Brandon Deaderick + Ron Brace: December Projection

[Off The Grid]

I am awfully excited about these guys, as potential Stanchions on a D Line that is otherwise scaring the hell out of me with what, it seems to me, is a pronounced vulnerability to OutSide Runs: Our most grizzled veterans ~ Warren, Wright, and Lewis ~ all project as reasonably effective Pass Rushers...but none are noted for their Run Stopping abilities, which, considering our transitional status at both OLB spots, strikes me as particularly grim to our prospects, once we hit the playoffs.

I'd like to ask how effective you guys project that Deaderick + Brace will be, come December: I am far more interested in the last quarter of the season than in the season as an whole, for reasons that are probably obvious to the more wizened fans: How you finish the season is exponentially more important than the season as an whole, provided, of course, you play well enough to make the playoffs.

I am very excited about how Deaderick + Brace have been playing, as are many of us, I think. Seymour, Wilfork, and Warren I were all starters by the end of their rookie years, if memory serves...and all 3 won rings, those very same Campaigns.

I'd love to know how y'all project these guys ~ and our OutSide Run Defense, as an whole ~ developing, towards the end of the year. It seems to me that these two guys have a very real chance of mastering the system sufficiently, by December, to consistently batten down the flanks against the Run.

And if they can actually accomplish that, it seems to me that we've got enough Pass Rush in Wright, Warren II, Burgess, Cain, and company to be much more effective than most expect us to be, despite our showing against the Rams: Our Secondary looks like it's going to be an immense strength, this year, as does our Inside LineBacker crew...All of which is to say that, on Defense, my chief concern is not the Pass Rush, but the OutSide Run Defense...and it looks like, by December, Deaderick + Brace, combined with a maturing Cain, and perhaps, Cunningham, as well as a more experienced Ninkovich...could obviate that concern.

If so, by the end of the year, we could become, once again, the team to beat.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I am awfully excited about these guys, as potential Stanchions on a D Line that is otherwise scaring the hell out of me with what, it seems to me, is a pronounced vulnerability to OutSide Runs: Our most grizzled veterans ~ Warren, Wright, and Lewis ~ all project as reasonably effective Pass Rushers...but none are noted for their Run Stopping abilities, which, considering our transitional status at both OLB spots, strikes me as particularly grim to our prospects, once we hit the playoffs.

I'd like to ask how effective you guys project that Deaderick + Brace will be, come December: I am far more interested in the last quarter of the season than in the season as an whole, for reasons that are probably obvious to the more wizened fans: How you finish the season is exponentially more important than the season as an whole, provided, of course, you play well enough to make the playoffs.

I am very excited about how Deaderick + Brace have been playing, as are many of us, I think. Seymour, Wilfork, and Warren I were all starters by the end of their rookie years, if memory serves...and all 3 won rings, those very same Campaigns.

I'd love to know how y'all project these guys ~ and our OutSide Run Defense, as an whole ~ developing, towards the end of the year. It seems to me that these two guys have a very real chance of mastering the system sufficiently, by December, to consistently batten down the flanks against the Run.

And if they can actually accomplish that, it seems to me that we've got enough Pass Rush in Wright, Warren II, Burgess, Cain, and company to be much more effective than most expect us to be, despite our showing against the Rams: Our Secondary looks like it's going to be an immense strength, this year, as does our Inside LineBacker crew...All of which is to say that, on Defense, my chief concern is not the Pass Rush, but the OutSide Run Defense...and it looks like, by December, Deaderick + Brace, combined with a maturing Cain, and perhaps, Cunningham, as well as a more experienced Ninkovich...could obviate that concern.

If so, by the end of the year, we could become, once again, the team to beat.

Not sure how Deaderick will pan out but I do think Brace is better (how much not sure.)

 

[crowell33]

Brace is interesting. Two games in a row with a big play. Forced fumble against Atlanta and the sack against the Rams. I believe he has led Defensive lineman in total tackles over that 2 game span as well. I like Vince at DT with Warren and Brace at the DE spots. Thats about 1000 Lbs in the middle.

 

[Patspsycho]

I like what I saw in Deaderick. He is athletic and was all over the field.

I think Brace will be far more effective as a LDE, when his back is not so flat, and may win the staring nod there by the end of the year.

