Rasizer: Sun breaks through clouds over Thomas

[Kaylore]

Sun breaks through clouds over Thomas

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5625532,00.html

Stormy beginning gets swept away by quick signing
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* Sun breaks through clouds over Thomas
* Broncos sign 4th-round pick Thomas
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* Scheffler told he should be ready to go by training camp
* Broncos' Smith watches, waits as sore hip recovers

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News
July 11, 2007
Potential battle lines in Marcus Thomas' contract negotiations weren't hard to conjure up.

The former University of Florida defensive tackle was publicly labeled a top-15 talent by the Broncos despite the player's free fall into the fourth round of April's draft because of off-field issues. That surely would be used as ammunition by Thomas' side.

The Broncos, on the other hand, could take the approach Thomas' past indiscretions precluded him from getting much above past contracts at the same draft slot.

The rookie certainly had little leverage to argue that point.

Richard Burnoski, Thomas' agent, admitted early negotiations went just about that way in the beginning.

"It started out rough," he said.

But Wednesday, Thomas became the first of the team's four- man class to sign.

Not only that, the four-year, $2.09 million contract with a $428,000 signing bonus represented a 2 percent bump from the 22nd pick in the fourth round last season in what has, to date, been a market with a 1 percent markup for early second- day draft selections.

The driving force behind the deal getting done so quickly apparently was Thomas.

He professed his love of Denver in June to Burnoski and told the agent to strike a quick agreement.

Thomas appears to have even signed off on altering his bonus payment schedule, which offers the team some protection in case of a future off-field misstep.

Thomas was kicked off Florida's roster as a senior largely for failing marijuana tests.

A direct clause written into the contract penalizing Thomas financially for any future drug use wouldn't have passed muster under the current collective-bargaining agreement, which has a separate substance-abuse policy.

"We don't feel Marcus is going to have any incidents, so it's not a big deal to us. We got a fair deal. So everybody's happy," Burnoski said.

Burnoski, a first-year agent, coached Thomas in high school and has known him since the player was 14.

It's his feeling Thomas has been unfairly cast as a bad seed and he won't have any issues with the Broncos.

"It just makes me sick to see some of the things (people) are saying and have been written about him," Burnoski said, adding Thomas has been lumped with several players with legal issues. "I can't wait for him to get on the field and become the player that we all know he's going to be."

Thomas is expected to immediately join a defensive tackle rotation with Sam Adams, Jimmy Kennedy and Gerard Warren.

Negotiations are ongoing with the Broncos' three other rookie picks - first-round defensive end Jarvis Moss, second-round end Tim Crowder and third-round offensive tackle Ryan Harris - but might not be completed until shortly before the July 28 training camp report date.

[CBF1]

Thats my boy. I am so glad I raised him right.... And he really does love Denver and the Broncos. Long live Marcus!!!

[Requiem]

Thanks Kaylore. :)

[Kaylore]

I'm really worried about Thomas least of all the D-linemen. Moss I think is a project and Crowder doesn't fit the scheme but is ready to go. I think of the three, Thomas has the best chance to succeed.

[Bob's your Information Minister]

What a gay headline.

[SureShot]

I'm really worried about Thomas least of all the D-linemen. Moss I think is a project and Crowder doesn't fit the scheme but is ready to go. I think of the three, Thomas has the best chance to succeed.

I agree. He is going to be the best of the three. They will have a hard time keeping him off the field.

[Mediator12]

What a gay headline.

Takes one to know one ;D

[Mediator12]

I'm really worried about Thomas least of all the D-linemen. Moss I think is a project and Crowder doesn't fit the scheme but is ready to go. I think of the three, Thomas has the best chance to succeed.

Moss is no project in this defense. He has very little run responsibility, an incredible first step, and feel for the snap. He is a pure pass rusher like Mark Anderson was for CHI last year. He will grow into a better player against the run just like Taylor, Kearse, Peppers, and Umenyiora did.

