07-26-2017, 12:46 PM
(07-26-2017, 09:07 AM)SHRacerX Wrote: Exactly, and double-dipping the DE spot creates competition between the two of them, which is always a good thing.
I love that Willis played so much LDE in college, so we can give Dunlap a rest here and there, and line up with Lawson at RDE.
Rotation, health, energy, speed, strength....all these things we have lacked from this position group for some time....they tried to draft Dunlap and MJ clones in Clark and Hunt, but neither was that spectacular at getting to the QB.
I am most intrigued by Willis. Some scouts complained that the speed at the combine didn't translate to the pass rushing abilities on the field. I clearly saw what they were talking about....in plays where he had to "stay home" to defend the read-option, but when it was third and long and he was "cleared for take-off", I saw a very quick launch and ferocity to get to the QB. Dude is like Geno in terms of strength, but ran a 4.51 in the forty? That's just sick.
Lawson is going to get legitimate shots in terms of playing time. MJ is a solid run defender, but offers little to no pass rush from such a key spot. I hope this added pressure leads to generating more turnovers. That is something that was really lacking from last year's club.
For sure it is in how they are used. Hard to judge Willis in college if he had to stay home on those plays you speak of
and defend the read option. If he can just pin his ears back and rush the passer look out is all i can say, like you said,
he is really strong (maybe not Geno strong) but really strong and has swim and spin moves unlike MJ.
Willis has great bend, all the moves and is a 3 down DE. Hard to not be excited about this player, same with Lawson
as a pass rusher. Still need to see what Lawson offers in coverage or stopping the run though. Hope he is not just a
one trick pony, but if he is atleast he has an outright talent at getting after the QB.
