My Blueprint for the Defense

[mayoclinic]

Watch Collins trying to tackle opponents straight on. He's not a DE. He's a chase/cover LB who should be used as part of a platoon in order to keep him off the field on first down.

I don't agree with the last sentence. I think Collins can be a solid 3-down player as a 4-3 SAM. He has plenty enough run stopping ability when used properly. He's not physical enough or bulky enough to be a full time DE.

 

[mayoclinic]

We'll have to disagree on Collins, I don't think he has anywhere near the build to play DE. I love him as both a pass rusher and a cover LB for TE's and backs coming out of the backfield, and i think he's going to become a star for them but bulking him up to try and play DE would kill off his greatest assets imo.

I agree with this. I think his greatest gift is his versatility, followed by his coverage ability. Bulking him up to play DE would indeed "kill off his greatest assets". But he can certainly be used on the line at times. The prototype should be something close to Von Miller, with less pass rush ability and more coverage ability.

 

[mayoclinic]

That Chandler Jones and Ninkovich need less reps is a big problem indeed.

Will Smith probably isn't the guy you're looking for. He's more of a base end than an edge rusher, and his best sack totals came in seasons where he could play high snap counts and get those effort sacks.

As for Bequette and Buchanan, they might both amount to nothing but they represent more in-house talent at developmental edge rusher than we've had in many of our recent offseasons. Overall, you probably aren't going to get the right guy on the FA market I think. Hard for players who are worth it to take the reduction in role unfortunately.

I am still hopeful that Buchanan can be developed as a sub rusher, and that Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower will get some reps in that role as well. I'm less concerned about that than I am about having a reliable base end who can rotate along with Ninkovich and Jones - ideally, I'd like to see 3+ guys sharing time to keep them fresh and provide depth. Armond Armstead could also potentially get reps at DE in a base package if he is able to come back. I want to be able to rotate guys in and keep fresh legs in the equation. I'm not sure that Will Smith has enough left in the tank to play a meaningful role, but if he did he would certainly get consideration. Corey Wootton seems like a good fit to me. Everson Griffin could be lured by Bendan Daly, but rumor is he wants more money than he's probably worth. Michael Johnson or Greg Hardy would be terrific, but are likely too pricey. Rookies like Aaron Lynch, Will Clarke or Taylor Hart could also play a role, though I think that a veteran has a better chance of contributing off the bat as part of a rotation. I don't think Jake Bequette is likely to be in the mix at this point.

 

[mayoclinic]

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

I'm not wild about the other FA DTs in the draft. Lamarr Houston is the only other guy I really like, and I assume he'll get too much money and will probably stay with Oakland anyway. I think that if I were convinced that Wilfork couldn't come back and Joseph turns out to not be an option that I would make a hard push for Michael Johnson at DE, and then address the DT position via the draft. Kelly, Armstead, Siliga and Jones isn't a bad start, and there's enough depth at both 3-tech and NT to add talent. Unless I were convinced that Siliga was starter potential I'd go after one of Louis Nix or Justin Ellis at NT, and then double up with a penetrating DT like Hageman, Donald, Jernigan, Dominique Easley or Caraun Reid. I'd be quite content with Ellis and Easley/Reid, all of whom I believe have major potential.

From a cost point of view, for $8M in cap space freed up by cutting Wilfork I'd prefer Joseph + Wootton, but I'd be content with Michael Johnson or Greg Hardy instead and then the DT position addressed in the draft.

 

[manxman2601]

I am still hopeful that Buchanan can be developed as a sub rusher, and that Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower will get some reps in that role as well. I'm less concerned about that than I am about having a reliable base end who can rotate along with Ninkovich and Jones - ideally, I'd like to see 3+ guys sharing time to keep them fresh and provide depth. Armond Armstead could also potentially get reps at DE in a base package if he is able to come back. I want to be able to rotate guys in and keep fresh legs in the equation. I'm not sure that Will Smith has enough left in the tank to play a meaningful role, but if he did he would certainly get consideration. Corey Wootton seems like a good fit to me. Everson Griffin could be lured by Bendan Daly, but rumor is he wants more money than he's probably worth. Michael Johnson or Greg Hardy would be terrific, but are likely too pricey. Rookies like Aaron Lynch, Will Clarke or Taylor Hart could also play a role, though I think that a veteran has a better chance of contributing off the bat as part of a rotation. I don't think Jake Bequette is likely to be in the mix at this point.

