Defensive End - How Big is Our Need?

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by dmek25

i agree with you about the biggest need being defensive tackle. but, i don't want Branch. so who would be the next choice? thats why i want Adams, to turn up the pressure on opposing quarterbacks

I likes Gaines Adams also but I think the concern is about his size (despite the fact he could easily put on another 6-10 lbs.) and whether he would, or would not have to be a situational player since I'm convinced the team feels it can get another serviceable year out of Daniels. Like I said before DT or DE is fine with me. Adams at DE or Okoye at DT......How I wish we could land them both.....Just call it wishful dreaming.

For those concerned about the size of Adams, he's the same size Dexter Manley was playing at the same position. I like him, it's just a matter of how he would fit into the defensive rotation at this time.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by Longtimefan

I likes Gaines Adams also but I think the concern is about his size (despite the fact he could easily put on another 6-10 lbs.) and whether he would, or would not have to be a situational player since I'm convinced the team feels it can get another serviceable year out of Daniels. Like I said before DT or DE is fine with me. Adams at DE or Okoye at DT......How I wish we could land them both.....Just call it wishful dreaming.

For those concerned about the size of Adams, he's the same size Dexter Manley was playing at the same position. I like him, it's just a matter of how he would fit into the defensive rotation at this time.

Yeah but today's tackles are bigger than the ones Manley faced.

[Longtimefan]

Originally Posted by Schneed10

Yeah but today's tackles are bigger than the ones Manley faced.

For a player who relies on speed as opposed to power and strength, this could be to his advantage. Granted many tackles are bigger now than the one's Manley faced, around the league you see the smaller DE's having success against bigger guys using their speed and quickness.

[skinsfan_nn]

I think Carter really improved the latter part of the season, if he can pick up where he left off, I think we are in pretty good shape.

DE or DT either way, I also like Adams and Okoye. Can't have it all.

[jermus22]

I really like the idea of drafting Branch at DT. He is a beast in run support with tremendous size and power, something the defensive line lacked last year. He wouldn't need to start immediately, but if he rotated with Salevea at DT, he would be ready by (or before midseason). His play would boost the production of the other DL flanking him (Carter and Griffin) and free the linebackers up to make tackles.

[dmek25]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

What becomes of Carter then?

Adams plays the opposite of carter. one of them would have to occasionally face the tight-end. but the colts have 2 very light ends, and they still get their sacks. like i said before, its just something they have, that knack for getting the quarterback. and Phil Daniels probably would be alot more effective being used as a situational pass rusher

[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.

[jermus22]

As a right (weakside) defensive end, Daniels is solid against the run and above average as a pass rusher. But on the left (strong) side, he lacks the size to contend with bigger tackles as well as tight ends, making him only modest in run-support. His age (34) means he will need to be relieved occasionally so he can be effective as a pass rusher; that would simply involve rotating in more players like Renaldo Wynn and Demetric Evans to maximize our pass rush.

[offiss]

Am I the only one who saw Carter getting pushed all over the field the last game against the Giants by a backup TE?

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by offiss

Am I the only one who saw Carter getting pushed all over the field the last game against the Giants by a backup TE?

Yeah I don't think you're telling us anything we don't already know, Offiss. Carter isn't the greatest against the run. But he did have a sack in that game against the Giants, as well as a batted ball at the line of scrimmage.

The whole point was to say that he was really coming on as a pass rusher, more than anything.

A lot of us here are saying it wouldn't be the best idea to draft Gaines Adams and line him up on the other side of Carter, because we'd have two ends who can get to the QB but are very vulnerable to the run.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

I would really like to see a DT or DE. I think Carter played well down the strecth last year and I think it was due to him getting used to the position again at full NFL game speed after taking a year off playing linebacker for the 49ers. What I didn't like seeing him due was out in pass coverage. I noticed he was covering backs coming out of the back field a few times. I don't think he should be doing that (he seemed to get burned a few times), any one else fo the same opinion?

Amoybi Okeye would be a good pick. He's a great player and he is only 19!! I really think it's pretty amazing that he was a DIV 1 football player at 15 years old. He's got great size and speed. He will be a great hole clogger up front.

[artmonkforhallofamein07]

Now if we trade down I really see Allan Branch be able to be had in the middle of the first round. I think he has really slipped down the boards as of late.

[freddyg12]

the d line got pushed around a bit in a few games. AC is certainly no run stuffer, but if we get our O going we'll build some leads & GW will turn em loose on the pass rush.

[Crazyhorse1]

Originally Posted by JDALY27

I don't like Daniels as a starter on the end. He is quality depth but should not be our go to guy at DE across from Carter. Draft DT or DE at # 6.

No trades for No.6, please. No trading up or down. Our greed will get us in trouble. We should draft Adams or Okoye at No. 6. One of them, or both, will be available.

[Beemnseven]

Am I the only one who finds it absurd to heep praise upon Andre Carter for being able to "turn it on" for half a season?

Will we all sit here next year and be thankful if Andre gives us a solid performance for 8 games, while the other 8 he just uses up oxygen?

I wonder if Patriots fans, Colts fans or Philly fans rejoice with the fact that one of their starters actually decides to put forth some effort for just 50% of the season?

My, have our standards fallen.