' factor is not existent. From what I've read his mentality is right for NT and plus he's a rook and will be eager to perform in any role.

Base front could be something like:

RDE-Paea/Ricky NT-Ionniddis/Golston LDE-Baker/Reyes

to the bolded part, I completely disagree . . . IMO, "Le Rib" was a much better pass blocker than Luovo, but Luovo moves much better and was far better in the run game . . . the Skins running game fell apart after he got hurt