New faces on D

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(04-26-2020, 10:45 AM)fredtoast Wrote: The last two years we ranked 29th and 32nd in defense.  I felt we had a lot of talent that was underachieving, but with those results we definitely needed more than just "minor adjustments".

I am not sure Waynes and Alexander will be big upgrades over Kirkpatrick and Dennard, but both Dre and Darquez have not been able to stay healthy.  Bynes is a career backup who I don't see as a big help.

But Reader and Bell should have big impacts, so if one of the rookies LB can play well as a rookie the defense should be MUCH better.

We have been pretty dismissive of the early-down LB in Bynes, but I really like his acquisition.  For one, the guy has a Super Bowl Ring...and he didn't just get a ring for being there.  He was one of the reasons why they won.  He has always been doubted, or underappreciated, but comes in and balls and makes people look foolish for not appreciating him.  An UDFA that grades out in the mid 70s? When have we seen that here out of a LB in recent history?   Pratt barely broke 50 last year and we were all excited (I think) about his play by the end of the season.  

Bynes is a veteran, lunch-pail worker that has a lot of experience.  He can line up at SAM in base, and move up to rush the passer without changing personnel.  Oh, and he got two INTs last year.  That was more than all of our CBs except one.