Not sure how useful Cain will be to us at this point. He has been sentenced to perpetual wandering ever since he murdered his brother 3,000 years ago.

 

[patchick]

I had Deaderick as a 5th-round draft target and thought he was a terrific pick up in the 7th. He's a bona-fide 5-technique DE, trained in Saban's defense at Alabama and strong against the run. He has the rare frame for it, too -- 310 lbs. stretched over a 6'4" body with super-long arms. (I had said in another post that Rob Gronkowski had the longest arms on the team. That was wrong, I totally forgot Deaderick.)

He's not a great athlete, but I think he's a good fit for this team and this roster.

 

[Off The Grid]

I like what I saw in Deaderick. He is athletic and was all over the field.

I think Brace will be far more effective as a LDE, when his back is not so flat, and may win the staring nod there by the end of the year.

Not sure how useful Cain will be to us at this point. He has been sentenced to perpetual wandering ever since he murdered his brother 3,000 years ago.

So you're thinking...Free Safety?

I don't abide hyphens.

 

[Off The Grid]

I had Deaderick as a 5th-round draft target and thought he was a terrific pick up in the 7th. He's a bona-fide 5-technique DE, trained in Saban's defense at Alabama and strong against the run. He has the rare frame for it, too -- 310 lbs. stretched over a 6'4" body with super-long arms. (I had said in another post that Rob Gronkowski had the longest arms on the team. That was wrong, I totally forgot Deaderick.)

He's not a great athlete, but I think he's a good fit for this team and this roster.

Great point. The Saban training certainly opens up the possibility of his having a leg up on your average Rookie, and I concur: Great physical attributes for the position, and just an absolute stand-up guy ~ not in the LineBacker sense!! ~ from all accounts. It seems that a mid rounder slid, simply because of the depth of the position, and the fact that he missed the combine ~ and the Pro Day, I believe.

 

[mgteich]

We both loved the pick and wanted Deaderick on Draft Day. Deaderick is a real prospect at DE, and he comes with training.

But in the end, that is not what the OP asked.

How do we believe Deaderick will develop by December?

A) Will he be a solid starter by then?
B) Will he be an OK contributer participating in 25-30% of the defensive reps )like Pryor last year)?
C) Will he be a minor contributer?
D) Will he not even be on the 53?

I agree that he isn't a great athlete and is a good fit. I don't even have him on the final roster. Do you? I expect him to be on the Practice Squad and be added when we have the inevitable injury and be a minor contributer. And just BTW, I think that's fine for a DL on this team. We have two kids learning after a year of experience. It is time for Deaderick to learn.

I had Deaderick as a 5th-round draft target and thought he was a terrific pick up in the 7th. He's a bona-fide 5-technique DE, trained in Saban's defense at Alabama and strong against the run. He has the rare frame for it, too -- 310 lbs. stretched over a 6'4" body with super-long arms. (I had said in another post that Rob Gronkowski had the longest arms on the team. That was wrong, I totally forgot Deaderick.)

He's not a great athlete, but I think he's a good fit for this team and this roster.

 

[Ring 6]

I like what I saw in Deaderick. He is athletic and was all over the field.

I think Brace will be far more effective as a LDE, when his back is not so flat, and may win the staring nod there by the end of the year.

Not sure how useful Cain will be to us at this point. He has been sentenced to perpetual wandering ever since he murdered his brother 3,000 years ago.

After what I saw the last 2 games, I think Brace will get as many or more snaps as any DE we have, right off the bat, assuming he is healthy.
Whether its a surprise, dropdead shock, or the org saw it coming, he wont be kept off the field if he is playing like that.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

According to Chris Price in a recent Patscast, Brace had a number of heart to hearts with one Vince Wilfork and that helped him get a handle on his job as an NFL DL in New England. Judging by preseason, he's starting to get past the handle and get a grip on the job. I'm going to give Deadrick the benefit of the doubt (and the benefit of my eyesight) and say he's physically ahead of where Brace was at this time last season, and if Vince the inspirational speaker has any influence, Deadrick will be a solid contributor by the end of the season. Deadrick also has the benefit of seeing two veterans, high round draft picks in Warren and Lewis, setting an example by also listening to Vince. I'm hopeful for the D-line lads.