As far as rookies go, my ideal would be to find someone versatile enough to play two roles rather than drafting a DE straight up. This is why I like Marcus Smith (LB and rotational pass rusher) and/or Aaron Donald (3-tech and odd/even front DE).

Both are rotational players so offer depth, both are about as explosive as they come (based on film) so fit the "more speed" criteria and both can be used in different roles so are fairly flexible.

 

[mayoclinic]

As far as rookies go, my ideal would be to find someone versatile enough to play two roles rather than drafting a DE straight up. This is why I like Marcus Smith (LB and rotational pass rusher) and/or Aaron Donald (3-tech and odd/even front DE).

Both are rotational players so offer depth, both are about as explosive as they come (based on film) so fit the "more speed" criteria and both can be used in different roles so are fairly flexible.

I like your approach, but I still think we need a rotational base DE. I'm quite happy with Corey Wootton in that role. Then I would add:

- A 3-tech who can rotate to DE. Donald is intriguing.
- A stand-up pass rusher who can play OLB and get some snaps at DE. Marcus Smith is excellent projected for that role.
- A rangy coverage LB who can come off the edge on blitzes, in addition to Jamie Collins. Kyle Van Noy, Ryan Shazier, Christian Jones and Tyler Starr would all excel in that kind of role.

Add Joseph/Wootton in FA and those 3 guys in the draft along with a big DB (Antone Exum works for me, and maybe Dontae Johnson/Jonathan Dowling if we get a second comp pick) and all the defensive needs would have been addressed.

 

[manxman2601]

I like your approach, but I still think we need a rotational base DE. I'm quite happy with Corey Wootton in that role. Then I would add:

- A 3-tech who can rotate to DE. Donald is intriguing.
- A stand-up pass rusher who can play OLB and get some snaps at DE. Marcus Smith is excellent projected for that role.
- A rangy coverage LB who can come off the edge on blitzes, in addition to Jamie Collins. Kyle Van Noy, Ryan Shazier, Christian Jones and Tyler Starr would all excel in that kind of role.

Add Joseph/Wootton in FA and those 3 guys in the draft along with a big DB (Antone Exum works for me, and maybe Dontae Johnson/Jonathan Dowling if we get a second comp pick) and all the defensive needs would have been addressed.

I'd have no problem with a FA DE but I'm not a fan of the draft class. If Nink hadn't signed the long-term deal, I'd have thought Johnson was a lock. As you know though, I do like the Wootton idea.

I'm not sure I agree with you on two linebackers. Hard to get the reps if we already have Mayo-Hightower-Collins-Smith (in this scenario). I like the four you mentioned (I'm warming to Jones) but I just don't know how often they'll play considering the draft capital outlay required. I could however see a LB/S prospect as a possibility as an Adrian or Tavon Wilson replacement. Not sure who fits there. Telvin Smith perhaps?

 

[Off The Grid]

Yep, my mistake. For some reason I have been under the impression that he came out at 235.

Indeed. If I recall correctly, he was originally listed at that very Weight.

 

[manxman2601]

Indeed. If I recall correctly, he was originally listed at that very Weight.

If he jumped that high at the combine at 250, how high would he have jumped at 235?

Despicable Me- Anti Gravity Syrum - YouTube

 

[mayoclinic]

I'd have no problem with a FA DE but I'm not a fan of the draft class. If Nink hadn't signed the long-term deal, I'd have thought Johnson was a lock. As you know though, I do like the Wootton idea.

I too am not a fan of this draft class as far as starting caliber DEs goes. I think there is some solid developmental talent - Aaron Lynch, Will Clarke and Taylor Hart, for example - but they will need some time to develop, and I wouldn't want to depend on them stepping right in to a rotation. That's what has caused me to shift more towards signing a rotational DE in FA.

I'm not sure I agree with you on two linebackers. Hard to get the reps if we already have Mayo-Hightower-Collins-Smith (in this scenario). I like the four you mentioned (I'm warming to Jones) but I just don't know how often they'll play considering the draft capital outlay required. I could however see a LB/S prospect as a possibility as an Adrian or Tavon Wilson replacement. Not sure who fits there. Telvin Smith perhaps?

I struggle with whether to go with more of a DE/OLB hybrid like Marcus Smith, or a rangier LB like Shazier, Van Noy, or Christian Jones. I probably tend a bit towards the latter - I'd like to get as much pure speed and coverage ability at the second level as possible. I love the idea of getting a guy like Exum and plugging him in at FS, and then having someone like Shazier/Van/Noy/Jones who can plug in a WILL with Mayo moving inside against more pass-oriented offenses. I think that Jones and Shazier could play a hybrid LB/S role which could be used very effectively. But I love Marcus Smith's skill set, too.

