Rank the DEs (2018_

[3wt]

(07-21-2018, 10:35 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: I ranked them just below the middle of the pack.

The reason is because I tried to rank them on what they have actually done, not potential.  Lawson was a real gem of a find, and I hope we see a lot more of him at RDE on passing downs.  We have needed a true edge rushing threat from the right side, and he could be it.  

I think Willis would be a great base RDE, who will still generate pressure.  

Carlos is great, but I feel it is poor usage of him to have him play 99% of snaps. Sure, he can do it, but how much more effective could he be if he was getting a bit more rest and coming off the sideline breathing fire?  Hubbard rotating with him at LDE could pay huge dividends.  

The biggest weakness has been the center of the defensive line.  As great as Geno is, the spot next to him was a liability in rush defense and the ends never benefitted from much push up the middle.  Hopefully, Chris Baker and Billings can improve upon the performance that position received last year.  If we get Willis to sometimes line up at NT, with Geno at DT,  Carlos LDE, and Lawson at RDE, that so-called "Nascar package" could be very fun to watch.

Lot of good points here SHRacerX.  Especially the point about over-using Dunlap and the failure at the DT position last year.  

So some real contingencies: 

1. Can Hubbard fill in for Carlos with enough efficacy to give him the needed breather to come back juiced and ready to wreak havoc?
2. Can Baker, Billings and Glascow (and possibly either Willis and/ or Johnson) step it up in the middle?
   

I am also intrigued to see what Andrew Brown can do in the interior, and possibly in relief of Dunlap.

I am really interested in the potential of this group.   The games cannot come quickly enough for me.