My Blueprint for the Defense

[ausbacker]

I don't worry about whether prospects will be off the board or not this far out. There's so much hype and deception going on. Vince Wilfork was never supposed to last to 21 in 2004.

If Donald's gone, he's gone. If he lasts to 29, I hope BB gives him very serious consideration. For my money he's the most disruptive defensive player in the draft, including Clowney.

As mentioned elsewhere, we have enough of the solid, dependable guys. It's time to add some disruptive players to the front 7.

 

[mayoclinic]

Honored to've met your "Full Quote" standards, my Brother!!

I think at this point Aaron Donald and Christian Jones are my 2 favorite defensive prospects in this draft. Marcus Smith, Kyle Fuller and possibly Bashaud Breland get honorable mention, followed by Justin Ellis and Antone Exum.

 

[captain stone]

Even if they won't they might be meeting with him to evaluate their own evaluation process: go through the normal testing evaluation of the player and form an opinion, and then take a look at what he's become a few years into his NFL career to see how that stacks up against their pre-draft opinion and make a judgment on how well they're evaluating/judging.

I hope that would've happened already; but with this bare-bones, in-bred, xenophobic
front office/coaching staff, nothing would surprise me.

 

[mayoclinic]

I hope that would've happened already; but with this bare-bones, in-bred, xenophobic
front office/coaching staff, nothing would surprise me.

You know, you have very good insights and contributions when you don't let the bitterness of being stuck with a pitiful franchise that has only posted 13 consecutive winning seasons get to you.

I agree that the FO/coaching has perhaps been somewhat narrow-minded at times; that's sort of the flip side of good "system specific scouting", and a small sin compared to the rank incompetence and ineptitude showed by many teams' leadership.

I personally hope that the lesson of passing on Lavonte David 2 years ago will encourage them to be more open-minded about guys like Christian Jones, not to mention Aaron Donald. But we'll have to see.

 

[mayoclinic]

Doug Farrar profiles Dominique Easley:

Injuries have slowed Dominique Easley?s path, but the talent is still there | Audibles - SI.com

Of note:

“I tore my ACL in 2011, and I got faster in 2013,” he said. “So when I get back from this ACL, it’s going to make me nothing but faster… it’s a blessing for me because I know what I went through, how much I improved after the first ACL.”

Nice attitude.

I want Aaron Donald at 29, but if he's off the board I hope the Pats trade back and get Easley.

 

[mayoclinic]

What is your plan B if you can't get Joseph?

New plan B if Joseph is unavailable or too pricey:

Alex Marvez of FOX Sports reports that the Seahawks are expected to cut Red Bryant. The cap space would be then used to help keep Bennett.

Bryant has a cap number of $8.5 million, coming from a $4.5 million base salary, a $3 million roster bonus, and $1 million in signing bonus allocation. Cutting him without the post-June 1 designation would result in a cap charge of $3 million, creating $5.5 million in immediate cap space. Cutting him with the post-June 1 designation would require the Seahawks to carry the $8.5 million until June 1, at which time $7.5 million in cap space would be created. The remaining $2 million in dead money would hit the cap in 2015.

Report: Seahawks will dump Red Bryant | ProFootballTalk

The Pats' had interest in Bryant, and he spoke openly before the Super Bowl of his admiration for the team:

"I had an opportunity to go there; they've got a great history, great tradition, I have the utmost respect for coach Belichick and Tom Brady and Mr. Robert Kraft," Bryant said on Thursday. "My big brother, Ty Warren, he played there and I called him and he gave me a background on what it would be like and the expectations and it would have been a great opportunity. The only thing that kept me was my love for this team and I envisioned us one day making it to a Super Bowl."

Seahawks' Red Bryant discusses his close call with Patriots - Extra Points - Boston.com

The Pats could probably use Bryant at 4-3 NT along with Sealver Siliga, and as a big DE in 4-3 under and 3-4 formations (with Siliga at NT). He's only 29. If they released Wilfork they could probably afford both Bryant and a DE like Michael Johnson/Carlos Dunlap (whichever one Cincinnati lets go).