 

[Schmo]

I had Deaderick as a 5th-round draft target and thought he was a terrific pick up in the 7th. He's a bona-fide 5-technique DE, trained in Saban's defense at Alabama and strong against the run. He has the rare frame for it, too -- 310 lbs. stretched over a 6'4" body with super-long arms. (I had said in another post that Rob Gronkowski had the longest arms on the team. That was wrong, I totally forgot Deaderick.)

He's not a great athlete, but I think he's a good fit for this team and this roster.

With the rookies, I kind of have to look at their draft position to what to expect from them. Just like I'm hopeful that Hernandez can play like a 1st/2nd rounder, if Deaderick could play like a 4th/5th rounder (rotational guy), I would be more than happy. Kind of like how Pryor played like a 4th round talent last year. If Deaderick makes the 53, that is a very good sign for what to expect from him, as we will have some very good/valuable players being cut within the next couple weeks.

If Brace can play like a 3rd rounder, he will be VERY useful this year.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

I expect him to be on the Practice Squad and be added when we have the inevitable injury and be a minor contributer.

My only issue with this is, will he make it to the PS? With all the 3/4 teams out there, im concerned.

 

[mgteich]

Late round rookies usually pass waivers. The question is whether to treat him as we would a rookie third rounder, or like a late rounder who has been a star in the preseason.

Of course, if he is ready to be counted on, that's a different story.

My only issue with this is, will he make it to the PS? With all the 3/4 teams out there, im concerned.

 

[RobertWeathers]

My only issue with this is, will he make it to the PS? With all the 3/4 teams out there, im concerned.

You heard it here first (actually I think others have said it too!): Deaderick makes the 45.

Wilfork
Warren, G
Wright
Brace
Deaderick
Pryor
Lewis

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

You heard it here first (actually I think others have said it too!): Deaderick makes the 45.

Wilfork
Warren, G
Wright
Brace
Deaderick
Pryor
Lewis

personally i hope he does. He has alot of potential. The only NCAA games i see are Bamas. I thought Deaderick was pretty good for a backup.

 

[RobertWeathers]

personally i hope he does. He has alot of potential. The only NCAA games i see are Bamas. I thought Deaderick was pretty good for a backup.

Yep. His scouting report says that his run D and strength are his two greatest assets. Can't see much from my living room, but I'd say in particular that those traits have shown up in games.

The kid has the frame to add another 30 lbs too.

 

[patchick]

We both loved the pick and wanted Deaderick on Draft Day. Deaderick is a real prospect at DE, and he comes with training.

But in the end, that is not what the OP asked.

How do we believe Deaderick will develop by December?

A) Will he be a solid starter by then?
B) Will he be an OK contributer participating in 25-30% of the defensive reps )like Pryor last year)?
C) Will he be a minor contributer?
D) Will he not even be on the 53?

I agree that he isn't a great athlete and is a good fit. I don't even have him on the final roster. Do you?

I do have Deaderick on my final roster. He seemed to be playing more (and more significant) snaps with each passing preseason game, and I think he's ahead of Lewis at this point.

I'm projecting "OK contributor" on average, but it depends on the opponent. He could be inactive in games where Wright & Warren's quickness and pressure are more valuable but see a lot of snaps when they're looking for a classic immovable object.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I do have Deaderick on my final roster. He seemed to be playing more (and more significant) snaps with each passing preseason game, and I think he's ahead of Lewis at this point.

I'm projecting "OK contributor" on average, but it depends on the opponent. He could be inactive in games where Wright & Warren's quickness and pressure are more valuable but see a lot of snaps when they're looking for a classic immovable object.

Good points, patchick. As solid of a player Wright is, hes not a true DE in the 3-4 and can be run on. With Warren on the wrong side of 30, Deaderick will get snaps on either side of the line on running downs if he makes the team.

 

[Off The Grid]

I thought Deaderick was pretty good for a backup.

Yeah, it wouldn't exactly break my heart to pick up the 1st Stringer, next April.

 

[Sicilian]

I think it's important that one of them (probably Brace at this point) plays well enough against the run to take the snaps away from Mike Wright. MW is a good interior pass rusher, and he's solid enough as a starter to fill in where needed, but if we're relying on him all year in the base I think it's a problem.

If Brace or Deaderick (or both...) can play well enough to fill that role, I'll be happy.