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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.The Lions have played the Joey Harrington card before. They need a whole new team not one QB at 0-16.The only problem I see is that you are assuming Stafford will be available at #3.
I would take Peppers for Cassell in a straight up trade, in a heart beat. They could throw in a third rounder for good measure, but our biggest problem right now is the lack of a pass rush. Everything BB does on defense relies on a good rush. Peppers would be an instant contributor, and with AD back from injury we could be in a great defensive spot next year.
I would look at it like, the lost Brady year gives us Julius Peppers. yeah i'd be happy with that.
The Lions have played the Joey Harrington card before. They need a whole new team not one QB at 0-16.
DW Toys
Al Davis is at it again
So do we feel Cassel for Peppers would pretty much be a straight up deal or would there need to be compensation from either party?
Al Davis is at it again
So do we feel Cassel for Peppers would pretty much be a straight up deal or would there need to be compensation from either party?
One would think we both could do better. But we also are not going to get the same thing going elsewhere....if really covet the Pass Rusher and they really covet a QB to replace Delhome than this would be the best way for both to attain what they want. Problem is we each may be able to fill more than one need through our deals and may short ourselves...
All I know is forget about what it takes(trade or the contract) and what we might get I am salavating over the thought of getting Peppers.
How monumental do you want it to be? You need to be able to play the linebacker position. Most Defensive ends don't do that well. If they did, we'd have a tremendous pool of players to choose from and we don't.
It is a significant transition actually. Go ask Vernon Gholston how big it is. If it wasn't a big transition, the Patriots would have drafted or signed more DEs over the years to convert them into OLBs.
Also, Belichick requires versatility, football smarts, instincts, and dedication to the game in his players. Peppers may have that, but he may not.
I would like to have Peppers on this team, but trading the equivalent of a first rounder and paying him top dollar in hopes he can make the transition to the OLB position in the 3-4 is a very risky proposition. Especially with Wilfork and Seymour a year away from hitting free agency.
That's a horrible analogy. There's no guarantee that Ghoston would be any good at 4-3 DE in the NFL either. There were question marks about him coming out of college at any position. It's not a huge deal. Belichick is the best LB coach in the NFL; if anyone could help him through it, he could. He had Adalius playing ILB in the 3-4 at a high level; Adalius had zero experience at that position. If he is an athlete (which Peppers certainly is) and a good football player (check) then Belichick will get him where he needs to be fast.
Huh? You don't need to play ILB and fill; you need to set the edge, rush the passer and cover the flats (basic version). Adalius is outstanding at OLB, Willie Mac was a college 4-3 DE and there is a list of College 4-3 DE's that made the transition. Teams count on them doing it these days. The fact that he's a vet is a plus; he knows what to expect and won't be overwhelmed. You're making too much of it.
He had Adalius playing ILB in the 3-4 at a high level; Adalius had zero experience at that position. If he is an athlete (which Peppers certainly is) and a good football player (check) then Belichick will get him where he needs to be fast.
You will usually see the 6-foot-2-inch, 270-pound Thomas line up in the linebacker position, but this past season the Ravens played the versatile Thomas at eight, yes eight different position.
Thomas has played inside and outside linebacker, he has played every position on the line, and yes he has even lined up at the safety and corner-back position.
Yes, the Patriots and Ravens both employ 3-4 defenses, but saying they're the same would be like saying a Cadillac Escalade and a Chevy Corvette are identical because they're both automobiles. The Ravens tend to attack and blitz more out of their 3-4, while the Patriots are more read and react. The 6-foot-2-inch, 270-pound Thomas, who finished second to Vrabel on the team in sacks last season with 6F, couldn't unleash his uncanny athleticism until he could wrap his mind around the Patriots' defense.
Why do you think we waited until Thomas, Vrabel and Colvin made the switch before we acquired them? McGinest played some linebacker at usc and high school too.
You're assuming a 6'7" 283 lb. 4-3 DE will make the switch to OLB successfully in a very short time frame, which he'd need to to justify his salary.
Otherwise you'll have a very expensive situational pass rusher for when we switch to a 4-3, which is not our base.
I keep asking, when has he ever played linebacker and haven't gotten any response yet.
In your opinion what do you think is the biggest hurdle for a 4-3 DE to convert to a 3-4 OLB?
I believe it is athleticism and speed. Guys get out in space and can't make the plays against faster, shiftier and more athletic backs and receivers. Peppers was a running back in high school and a sprinter on a state championship track team.
He nearly weighs 290 pounds and runs a sub 4.7 40. The man is a freak of nature!
Jason Taylor would be the comparison I would make when it comes to DE to OLB conversion. The guy played 4-3 DE at a pro bowl level and then converted to 3-4 OLB and played at a pro bowl level.
Peppers is a top 5 defensive player in the NFL and one could easily have a very strong arguement that he is the best.
If it were as easy as you're making it out to be, the Patriots wouldn't need to go looking for players. They'd already have signed them and converted them.