We've averaged drafting/signing about 6+ new defensive players per year over the past few years:

2013: Signed Adrian Wilson, Tommy Kelly and Armond Armstead; drafted Jamie Collins, Logan Ryan, Duron Harmon and Michael Buchanan. And that doesn't count later additions such as Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga.

2012: Signed Steve Gregory, Jonathan Fanene and Trevor Scott; drafted Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower, Tavon Wilson, Jake Bequette and Alfonzo Dennard. Added Aqib Talib during the season.

2011: Signed Shaun Ellis, Andre Carter, Mark Anderson and James Ihedigbo; traded for Albert Haynesworth; drafted Ras-I Dowling.

2010: Traded for Jarrad Page; drafted Devin McCourty, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes and Brandon Deaderick.

I could see us adding another 6+ players on defense this year between FA and the draft: 1-2 each of DE, DT, LB and DB. The exact breakdown will probably depend on who is available in both FA and the draft. For example, if we sign a UFA rotational DE like Corey Wootton then I could see us taking either another base DE in the draft or a tweener like Marcus Smith, but not both. If we took 2 "LBs", one a rangier guy like Shazier/Van/Noy/Jones and the other a bigger hybrid like Smith or Tyler Starr, then I doubt we'd take 3 pure defensive linemen.

 

[manxman2601]

I too am not a fan of this draft class as far as starting caliber DEs goes. I think there is some solid developmental talent - Aaron Lynch, Will Clarke and Taylor Hart, for example - but they will need some time to develop, and I wouldn't want to depend on them stepping right in to a rotation. That's what has caused me to shift more towards signing a rotational DE in FA.



I struggle with whether to go with more of a DE/OLB hybrid like Marcus Smith, or a rangier LB like Shazier, Van Noy, or Christian Jones. I probably tend a bit towards the latter - I'd like to get as much pure speed and coverage ability at the second level as possible. I love the idea of getting a guy like Exum and plugging him in at FS, and then having someone like Shazier/Van/Noy/Jones who can plug in a WILL with Mayo moving inside against more pass-oriented offenses. I think that Jones and Shazier could play a hybrid LB/S role which could be used very effectively. But I love Marcus Smith's skill set, too.

We've averaged drafting/signing about 6+ new defensive players per year over the past few years:

2013: Signed Adrian Wilson, Tommy Kelly and Armond Armstead; drafted Jamie Collins, Logan Ryan, Duron Harmon and Michael Buchanan. And that doesn't count later additions such as Chris Jones and Sealver Siliga.

2012: Signed Steve Gregory, Jonathan Fanene and Trevor Scott; drafted Chandler Jones, Dont'a Hightower, Tavon Wilson, Jake Bequette and Alfonzo Dennard. Added Aqib Talib during the season.

2011: Signed Shaun Ellis, Andre Carter, Mark Anderson and James Ihedigbo; traded for Albert Haynesworth; drafted Ras-I Dowling.

2010: Traded for Jarrad Page; drafted Devin McCourty, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Spikes and Brandon Deaderick.

I could see us adding another 6+ players on defense this year between FA and the draft: 1-2 each of DE, DT, LB and DB. The exact breakdown will probably depend on who is available in both FA and the draft. For example, if we sign a UFA rotational DE like Corey Wootton then I could see us taking either another base DE in the draft or a tweener like Marcus Smith, but not both. If we took 2 "LBs", one a rangier guy like Shazier/Van/Noy/Jones and the other a bigger hybrid like Smith or Tyler Starr, then I doubt we'd take 3 pure defensive linemen.

Nice breakdown. I'm finding it hard to add six players to this defense, especially as it's been 10 and 9 the last two years. A lot of that will depend on Wilfork, Kelly, Talib and Possibly Gregory though. It becomes a lot easier if none of them are Patriots next year.

 

[mayoclinic]

Nice breakdown. I'm finding it hard to add six players to this defense, especially as it's been 10 and 9 the last two years. A lot of that will depend on Wilfork, Kelly, Talib and Possibly Gregory though. It becomes a lot easier if none of them are Patriots next year.

