05-23-2015, 03:54 AM
(05-22-2015, 04:04 PM)GreenCornBengal Wrote: I don't think it is QUITE that simple.
Sure Maualuga could be replaced, but I think more importantly we need to find a new big guy to plug into the middle for when Peko and company ship off.
I think something we don't have that is of extreme value is edge rushers. Yet the team has never made an effort to fix this. While many on here hype up Dunlap as the next Dwight Freeney, he really isn't anything more than average. In fact, I would argue he is playing way under his potential. Besides, that is only one side of the line, and MJ, while being a very intelligent skilled DE, is not an all world pass rusher either.
Our scheme doesn't really fit edge rushing linebackers, and we never try to get an edge rushing DE in the draft... but I think finding one would help us the most (if our coaches could use them correctly)
I'd look at it like this. They're still very high on Will Clarke, they drafted him knowing he'd be raw but he's had a year under his belt and should be ready to contribute more. I could say the same for Hunt, but who knows with him. They also drafted Hardison in the 4th but he was rated higher by many. I get where they're coming from in getting a constant pressure at UT, maybe Geno plays a few snaps less a game and holds up better. Then from DE, instead of taking a 2nd/3rd round pure edge rusher they're expecting their guys to progress. They could have taken a rushing SLB but who knows how much he'd actually play. They could send LBs and DBs a bit more depending on the matchup, but that's a different story.
What they really need is their current starters on the DL to get more pressure on the QB, and I really believe having some of these young legs behind them helps keep the starters fresh. Geno is ready to go, Dunlap had 8 sacks without a lot of help. MJ means a lot as he's still a threat to chase the QB and alter/block throws even if he doesn't get there. I don't see why MJ's return can't help Gilberry return to form (7 sacks instead of 1.5) now that he doesn't have to play much on run downs. The sacks took a big step back since Zim left, but the talent is still there and the younger ones are ready to go. I may be in the minority, but I see this group returning to form.