Everyone is pissed at INDY for the Freeney contract, but no one holds the ball long enough to expose their weak pass covering safeties thanks to consistent edge rushers coming every snap in Freeney and Mathis. They were awful versus the run, but no one exposed their bottom five secondary in the playoffs. Heck, I bet less than 25% of the people here can name the 4 DB's that started the SB for the Colts. It is a passing game right now, and pass rush trumps RDE's that can be solid versus the run every down and distance. Most of the time, it trumps the LDE's too and especially in this scheme and the cover two.

[Paladin]

Good points, Med. It would seem that with Dumerville and Moss, the Broncos are moving in the right direction. I did not watch the Miami D much, so to see the new D will be interesting for me. I can see putting Dumerville and Moss out further and let them just go could be an interesting thing to watch. Given the CBs, the Mannings of the world will have to go to the RBs and TEs a lot more if the timing is right for the Broncos.....

[Broncos_OTM]

I'm really worried about Thomas least of all the D-linemen. Moss I think is a project and Crowder doesn't fit the scheme but is ready to go. I think of the three, Thomas has the best chance to succeed.

How is it you think Thomas fits the scheme. He is NOT a overly strong tackle. 27 reps on the bench right around where Cutler did and just 3 under dumervil and 5 under crowder. He is not Strong at the po int of attack. he does not have a good closeing burst. he does not have a good pash rush repertoie. is not stout at the point of attack.and does not play with proper leverage. also has questions about motor.

http://www.nfl.com/draft/profiles/2007/thomas_marcus

]Compares To: Darnell Dockett, Arizona Cardinals … Like Dockett, Thomas has most of his success when he is able to generate his explosive initial burst … He needs to improve his hand usage, as he struggles vs. double teams and his weight room strength fails to translate to the field … He has a high motor to pressure the pocket, but must keep his pad level down, as he gets too tall in his stance, narrowing his base and the result is offensive linemen can then push Thomas off the line of scrimmage … Some feel he is capable of being a starting nose guard, but his inability to gain leverage and his sudden burst might be better suited for defensive tackle in a three-technique formation.


we would hav e been better off with tank tyler. tank has the strengths that we needed. we are setting up thomas to be a bust. he might be able to work on some of his weaknesses. but he will never be PRO bowl caliber at them look at our past busts and there strengths and weaknesses. IE lelie bell and countless others.

he just does not fit our scheme

[Broncos_OTM]

Moss is no project in this defense. He has very little run responsibility, an incredible first step, and feel for the snap. He is a pure pass rusher like Mark Anderson was for CHI last year. He will grow into a better player against the run just like Taylor, Kearse, Peppers, and Umenyiora did.

Everyone is pissed at INDY for the Freeney contract, but no one holds the ball long enough to expose their weak pass covering safeties thanks to consistent edge rushers coming every snap in Freeney and Mathis. They were awful versus the run, but no one exposed their bottom five secondary in the playoffs. Heck, I bet less than 25% of the people here can name the 4 DB's that started the SB for the Colts. It is a passing game right now, and pass rush trumps RDE's that can be solid versus the run every down and distance. Most of the time, it trumps the LDE's too and especially in this scheme and the cover two.

i aggree with this .. the only problem moss needs to work on his technique and gain some moves as well as work on not get engulfed by bigger blockers

[Kaylore]

How is it you think Thomas fits the scheme. He is NOT a overly strong tackle. 27 reps on the bench right around where Cutler did and just 3 under dumervil and 5 under crowder.
Bench press doesn't really mean anything at all. Joe Thomas did around that number and I don't see people wringing their hands over that. Jarvis Moss had crappy bench numbers but it was because his arms are so long. Long arms a liability on the Bench. Besides I don't remember seeing us facing any Bench press competitions on the schedule this year.

He is not Strong at the point of attack.
That's really not true.

he does not have a good closeing burst.
Do you mean closing speed? He changes direction very well and has good range for a defensive tackle.

he does not have a good pass rush repertoie.
What scheme do you think we are running? Do you even know what the defensive tackles do in Bates' scheme?

is not stout at the point of attack. and does not play with proper leverage. also has questions about motor.
None of what you've written is true save the motor part as he does take plays off.