There have been a lot of waste on UFAs/trades. Albert Haynesworth, Jonathan Fanene, Adrian Wilson, Shaun Ellis ... not a lot of production out of those guys. Add in some of the more glaring draft misses (Ras-I Dowling, Jermaine Cunningham, likely Tavon Wilson and Jake Bequette) and there's a lot of opportunity to improve the defense that got missed.

I could easily see adding 8 defensive players:

1. A Wilfork replacement, whether a UFA (Linval Joseph) or a rookie (Louis Nix, Justin Ellis)
2. A 3-tech who can provide inside pressure (Aaron Donald, Timmy Jernigan, Ra'Shede Hageman, Dominique Easley, Caraun Reid).
3. A rotational DE who can play meaningful snaps along with Jones and Ninkovich (Michael Johnson, Corey Wootton, etc.).
4. A developmental base DE who takes Bequette's spot (Aaron Lynch, Will Clarke, Taylor Hart, possibly Brent Urban).
5. A hybrid DE/OLB / sub rusher with the athleticism to provide pressure off the edge and play in space (Marcus Smith, Jeremiah Attaochu, Tyler Starr, Ronald Powell).
6. A rangier LB who can cover the middle of the field and pursue, as well as come of the blitz (Ryan Shazier, Kyle Van Noy, Christian Jones).
7. A strong safety complement to Devin McCourty (Calvin Pryor, Deone Buchanan, Kyle Fuller, Antone Exum).
8. A big DB to provide depth outside (Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Kyle Fuller, Antone Exum, Keith McGill, Terrance Mitchell, Pierre Desir, Dontae Johnson, Jonathan Dowling).

I think that it's extremely unlikely that all 8 of these are addressed for 2014, but I could realistically see about 6 of them being addressed between FA and the draft.

 

[manxman2601]

He won't be drafted first, but I think Jimmie Ward is the best safety in this class. Check outbthe INT below

Jimmie Ward vs Toledo (2013) - YouTube

 

[mayoclinic]

There have been a lot of waste on UFAs/trades. Albert Haynesworth, Jonathan Fanene, Adrian Wilson, Shaun Ellis ... not a lot of production out of those guys. Add in some of the more glaring draft misses (Ras-I Dowling, Jermaine Cunningham, likely Tavon Wilson and Jake Bequette) and there's a lot of opportunity to improve the defense that got missed.

I could easily see adding 8 defensive players:

1. A Wilfork replacement, whether a UFA (Linval Joseph) or a rookie (Louis Nix, Justin Ellis)
2. A 3-tech who can provide inside pressure (Aaron Donald, Timmy Jernigan, Ra'Shede Hageman, Dominique Easley, Caraun Reid).
3. A rotational DE who can play meaningful snaps along with Jones and Ninkovich (Michael Johnson, Corey Wootton, etc.).
4. A developmental base DE who takes Bequette's spot (Aaron Lynch, Will Clarke, Taylor Hart, possibly Brent Urban).
5. A hybrid DE/OLB / sub rusher with the athleticism to provide pressure off the edge and play in space (Marcus Smith, Jeremiah Attaochu, Tyler Starr, Ronald Powell).
6. A rangier LB who can cover the middle of the field and pursue, as well as come of the blitz (Ryan Shazier, Kyle Van Noy, Christian Jones).
7. A strong safety complement to Devin McCourty (Calvin Pryor, Deone Buchanan, Kyle Fuller, Antone Exum).
8. A big DB to provide depth outside (Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Kyle Fuller, Antone Exum, Keith McGill, Terrance Mitchell, Pierre Desir, Dontae Johnson, Jonathan Dowling).

I think that it's extremely unlikely that all 8 of these are addressed for 2014, but I could realistically see about 6 of them being addressed between FA and the draft.

Thinking a bit more about this, I think the logical choice with limited picks/$$$ to spend is between #4, #5 and #6. I think it's likely that 2 of these will be addressed, but not all 3.

I could see something like the following:

- Sign a rotational DE. Michael Johnson would be great, but Corey Wootton is more likely and probably a better price-performer.

- Ideally, sign a DT like Linval Joseph, assuming Wilfork isn't projected to come back at reasonable strength. If not available, then the draft becomes a likely option.

- Draft 1-2 DTs, depending on what happens in FA and the assessment of the position (is Armstead likely to come back, will Kelly be fully recovered, etc.). Donald, Jernigan, Hageman and Nix are targets at 29 or thereabouts. Justin Ellis, Caraun Reid and Brent Urban are targets from the 3rd round on.

