DT: Brown, Branch, Knighton

Is this really worse than Brown, Branch and Hicks?

Are these worse that what we have won with over the decades?

So, sure we can bring in a couple of backups, perhaps even Chris Jones. And, yes we need to develop a DT for 2017. However, it seems that we are going a bit overboard with the gnashing of teeth.

And sure, we should use a 2nd and/or 3rd on a DT, since the group is so good.

I agree I think that's a pretty solid group. It lacks the reassuring depth of the fantasy group of Brown, Branch, Knighton, healthy Easley, and Hicks but so be it. They can win with it.

I certainly see the long-term concern as only Brown would be considered even 'likely' to be on the 2017 team, but I keep hearing it's a deep DT draft so hopefully they choose wisely.

This group seems thin to me. Bb needs to use an early draft pick to build depth.

I am personally expecting a Ted Washington-like season from Knighton.... except we're running a 4-3 and he isn't that good.

Yup, another early DT in the draft.

Ochmed Jones said:

This group seems thin to me.

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Knighton, Branch and Brown are -- thin???

Hopefully we get 2013 AFC CG Pot Roast.

It's hard to disagree with anything that you've said here.

Knighton, Brown, Branch are three fine big bodied run stuffers. I imagine another will be added via the draft, although it's possible the idea is to try and replace a pass rushing DT like Easley or Chris Jones vs. choosing another big body. Obviously, both traits would be ideal but those players are rare.

Either way, it's definitely not a position that I'm concerned about.

They've made more moves at The defensive linethan any other position this offseason and hoping that there's a master plan in place. Will be interesting to see the new look.

With only 35% of defensive snaps in the 'base' defense these days, DT importance has diminished. Regardless, 3 DTs, and only one of them a potential star type (Brown) makes me hope they draft a DT pretty high.

Recall that Grisson, and Sheard to a lesser extent, both played interior D line positions in the 'pass' sets. Maybe BB sees one of them as capable of being inside more often, or perhaps BB is going back to the true 3-4 and then 3 heavy DT's would be enough. Of course then we'd be a bit short in Seymour type DE. Maybe a trade is coming. It does seem odd to dump two more DTs and losing Easley.

Brady'sButtBoy said:

With only 35% of defensive snaps in the 'base' defense these days, DT importance has diminished. Regardless, 3 DTs, and only one of them a potential star type (Brown) makes me hope they draft a DT pretty high.

Recall that Grisson, and Sheard to a lesser extent, both played interior D line positions in the 'pass' sets. Maybe BB sees one of them as capable of being inside more often, or perhaps BB is going back to the true 3-4 and then 3 heavy DT's would be enough. Of course then we'd be a bit short in Seymour type DE. Maybe a trade is coming. It does seem odd to dump two more DTs and losing Easley.

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It's that way if the player doesn't command double teams every down or has average stamina.

If Brown plays the way I think he will in 2016 he will see the field 65-70% of the time- just like VW did here.

I'm certain that they will burn one of their top 4 picks on a penetrating DT.

supafly said:

It's hard to disagree with anything that you've said here.

Knighton, Brown, Branch are three fine big bodied run stuffers. I imagine another will be added via the draft, although it's possible the idea is to try and replace a pass rushing DT like Easley or Chris Jones vs. choosing another big body. Obviously, both traits would be ideal but those players are rare.

Either way, it's definitely not a position that I'm concerned about.

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I think Brown is much more than a run stuffer.

He's on the verge of being a force on the middle.

robertweathers said:

I'm certain that they will burn one of their top 4 picks on a penetrating DT.

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I agree. While Branch, Brown and Knighton have all shown that they can get to the QB at times they lack the explosiveness to do that on a consistent basis. We need another quicker DT for obvious passing situations. If we can get one of those in the draft we'll be fine at DT.

Nothing suprizes me anymore when it comes to BB building his roster.

PF_SU said:

I agree. While Branch, Brown and Knighton have all shown that they can get to the QB at times they lack the explosiveness to do that on a consistent basis. We need another quicker DT for obvious passing situations. If we can get one of those in the draft we'll be fine at DT.

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Agree. I'd be thrilled with another Mike Wright or Jarvis Green.

It depends on which version of Knighton they get. If they get the 2013-2014 version of Knighton, they will have upgraded on what Hicks provided. If they got the guy who seemed disinterested and was handled more by single blockers last season? Not so much. It also depends on what Brown can provide. He started pretty poorly in 2015 and looked like he was on skates at times but held up better as the year went on. If another year in an NFL strength program means that he'll begin to demand double teams, this defense should be pretty stout against the run.

It's against the pass that worries me. Hicks was able to push the pocket while, thus far, Branch, Brown, and Knighton (in his career) have been more run stuffers We need someone that can collapse the pocket and rush the passer from the 3-tech. Easley was supposed to provide that this year but that ship has sailed. Actually, that ship never really docked. Either way, Jones to Long is a downgrade. It may also be unreasonable to expect Sheard to put up the same numbers he did last season now that he will see more double teams. We have no clue what we're getting in Flowers and Grissom either. So, all that being said, it's prudent to find a pass rusher to come in and disrupt things from the 3-tech.

Mike Wright is perhaps the most underrated Patriot of the modern era. Only for those concussions I think he'd have achieved cult hero status by now, a la Ninko & Vrabel.

I'm expecting Chris Jones to be a Tyler Gaffney-type drop and re-sign.

And I think people are underrating Brown's ability to be effective on pass plays, especially down the stretch last season.

After the Easley release, I wasn't convinced they needed to go DT early in the draft.
But after Easley, Jones, and Kitchen, yeah, I think they do.
The team has the big DT covered in Branch, Brown, Knighton. So they need a more athletic tackle.
Let's assume the top six-eight defensive tackles are out of reach.

Options:
Javon Hargrave, South Carolina - considered a second-tier tackle, ran a 4.83 at his Pro Day and 4.93 at the Combine at 309 pounds, 22 tackles for loss to pair with 13.5 sacks. Not sure why he is not considered one of the top couple tackles. If there at 60, a good option.
Chris Jones, Mississippi State - replace Chris Jones with Chris Jones? Wicked quick three-cone of 7.4 seconds at 6'6" 310. He could be disruptive. Possible third-round target.
Sheldon Day, Notre Dame - another quick three-cone at 7.4, with 15.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Third-round target.
Quinton Jefferson, Maryland - undersized athletic tackle at 6-4 291, 4.93 40, 6.5 sacks. Probably available in the sixth.
Connor Wukciak, Boston College - local guy, also undersized athletic tackle at 6-3 291, 4.91 40, quick 7.3 three-cone. Also likely available in the sixth.

I think Brown can push the pocket when asked...and playing beside Knighton and or Branch will allow him to.

Regardless , long term thinking ...they need another young body in there

Hicks became somewhat of an urban legend IMO... While he had good moments, his loss will not be noticed.

I think we have one serviceable DT in Branch, one potentially really good DT in Knighton, and one absolute stud in Brown.

The only concern to me is depth