Here's Scout.com's review and I think their staff is better than NFL.com's easily.

http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2566743
Explosive interior lineman who is a force when focused on his game. Plays with good pad level, quickly gets off the snap and is fluid changing direction.

Effectively uses his hands to protect himself or get off blocks, makes plays laterally and covers a good amount of area on the field. Focused on by opponents and defends the run or rushes the passer.

we would hav e been better off with tank tyler.
:spit: That's hilarious. In fact everything you just read about Thomas has been said verbatim by several scouts about Tank Tyler:
http://scout.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2708876
Must develop more moves as he tends to solely lower his head and bull-rush opponents off the ball. Marginal skills as a pass rusher. Does not chase hard to get involved in the action.

Sound familiar? How about this one:
http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/dt/demarcustyler.html
Tends to get out of shape and stamina has been a problem...Does not have very good timed speed and lacks a burst to close...Needs to play with more consistent leverage and keep his pad level down...Needs to use his hands better...Only an average pass rusher...Work ethic, intelligence and intangibles are questionable.


So all those problems you have with Thomas, most of which aren't even true, are actually true about Tyler.

Thomas was the best player on the best D-line in college football last year. Every scout, Florida fan and Florida players will tell you the same thing. He might have to gain a few pounds, but this thing about "the system" is pretty overrated because it's not like Thomas is a system DT and it takes Tackles longer than just about every position except QB to develop in this league.

[SureShot]

Yeah but can he do back flips?

[Kaylore]

You know I went back and re-read the link you posted, Bronco_OTM and your own link refutes everything you just said.

Has a taller, linear frame than most nose guard candidates, showing good lower-body thickness to maintain position at the point of attack … Has the long arms needed to defeat reach blocks and plays with good balance and vision to locate the ball in trash … Has an explosive straight-line burst and maintains his speed closing on the pocket … Shows good body control playing off blocks and nice change-of-direction agility to spin and redirect towards the ball … Plays with a high motor and shows good urgency in pursuit … Very effective at making plays in backside pursuit, as he stays low in his pads, keeps his hands active to slip through blocks and has a good concept of taking proper angles to close … Self-starter in the training room, working hard putting up the weights (weight room strength does not translate to the field, though) … His initial burst off the snap lets him consistently gain advantage over a lethargic blocker … Very quick shooting the gaps and does a nice job of immediately diagnosing the play … Keeps his feet on the move and knows how to get skinny to squeeze through traffic … Effective wrap-up tackler who has the hand strength to grab and drag the ball carriers down … Shows very good lateral movement to get to the play and is most effective when he finds a clear lane to pressure the pocket … His closing speed lets him make a fare amount of plays behind the line of scrimmage

Plays with high motor? Stays low and uses his hands well? Come on....

Yeah but can he do back flips?
This is the only question we really should be asking players who want to come on the team. Flips, people. FLIPS! :rofl:

[Broncos_OTM]

WrongO buckO bates tackles eat blocks Double teams playing two gaps. they have to be able to hold there ground.they have to be able to give the DE's there one on ones there looking for while funneling the rbs and what not to the linebackers.

Bench press does not mean a whole lot but it is a guasge. Tank 42 reps. Thomas 27 while EVERY scouting report says that thomas cannot and is not strong on the field

i have shown you his SCOUTING REPORT from the NFL!!!!!! read it. but i guess that holds not weight with you.

I highly dissaggree and will be expecting you to lick my feet when it comes true.

OH and PLEASE PLEASE tell me how http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/dt/marcusthomas.htmlthis fits denvers scheme. instead of laughing at something please tell me

[Broncos_OTM]

You know I went back and re-read the link you posted, Bronco_OTM and your own link refutes everything you just said.



Plays with high motor? Stays low and uses his hands well? Come on....