- Depending on the draft capital expended and available, draft 2 players from groups #4, 5, and 6 above. The focus could be on more speed and coverage (one of Shazier/Van Noy/Jones plus one of Marcus Smith/Tyler Starr), on more of a pass rushing/base end capability (one of Aaron Lynch/Will Clarke/Taylor Hart plus one of Smith/Starr), or a base end plus a rangier LB.

- Draft 1-2 DBs on day 3. Antone Exum, Aaron Colvin, Dontae Johnson, Jonathan Dowling, etc. There should be good value here.

I can see up to 5 defensive players potentially being drafted, with 1-2 FAs being added.

 

[everlong]

He won't be drafted first, but I think Jimmie Ward is the best safety in this class. Check outbthe INT below

Jimmie Ward vs Toledo (2013) - YouTube

I watched the entire video.

Positives: Plays a lot of man coverage in the slot, hits low and with impact on receivers, good instincts.

Negatives: Takes some bad angles in run support, doesn't rally to the ball in run support all the time, if he can hit low he brings it but doesn't seem to like to take on ball carriers high when forced to.

I think the positives out weigh the negatives and overall I like him. I wonder with the success of Chris Jones (Bowling Green) if Bill will take a closer look at MAC players. Nick Kaczur and Assante Samuel are the two highest MAC players drafted by Bill. Would Bill take him at 62? Rang currently has the Broncos taking him at 31 which is eye opening.

Northern Illinois really likes to man up on receivers across the board. Their RCB loved to take the cheese on double moves and got smoked a lot. Ward was asked to guard the intermediate middle and was one on one as well. He never got beat so that's huge.

 

[mayoclinic]

He won't be drafted first, but I think Jimmie Ward is the best safety in this class. Check outbthe INT below

Jimmie Ward vs Toledo (2013) - YouTube

I watched the entire video.

Positives: Plays a lot of man coverage in the slot, hits low and with impact on receivers, good instincts.

Negatives: Takes some bad angles in run support, doesn't rally to the ball in run support all the time, if he can hit low he brings it but doesn't seem to like to take on ball carriers high when forced to.

I think the positives out weigh the negatives and overall I like him. I wonder with the success of Chris Jones (Bowling Green) if Bill will take a closer look at MAC players. Nick Kaczur and Assante Samuel are the two highest MAC players drafted by Bill. Would Bill take him at 62? Rang currently has the Broncos taking him at 31 which is eye opening.

Northern Illinois really likes to man up on receivers across the board. Their RCB loved to take the cheese on double moves and got smoked a lot. Ward was asked to guard the intermediate middle and was one on one as well. He never got beat so that's huge.

Ward reminds me too much of Steve Gregory for my taste. He's much more physical, and has more raw talent, but I'm just not that impressed. 3rd round? Maybe, but I still like the idea of Antone Exum a lot more. Earlier than that? Not for me.

 

[everlong]

Ward reminds me too much of Steve Gregory for my taste. He's much more physical, and has more raw talent, but I'm just not that impressed. 3rd round? Maybe, but I still like the idea of Antone Exum a lot more. Earlier than that? Not for me.

I felt he was much more fluid in coverage than Gregory but didn't support the run as well. Both struggle with angles.

 

[mayoclinic]

There have been a lot of waste on UFAs/trades. Albert Haynesworth, Jonathan Fanene, Adrian Wilson, Shaun Ellis ... not a lot of production out of those guys. Add in some of the more glaring draft misses (Ras-I Dowling, Jermaine Cunningham, likely Tavon Wilson and Jake Bequette) and there's a lot of opportunity to improve the defense that got missed.

I could easily see adding 8 defensive players:

1. A Wilfork replacement, whether a UFA (Linval Joseph) or a rookie (Louis Nix, Justin Ellis)
2. A 3-tech who can provide inside pressure (Aaron Donald, Timmy Jernigan, Ra'Shede Hageman, Dominique Easley, Caraun Reid).
3. A rotational DE who can play meaningful snaps along with Jones and Ninkovich (Michael Johnson, Corey Wootton, etc.).
4. A developmental base DE who takes Bequette's spot (Aaron Lynch, Will Clarke, Taylor Hart, possibly Brent Urban).
5. A hybrid DE/OLB / sub rusher with the athleticism to provide pressure off the edge and play in space (Marcus Smith, Jeremiah Attaochu, Tyler Starr, Ronald Powell).
6. A rangier LB who can cover the middle of the field and pursue, as well as come of the blitz (Ryan Shazier, Kyle Van Noy, Christian Jones).
7. A strong safety complement to Devin McCourty (Calvin Pryor, Deone Buchanan, Kyle Fuller, Antone Exum).
8. A big DB to provide depth outside (Stanley Jean-Baptiste, Kyle Fuller, Antone Exum, Keith McGill, Terrance Mitchell, Pierre Desir, Dontae Johnson, Jonathan Dowling).

