All is quiet--for now

[GTripp0012]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

I would rather trade the pick than spend it on a defensive tackle. We have much more pressing needs at other positions (DE,CB, LB). I don't know why people are expecting to get huge sack numbers from the interior of the defensive line. It's a rare thing in the NFL. In addition DT is the only position on the team at which we actually saw promising play from not one but two rookies. Anyone who thinks the interior of the line is the problem wasn't watching the same team I was last year. Unfortunately if this article is to be believed that apparently includes Greg Williams.

Well, the truth is I have no idea if the tackles were more at fault then the ends, but IMO its moot. There wasn't a strong point of the defensive line in 2006. Both the ends and the tackles need upgrading.

I think the D Tackle situation is much more easily fixed. We take Branch. Crisis averted. We then have a guy who can grow into Saleve'a's role (completely off topic, but how in the f gramatically can you show possession of a noun to Joe Saleve'a? Can you put in two apostrophes?) since 2007 is the last year of Joe's contract. It's not like the rookie, no matter who it is, is going to be a quick fix. DT is a great position to make the pick at, IMO.

End of course is also a possibility but I think it's important to give Carter one more season to show how he fits into our scheme. If he doesn't we may very well draft a pure pass rusher in 2008 (1st round). If he does, we can try to find value in a run anchorer in the 3rd or so. But I think the wait and see approach is the best way to go with the end position.

No matter what we do, this D Line is going to be an imperfect unit next season. It why I want the pick there as rookie players in the back 7 tend not to play for Grilliams in year one. Some light FA help can improve the defensive back seven for us, maybe even to the point were we can hide the obvious holes in the D Line.

Here's hoping.