 

[mayoclinic]

With the defensive players at the Combine about to take the stage and FA 2 weeks away, this are the key areas that I see potentially being addressed on defense:

1. NT. I don't see Wilfork coming back at reasonable strength in 2014. He could be restructured moving some of his base contract to NTLBE (freeing up around $4M in cap space), which would buy some time to assess his status, or he could be cut, freeing up $7.5-8M in cap space. In the latter case, a veteran FA such as Linval Joseph or Red Bryant could be added for considerably less money. Sealver Siliga looks like a keeper as a rotational player. Isaac Sapoaga will undoubtedly be an early cap casualty. I don't personally like the idea of going after a guy like Louis Nix in the draft, but if Justin Ellis was available in the right range he could be an option.

2. 3-Tech DT. Tommy Kelly will hopefully be recovered from his ACL injury, Chris Jones showed nice potential as a rookie, and Armond Armstead is a dark horse. This isn't necessarily an acute need, but I would personally prioritize adding a disruptive 3-tech like Aaron Donald or Dominique Easley. I think that either could add an critical element of disruption that has been missing from our interior defense.

3. Rotational DE. I think this is a priority, and the draft is very shallow at this position. Free agency is very deep at this position. One of Carlos Dunlap / Michael Johnson should be available, and the Pats might be able to afford them. Corey Wootton is a good lower-cost alternative if he hits FA. Everson Griffin is a dark horse candidate.

4. DE/OLB / Sub Rusher. Not a major priority, but if a prospect like Marcus Smith was available in the right range, he could add considerable value. Tyler Starr is a day 3 option.

5. LB. I think Brandon Spikes is gone and Dane Fletcher will be re-signed. There's room for another LB, preferably one who can play in space and be moved around to create mismatches. Christian Jones is my top candidate for this role. This role could also overlap with #4 above.

6. Strong Safety. Steve Gregory was ok in 2013 but leaves room for an upgrade, and has a fairly hefty cap hit. Duron Harmon will hopefully develop, but is more of a backup FS behind Devin McCourty. Tavon Wilson is a dark horse. I think the FA options will be too expensive to warrant the investment, but I think there is room to upgrade at this position in the draft. Kyle Fuller, Deone Bucannon and Antone Exum are all intriguing options. Jonathan Dowling is a dark horse prospect.

7. Big DB. I assume Aqib Talib will be re-signed, but I want some depth behind him. Kyle Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Antone Exum, Aaron Colvin, Jonathan Dowling and Dontae Johnson are all options.

I don't necessarily expect all of these to be addressed, but I think there will be decisions to be made about all of these areas and how to prioritize them.

 

[Coach42]

With the defensive players at the Combine about to take the stage and FA 2 weeks away, this are the key areas that I see potentially being addressed on defense:

1. NT. I don't see Wilfork coming back at reasonable strength in 2014. He could be restructured moving some of his base contract to NTLBE (freeing up around $4M in cap space), which would buy some time to assess his status, or he could be cut, freeing up $7.5-8M in cap space. In the latter case, a veteran FA such as Linval Joseph or Red Bryant could be added for considerably less money. Sealver Siliga looks like a keeper as a rotational player. Isaac Sapoaga will undoubtedly be an early cap casualty. I don't personally like the idea of going after a guy like Louis Nix in the draft, but if Justin Ellis was available in the right range he could be an option.

2. 3-Tech DT. Tommy Kelly will hopefully be recovered from his ACL injury, Chris Jones showed nice potential as a rookie, and Armond Armstead is a dark horse. This isn't necessarily an acute need, but I would personally prioritizing adding a disruptive 3-tech like Aaron Donald or Dominique Easley. I think that either could add an critical element of disruption that has been missing from our interior defense.

3. Rotational DE. I think this is a priority, and the draft is very shallow at this position. Free agency is very deep at this position. One of Carlos Dunlap / Michael Johnson should be available, and the Pats might be able to afford them. Corey Wootton is a good lower-cost alternative if he hits FA. Everson Griffin is a dark horse candidate.

4. DE/OLB / Sub Rusher. Not a major priority, but if a prospect like Marcus Smith was available in the right range, he could add considerable value. Tyler Starr is a day 3 option.

5. LB. I think Brandon Spikes is gone and Dane Fletcher will be re-signed. There's room for another LB, preferably one who can play in space and be moved around to create mismatches. Christian Jones is my top candidate for this role. This role could also overlap with #4 above.

6. Strong Safety. Steve Gregory was ok in 2013 but leaves room for an upgrade, and has a fairly hefty cap hit. Duron Harmon will hopefully develop, but is more of a backup FS behind Devin McCourty. Tavon Wilson is a dark horse. I think the FA options will be too expensive to warrant the investment, but I think there is room to upgrade at this position in the draft. Kyle Fuller, Deone Bucannon and Antone Exum are all intriguing options. Jonathan Dowling is a dark horse prospect.

