03-20-2017, 01:35 PM
(03-20-2017, 04:01 AM)phil413 Wrote: You're painting a Bob Ross right there, the defense would be wreaking havoc again. Drafting Billings was really exciting for some of us as we thought Cincy would look to him even earlier and would find ourselves racking up youtube highlight clicks on the kid. Coming off the injury, I'm not expecting to see the same athleticism and explosion for his size that we were drooling over, but I expect him to attract a 2nd blocker often. They'll keep it simple for him, and if he can come close to Peko's snap count its a win.
I agree with others in that though we hope the best for the beast that is Billings, insurance would be nice. Pat Sims will likely stay as the backup due to experience as he was activated situationally to tally 37 tackles and 1.5 sacks. Yes there is some literal bulk to the DT class in the mid-late rounds, but there aren't enough NT types considering how many teams play a 3-4. So though I'd love to take a guy like USC's massive NT Stevie Tu'ikolovatu with the comp 5th, he should be gone. Think a 7th round or undrafted guy like Colorado's Josh Tupou joining a Williams, a possibly resigned Brandon Thompson (seriously) as a scrum for the backup NT if Sims shows up closer to tree fiddy. Part of letting Peko go may not be just how awesome they think Billings will be, but how little of a degression from Peko to Sims, and also don't forget Hardison. He's more of a UT type, but in terms of activation they may roll with him and a DE/DT tweener with the rest of the snaps rather than activate a NT against some teams. I'd take a stud NT type and bump Sims, I just don't see it happening.
Thank you Phil and i completely agree with all your thoughts as well.
I would like for us to add another DT for depth and competition even if Billings is 100%. Also, DeShawn Williams
has looked good anytime he has gotten a shot. Like i have said before, Peko had a good year in 2015 but i think
that had a lot to do with our D-line as a whole and Geno and Dunlap grabbing teams attention.
It wouldn't take much to get a DT that is an upgrade to Peko after last year. I have always liked Sims but it is
time for some fresh blood IMHO.
Getting the one guy i thought could be a clear upgrade over Peko made my year, then he got hurt and unmade it.
