01-22-2024, 02:31 PM
(01-21-2024, 05:38 PM)Joelist Wrote: After hearing Logan Wilson talking about how the LBers were hampered because they could not rely on the secondary being correctly positioned and also the constant flood of explosive plays we allowed in the passing game, I have to think the coaches will have fixing the communication problems as a high priority. Since it seems these issues arose at least partly from losing both Bates AND Bell because one of them apparently was making alignment calls based on what they were seeing, that function needs to be replaced with a better option. I see two options:
1) Proceed on the assumption that Battle in his development will next season have the proper recognition skills to take on the role and be effective at it. This may not be a bad thing as Battle in college was noted for good processing skills. But it is a risk of course.
2) Add a savvy veteran Safety or CB to fill this role. That would REALLY rest on who will be out there.
Obviously the other priority area is the Interior Defensive Line. We need a blue chip DT from Free Agency (and I mean a REAL blue chip not just someone who flashed a little) and probably need to double down on DT in the draft also. This can both really help our rush defense and our pass rush (by providing a source of consistent pass rush not named Trey).
What do you think? If we signed a free agent DT (Jones or other such) AND went DT in Round One would you say it is good or overkill (for example)?
Good OP. We had a lot of problems on defense last year. I'd rank our issues in this order.
Issue #1: The lack of experience & penchant for giving up big plays in the secondary.
Issue #2: poor run defense. Even when Reader was healthy.
Issue #3: Lack of pass rush from anyone not named Hendrickson. Particularly on the inside, where Carter,,Tupou, & Tufele combined for zero sacks.
Issue #4: lack of playable DB depth, even assuming Hill & Turner improve.
---------
Solutions:
#1. Secondary Issues.
I would largely trust the process on Hill & Turner. Both showed flashes of good play. Hill is learning a new position. Battle & Hilton were fantastic. CTB is still young but had some great games (Seattle).
Largely, I am gonna treat this as a depth issue. Losing Chido will hurt. Ditto the promising Ivey. But I think CTB, Turner, Hilton, Battle, D. Hill are your starters in 2024.
Depending on how FA goes, and any possible additional funds we can free up, I might consider using big $$ or a high pick on a DB, but I see DT/NT, WR, & RT all clearly as more pressing needs. With 2 guys needed at DT/NT & WR (maybe 3) and 2 at RT ain't out of the question. And TE is also a need. DB depth is like 6th-8th on my to do list:
1) Plus level WR2 (HiggIns)
2) Plus level DT/NT type (Reader/Sweat)
3) Interior pass rush (FA, Newton, Murphy)
4) Starting level RT (Draft, Jones/Brown FA)
-------------BIg Gap
5) WR3: Day 2 draft, discount Boyd
6) Starting TE: Rd 2-4 draft, value FA.
------------Big Gap
7) DB depth or upgrade
8) More NT help while Reader recovers
9) Punter upgrade
--------
The rest: depth upgrades at LB/IOL, perhaps a big swing at RB (King Henry addition would be higher).
Issue #2. Run defense.
I start by bringing Reader back. He is an elite run stopper. We don't have anyone near him on the roster. There is no FA replacement. Draft is thin outside Sweat & Jackson. And we have needs on offense.
I probably look for another NT/DT type later in the draft or a bargain FA to upgrade Tufele/Tupou/stand in for DJ. But I can live with Tupou if I have to.
Issue #3: Interior Pass Rush.
I think this could change the whole dynamic of our D, like King Henry could on O. If I can get DJ+Tee back for around $30 mil in cap, I can take a big swing at a FA DT (Wilkins, Madubuike, Williams). If I whiff, then that $$ gets diverted to other FA priorities (RT, King Henry, WE3, TE, CB4) and DT becomes a real possibility in Rd 2-3, maybe even Rd1 if I land Jones at OT. Newton & Murphy my top targets. Jenkins as well. All Rd2 or sooner.
Issue #4. DB depth.
Already covered above.