I think that it's extremely unlikely that all 8 of these are addressed for 2014, but I could realistically see about 6 of them being addressed between FA and the draft.

My top draft prospects for these roles, going into the Combine:

- Wilfork replacement: Justin Ellis.
- Penetrating 3-tech: Aaron Donald, followed by Dominique Easley and Caraun Reid. I agree with Manx about wanting explosiveness here.
- Developmental base DE: Aaron Lynch.
- Hybrid DE/OLB: Marcus Smith, followed by Tyler Starr.
- Rangy LB with versatility: Christian Jones.
- Strong safety opposite McCourty: Calvin Pryor, followed by Antone Exum.
- Big DB for depth: Stanley Jean-Baptiste and Dontae Johnson.

I still love Trent Murphy's motor and intangibles more than those of any defensive prospect, but I'm not sure where he fits cleanly into this taxonomy. How he looks at the Combine should clarify if/where he fits.

I'm also not sure where Ra'Shede Hageman or Brent Urban fit. I like both guys a lot, but they are too tall to be NTs, I'm not sure they are the best fit for a penetrating 3-tech, and I'm not sure they have enough foot speed to play outside in a 4-3. They could excel as 5-techs in a 3-4, but I don't see us going that way. They might be able to play LDE in a 4-3 under and then move inside, but I'm tending more towards guys like Donald, Easley or Reid at the moment for 3-tech prospects. Again, I want to see how they do at the Combine - as much in the drills in terms of their times or measurements.

 

[mayoclinic]

I struggle with whether to go with more of a DE/OLB hybrid like Marcus Smith, or a rangier LB like Shazier, Van Noy, or Christian Jones. I probably tend a bit towards the latter - I'd like to get as much pure speed and coverage ability at the second level as possible. I love the idea of getting a guy like Exum and plugging him in at FS, and then having someone like Shazier/Van/Noy/Jones who can plug in a WILL with Mayo moving inside against more pass-oriented offenses. I think that Jones and Shazier could play a hybrid LB/S role which could be used very effectively. But I love Marcus Smith's skill set, too.

From Grid's profile on Marcus Smith:

Marcus Smith is a Raw Recruit, but I discount that heavily, both because he was QuarterBack out of High School ~ and a damned good one ~ who's only been playing Defense for little more than 3 Years, and of course because his Growth on the Defensive side of the Ball has been absolutely spectacular.

Smith's fusion of Explosiveness and Fluidity is very, very rare, and his Intelligence and Field Vision, as exhibited by his deploying extensively at Defensive End, at Flanker ~ "OutSide LineBacker", to you Earthlings ~ and at Defensive Tackle, and being employed in the Pass Rush, in Contain, in Shadow, or in Coverage, as the Tactical LandScape warranted it, makes clear his Head Coach's trust in Smith's Capacity to effectively and Rapidly Read & React in the Heat of Battle.

That says a lot to me, as does the fact that he started from Scratch less than 4 Years ago, and has come Light Years towards become a potentially terrorizing Weapon in an Attack Defense at The Next Level.

Category: Marcus Smith -

And, his profile on Aaron Lynch:

Category: Aaron Lynch -

I think that if the Pats are looking for a developmental base end then Lynch makes much more sense. But if they are looking for moveable pieces on a chessboard, then taking Smith along with a guy like Christian Jones (who lined up at DE, DT, OLB and ILB in his career, and who has safety-like coverage ability) would give the Pats the ultimate group of interchangeable weapons, along with Jamie Collins.

 

[manxman2601]

From Grid's profile on Marcus Smith:



Category: Marcus Smith -

And, his profile on Aaron Lynch:

Category: Aaron Lynch -

I think that if the Pats are looking for a developmental base end then Lynch makes much more sense. But if they are looking for moveable pieces on a chessboard, then taking Smith along with a guy like Christian Jones (who lined up at DE, DT, OLB and ILB in his career, and who has safety-like coverage ability) would give the Pats the ultimate group of interchangeable weapons, along with Jamie Collins.

Could it be that Grid likes Smith more than you or I? I'm glad that Grid was impressed by his combination of explosiveness and fluidity, that's exactly what I saw.