2024 Defensive Personnel Failures

[*ochocincos*]

(12-03-2024, 05:33 PM)samhain Wrote: Depends on your definition of "fix". Nobody thinks they'll be a top 10 or 15 defense next year.  

Can they not be the worst in the league?  Can they be not good but also not bad enough to screw up games for an offense that puts up 30 plus points routinely?  I don't think that those are super-high bars to set.  

Things I think they should be able to cover with relative ease:
- WR2 replacement for Higgins (doesn't have to be a 1000+ yard WR, but should be able to get a 700+ yard guy)
- Re-sign Gesicki or a TE to replace him

Things I think they'll have to be smart about but is realistic to do based on FA/draft talent:
- New FS (some FA options and a few good draft prospects who are athletic, fast, and talented enough to be a true center fielder type)
- More pass rush (the draft looks great for pass rush, IMO)
- Better DB performance overall (just maybe add a cheaper vet CB, don't need to invest another 1st or 2nd round pick at CB...yet)
- Improved IOL

Things I don't think will really happen unless they maybe change up defensive scheme/gameplan:
- Vastly improved run defense

Kris Jenkins and McKinnley Jackson were supposed to be good run defenders. That was their strength coming out of college. It might be Anarumo's defense they are struggling in.
Hendrickson was never a good run defender.
Hubbard is usually a good run defender, but his injury could be affecting him maybe he gets closer to good in that category again after an offseason of recovery.