I think I'd put E. Brown over C. Brown, and I like English better than Barwin, but that's just me. Good list.
I think that Barwin and English would play different roles in the 34, though. Barwin is more of a defend the run/cover guy, while English is more of a pure pass-rusher. As it stands, we already have Thomas, Crable, Woods, TBC, and Redd. These guys are all more dedicated pass-rushers with an ability to set the edge against the run. None of them, aside from Thomas, have much coverage ability. So from a needs perspective, I think Barwin is a better fit for our defense right now, even though I think English is fantastic.I love how violent his hands are; he's just relentless.
Some amazing stats on Barwin from CBS Sports:
“Barwin made 50 of his plays vs. the run, holding the opposition to minus 15 yards (-0.30 ypc), the lowest rushing yardage total allowed by a Bowl Division defensive lineman in 2008 … Also stopped ball carriers at the line of scrimmage for no gain on seven of those carries … Thirteen of his hits came on third-down running plays, collecting six stops inside the red zone, including four on goal-line plays … The Bearcats ranked 28th in the country and third in the Big East with a 112.92 pass defense efficiency rating … That was thanks to Barwin, who allowed only 2-of-32 passes targeted into his area (6.06 percent) to be completed for minus 11 yards (only player in college football to hold an opponent to minus yardage during the 2008 season) … Made 21 of his pass play stops on third-down snaps and also delivered six fourth-down hits.”
That means Barwin is phenomenal against both the run and the pass. Unlike most college DEs, he can drop into coverage effectively. He’s not just good or great, but truly elite according to those numbers. Oh, and he led in sacks his first year on defense. I guess he get to the passer, too. I understand not wanting a one-year starter in the first, but if he’s available at 34, he’s a potential steal.
I still like English better, though . . .
