When we draft a DT, must be able to rush QB

[Jetstream Green]

The Berry signing was great but not enough. Drafting a player like Tubbs would not help the pass rush directly. Hopefully, Dennis Johnson can elevate his play and improve on his late success last season.

 

[joeshmo]

Originally posted by Jetstream Green
The Berry signing was great but not enough. Drafting a player like Tubbs would not help the pass rush directly. Hopefully, Dennis Johnson can elevate his play and improve on his late success last season.

That is why you draft Washington in 2 or Wilfork in 1.

 

[JeffGollin]

I respectfully disagree - Jet Ski.

What we need in the middle is someone who can stone the run and also exert some pressure up the middle to prevent the QB from stepping up into the pocket when rushed by Berry from the outside.

We have 2 - 3 penetrator types in Bryant, Bell and (you could argue) King. Unfortunately, our massive NT gap clogging types are Tanner (who only shows an occasional flash) and Bell (who's better at pursuit than at either penetrating or 2-gapping).

There's also the outside possibility that, if our outside guys can put enough pressure on the passer, it will automatically free up one of our current inside guys to come up thru the middle.

Another way to put it is: We probably will only draft one DT in the first 3 - 4 rounds. If we draft a pass rusher, we'll remain (for the umpteenth season) soft against runs up the middle. Sure it would be nice to draft a penetrator AND a run-clogger, but if we only choose one, I'd rather it be the run-clogger.

 

[Brevity]

I agree the Berry signing is not enough for the D-line.

Does anyone think the D-line play will improve with a new position coach?

 

[Weenus O'Baggins]

Originally posted by JeffGollin
I respectfully disagree - Jet Ski.
Sure it would be nice to draft a penetrator AND a run-clogger, but if we only choose one, I'd rather it be the run-clogger.

We need another Eric Swann

 

[jw7]

Doesn't DJ play end? Or have you heard plans to move him in the middle this year?

 

[Ryanwb]

regardless of the type of DT, the middle of the DL is definately the weakest link IMO. If Starks comes back healthy I will feel good about CB, but the defensive tackles on this team leave a lot to be desired. Wendell needs to step up his game

 

[Pariah]

Originally posted by Brevity

Does anyone think the D-line play will improve with a new position coach?

Absolutely. I think the addition of Berry and a new coach/scheme will improve the sack total by at least 8 - 10 sacks.