Defensive Improvements

[SunsetBengal]

(05-25-2021, 05:06 PM)XenoMorph Wrote: Well I wouldnt expect a ton from the rookies year 1. as they acclimate to the NFL.   And the Others help offset our losses.  If all the rookies and last years picks all pan out to be average or above players we should be in decent shape as long as the D isnt left on the field a ton by the O 

I agree with what you say about the rookies, and I like that there is no pressure for the rookies to have to come right in and perform.  I like when young players earn their way into more snaps by showing well in spot and rotational duties.  

As to the bolded part, you call the players no longer with us "loses".  I don't really see it that way.  Dunlap is an aging veteran who wasn't comfortable varying from what he had done in all of his previous time with the defense, and his effort level on the field appeared (to me at least) to reflect that sentiment.  Geno, while it was noble of him to attempt to play through severe injury, was just a mere shell of his former self.  His issues aren't going to completely go away by having shoulder surgery. (trust me, I have a rebuilt shoulder and I still try to train Strongman)  Many fans consider Carl Lawson a loss, but I saw him as only a speed rusher.  Hendrickson, from what I have seen, appears to be a more compete player, in the form of not only going around the edge, but standing up and backing the Tackle to the QB, to being a bigger body to stop the run.  Some are upset that they elected to let WJ III go in free agency, but I'm fine with that, as I never viewed him as panning out for where he was drafted.  Hilton, Waynes, and Awuzi are all adept at playing zone coverage, and should more than fill any void left by Jackson's departure.

While you phrase it as our additions "help offset our losses", I see it more as they got rid of expensive players who were underperforming and replaced them with younger players who appear to be a better scheme fit.