7. Big DB. I assume Aqib Talib will be re-signed, but I want some depth behind him. Kyle Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Antone Exum, Aaron Colvin, Jonathan Dowling and Dontae Johnson are all options.

I don't necessarily expect all of these to be addressed, but I think there will be decisions to be made about all of these areas and how to prioritize them.

I can't even begin to describe how happy I'd be if this happened. Our Defense would be fearsome.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I can't even begin to describe how happy I'd be if this happened. Our Defense would be fearsome.

The only problem is that our offense would stink and Brady would get beaten like a rented mule.

 

[mayoclinic]

The only problem is that our offense would stink and Brady would get beaten like a rented mule.

I'm not sure why that has to be the case.

 

[Snake Eyes]

I'm not sure why that has to be the case.

Well, IMO the O-line is weak and the receiver corp leaves a bit to be desired. I also think we need help at TE, and I don't think we can fill those holes in free agency.

 

[mayoclinic]

Well, IMO the O-line is weak and the receiver corp leaves a bit to be desired. I also think we need help at TE, and I don't think we can fill those holes in free agency.

But I don't see why some of those issues can't be addressed. I disagree with you about the receiver corps - I think it is a young group, but very talented, and should be improved over 2013 - but I think that TE and interior OL will be priorities to be addressed, whether in FA or the draft.

This is a thread about a defensive "blueprint", but I certainly don't advocate ignoring the offense, and never meant to suggest that.

 

[Coach42]

Well, IMO the O-line is weak and the receiver corp leaves a bit to be desired. I also think we need help at TE, and I don't think we can fill those holes in free agency.

I don't think this is an either or situation. The offense needs attention but IMO less so than the defense. Interior OL and TE absolutely need to be upgraded.

 

[OhExaulted1]

As mentioned elsewhere, we have enough of the solid, dependable guys. It's time to add some disruptive players to the front 7.

How about these guys:
1.Cincinnati defensive tackle Andre Smith was arrested in January 2013 on a charge of carrying a loaded gun at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

2.In Jan. 2013, Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain paid a fine for an illegal car window tint. In April he was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in Alabama.

3.Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff was charged in Jan. 2013 with DWI after after his pickup truck struck an 18-wheeler.

4.Cleveland linebacker Quentin Groves was arrested in April 2013 in a prostitution sting.

5.Arizona linebacker Daryl Washington was arrested in May 2013 and charged with two counts of aggravated assault after an alleged argument with an ex-girlfriend.

They're all pretty disruptive.

 

[manxman2601]

I believe I'm being besmirched.

You are very respectfully having your metaphorical pigtails pulled.

 

[Off The Grid]

I believe I'm being besmirched.

You are very respectfully having your metaphorical pigtails pulled.

How'd you know I like it rough??

 

[ausbacker]

How about these guys:
1.Cincinnati defensive tackle Andre Smith was arrested in January 2013 on a charge of carrying a loaded gun at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

2.In Jan. 2013, Raiders linebacker Rolando McClain paid a fine for an illegal car window tint. In April he was charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest in Alabama.

3.Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff was charged in Jan. 2013 with DWI after after his pickup truck struck an 18-wheeler.

4.Cleveland linebacker Quentin Groves was arrested in April 2013 in a prostitution sting.

5.Arizona linebacker Daryl Washington was arrested in May 2013 and charged with two counts of aggravated assault after an alleged argument with an ex-girlfriend.

They're all pretty disruptive.

Can they rush the Quarterback?

 

[mayoclinic]

With the defensive players at the Combine about to take the stage and FA 2 weeks away, this are the key areas that I see potentially being addressed on defense:

1. NT. I don't see Wilfork coming back at reasonable strength in 2014. He could be restructured moving some of his base contract to NTLBE (freeing up around $4M in cap space), which would buy some time to assess his status, or he could be cut, freeing up $7.5-8M in cap space. In the latter case, a veteran FA such as Linval Joseph or Red Bryant could be added for considerably less money. Sealver Siliga looks like a keeper as a rotational player. Isaac Sapoaga will undoubtedly be an early cap casualty. I don't personally like the idea of going after a guy like Louis Nix in the draft, but if Justin Ellis was available in the right range he could be an option.

