Position groups BB has under-/over-invested in?

[mgteich]

You are right they have hesitated to spend high for a pass rusher. I think the expensive bust rate, or the one dimensionality of some has scared them off. They definitely hit with chandler, but i think they feel they can get pressure better by hitting from a variety of places such as linebacker and the acquisition of Easley.

They did it in their heyday and never had situational pass rushing backups that i can recall.

As I have said elsewhere, I would settle for Ayers type quality as part of our rotation. IMHO, DE/OLB is important. I understand Belichick's view of not getting top college pass-rushers. But there must be a middle found between that and counting on guys like Moore and Buchanan.

If we re-sign Ayers or a free agent equivalent, I would consider that a major upgrade over this year's situation. Personally, I would like two additions (including Ayers). Counting on Ninkovich to play 95% of the reps makes little sense to me. Both Ninkovich and Jones need a solid backup.

BTW, I really like the addition of Casillas. We had no backup linebackers, except special teamers and Practice Squad players.

 

[mgteich]

I'd say that's a good way to break it down, but really, do we need a strict DE/OLB on the bench? (not that I'm against it) aren't Collins, Hightower and Ayers good DE/OLB any time they want to be?

Re-sign Ayers and I'm a happy camper.

 

[Fencer]

They did it in their heyday and never had situational pass rushing backups that i can recall.

I'd count Jarvis Green and maybe Mike Wright.

I'd also count the fact that OLB had a rotation, with McGinest usually not starting.

 

[Fencer]

I'd say that's a good way to break it down, but really, do we need a strict DE/OLB on the bench? (not that I'm against it) aren't Collins, Hightower and Ayers good DE/OLB any time they want to be?

We need at least three guys for the DE/OLB role, like Jones/Ninkovich/Ayers. After that you can argue that Hightower is a fourth guy in that rotation, and that's enough expensive talent. Also, it's a little unnerving that neither Jones nor Ayers have shown consistent health, while Ninkovich is aging.

 

[RayClay]

As I have said elsewhere, I would settle for Ayers type quality as part of our rotation. IMHO, DE/OLB is important. I understand Belichick's view of not getting top college pass-rushers. But there must be a middle found between that and counting on guys like Moore and Buchanan.

If we re-sign Ayers or a free agent equivalent, I would consider that a major upgrade over this year's situation. Personally, I would like two additions (including Ayers). Counting on Ninkovich to play 95% of the reps makes little sense to me. Both Ninkovich and Jones need a solid backup.

BTW, I really like the addition of Casillas. We had no backup linebackers, except special teamers and Practice Squad players.

They could be going in that direction (more pure pass rushers) but if they cost money/picks you have to sacrifice elsewhere.

That's why i think this is a fun thread. BB has always managed to pinch pennies somewhere to go strength elsewhere and he rarely just "replaces" strength at the same position.

 

[RayClay]

We need at least three guys for the DE/OLB role, like Jones/Ninkovich/Ayers. After that you can argue that Hightower is a fourth guy in that rotation, and that's enough expensive talent. Also, it's a little unnerving that neither Jones nor Ayers have shown consistent health, while Ninkovich is aging.

I like Buchanan and have no idea on Moore, but i wonder how many resources BB will spend on a backup, or specialist pass rusher, given you have to make it up elsewhere. Just playing devil's advocate. They tend to range quickly from very expensive, to useless.

Also, is there a league trend to try to get more pressure up the middle? Maybe the value paradigm is shifting.

 

[Fencer]

Also, is there a league trend to try to get more pressure up the middle? Maybe the value paradigm is shifting.

I agree with that part.

As for the DE/OLB guys -- BB is often willing to invest in one more more-or-less quality starter than can actually start. That's what the Jimmy G. draft and Cannon signing are about. I've been mentioning Jarvis Green and the OLB rotation from the glory years. He tried to negotiate having both Milloy and Harrison. He always tries to have extra CBs. Etc.