2. 3-Tech DT. Tommy Kelly will hopefully be recovered from his ACL injury, Chris Jones showed nice potential as a rookie, and Armond Armstead is a dark horse. This isn't necessarily an acute need, but I would personally prioritize adding a disruptive 3-tech like Aaron Donald or Dominique Easley. I think that either could add an critical element of disruption that has been missing from our interior defense.

3. Rotational DE. I think this is a priority, and the draft is very shallow at this position. Free agency is very deep at this position. One of Carlos Dunlap / Michael Johnson should be available, and the Pats might be able to afford them. Corey Wootton is a good lower-cost alternative if he hits FA. Everson Griffin is a dark horse candidate.

4. DE/OLB / Sub Rusher. Not a major priority, but if a prospect like Marcus Smith was available in the right range, he could add considerable value. Tyler Starr is a day 3 option.

5. LB. I think Brandon Spikes is gone and Dane Fletcher will be re-signed. There's room for another LB, preferably one who can play in space and be moved around to create mismatches. Christian Jones is my top candidate for this role. This role could also overlap with #4 above.

6. Strong Safety. Steve Gregory was ok in 2013 but leaves room for an upgrade, and has a fairly hefty cap hit. Duron Harmon will hopefully develop, but is more of a backup FS behind Devin McCourty. Tavon Wilson is a dark horse. I think the FA options will be too expensive to warrant the investment, but I think there is room to upgrade at this position in the draft. Kyle Fuller, Deone Bucannon and Antone Exum are all intriguing options. Jonathan Dowling is a dark horse prospect.

7. Big DB. I assume Aqib Talib will be re-signed, but I want some depth behind him. Kyle Fuller, Bashaud Breeland, Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Antone Exum, Aaron Colvin, Jonathan Dowling and Dontae Johnson are all options.

I don't necessarily expect all of these to be addressed, but I think there will be decisions to be made about all of these areas and how to prioritize them.

Pretty simple looking "blueprint" right now:

1. Re-sign Aqib Talib.
2. Cut Vince Wilfork. Painful, but time to move on.
3. Sign a DE. Michael Johnson / Carlos Dunlap 1st choice, or Corey Wootton.
4. Draft one of Aaron Donald / Dominique Easley. Donald if at all possible.
5. Draft one of Ryan Shazier / Christian Jones.
6. Draft Antone Exum.

Anything else is gravy.

 

[manxman2601]

Pretty simple looking "blueprint" right now:

1. Re-sign Aqib Talib.
2. Cut Vince Wilfork. Painful, but time to move on.
3. Sign a DE. Michael Johnson/Carlos Dunlap 1st choice, or Corey Wootton.
4. Draft one of Aaron Donald / Dominique Easley. Donald if at all possible.
5. Draft one of Ryan Shazier / Christian Jones.
6. Draft Antone Exum.

Anything else is gravy.

I'm not comfortable with Easley's knees and whilst I think someone like Tuitt or Hageman is more likely, in terms of matching your blueprint, I'd rather Caraun Reid than Easley. Happy with everything else except I'd add Kyle Fuller/Bashaud Breeland if we don't re-sign Talib.

 

[mayoclinic]

I'm not comfortable with Easley's knees and whilst I think someone like Tuitt or Hageman is more likely, in terms of matching your blueprint, I'd rather Caraun Reid than Easley. Happy with everything else except I'd add Kyle Fuller/Bashaud Breeland if we don't re-sign Talib.

I understand your perspective, but I don't see Tuitt or Hageman having the disruptive potential of Donald or Easley. JMHO.

I'm pretty much "all in" on Aaron Donald at this point, but realistically he may be out of reach, even with the trade up. The Pats' had a dominant DL, and I think that's the surest route back to the Lombardi Trophy - but it won't be with a 2-gapping 3-4 defense. Add Donald and another impact DE and the Pats' DL will be dominant.

Easley is the only other guy who I see potentially having Donald's kind of disruptive impact. The medical issue obviously needs to be given due diligence, but he came back faster after his first ACL injury, Thomas Davis played at an All Pro level this season despite multiple ACL injuries. It's obviously something to address seriously, but for now, he's my best hope for a Donald-like disruptor if Donald is out of reach.

I'd love to add Fuller/Breeland, even assuming we re-sign Talib, but realistically I'm personally willing to go after Donald, and that will make it hard to do much else, so I'd put that in the "gravy" category.