This is the only question we really should be asking players who want to come on the team. Flips, people. FLIPS! :rofl:

he will be needing to ENGAGE in blocks and hold the point not slip through them.

[OrangeRising]

Mediator 12 "Moss is no project in this defense. He has very little run responsibility, an incredible first step, and feel for the snap. He is a pure pass rusher like Mark Anderson was for CHI last year"

I think that is exactly right. The Broncos needed a pass rush RIGHT NOW, and Moss offers the potential to be exactly that right out of the gate. He needs to add a few pounds, but even at his current weight, I've read that his first step is special. No matter what else happens, he should still be a very good situational pass rusher right from the start.

I'm sitting out here in Ohio, but even here, I heard good things about Marcus Thomas druing his college years. I heard the bad things too, but his teammates loved him. If he can keep a clean slate, he may become the defensive steal of the 2007 draft.

[SureShot]

Why would Shanahan move up for a DT that so obviously (in your mind) doesn't fit Bate's system. This draft had Bates' finger prints all over it. I think Thomas will be a monster in this system or any other.

[Broncos_OTM]

Why would Shanahan move up for a DT that so obviously (in your mind) doesn't fit Bate's system. This draft had Bates' finger prints all over it. I think Thomas will be a monster in this system or any other.why did mike shannahan take a chance on tatum bell. lelie foster and many many others. I DONT KNOW

[Broncos_OTM]

Now i am not a talent scout but i do think i have the ability to COMPREHEND what i am reading

something that i vividly remember you saying.

Originally Posted by Kaylore
Moss has big arms. Let me tell you as someone who has a big frame that hurts your bench numbers and isn't necessarily a good way to tell how strong you are. Moss has the bigger upside but is more raw. Crowder doesn't have as much upside but is more ready now and his bust potential is lower.

Hay Kaylore. Dumervil is short with arms of a guy that if i remember correctly is 6'3 or 6'4 and did 30!! reps

[SureShot]

They obviously didn't work out, but I wouldn't say they didn't fit our system.

[Kaylore]

WrongO buckO bates tackles eat blocks Double teams playing two gaps. they have to be able to hold there ground.they have to be able to give the DE's there one on ones there looking for while funneling the rbs and what not to the linebackers.
And?

Bench press does not mean a whole lot but it is a guasge.
Are you drunk?
Tank 42 reps. Thomas 27 while EVERY scouting report says that thomas cannot and is not strong on the field
He might need to get stronger, but he's not a weakling and most of his problems are with his stance and general mechanics and not with his body strength.

i have shown you his SCOUTING REPORT from the NFL!!!!!! read it. but i guess that holds not weight with you.
Oooooooo! That's amazing! The NFL Website! You think coaches run that website? Some computer geeks put together a report! Real NFL scouts drafted him.
I highly dissaggree and will be expecting you to lick my feet when it comes true.
I don't stay up but dissssssaggggggrreeeeee all you want.

OH and PLEASE PLEASE tell me how http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/dt/marcusthomas.htmlthis fits denvers scheme. instead of laughing at something please tell me
He'll play under tackle and he's talented. He diagnoses plays and is very quick with a lot of burst. That's what they need to from him and that will make the team better.

[Kaylore]

Hay Kaylore. Dumervil is short with arms of a guy that if i remember correctly is 6'3 or 6'4 and did 30!! reps

You're right. That's very impressive. The man that did the highest number of reps last year at the combine, an offensive lineman, went undrafted. What fools all those scouts are! He's so strong Also, as I mentioned before, Joe Thomas was the third pick of the entire draft and he only benched 28 reps, the same as weak old Marcus Thomas. Guess he's a bust too, huh? Seriously, how old are you? Twelve? Thirteen?

[SureShot]

You're right. That's very impressive. The man that did the highest number of reps last year at the combine, an offensive lineman, went undrafted. What fools all those scouts are! He's so strong Also, as I mentioned before, Joe Thomas was the third pick of the entire draft and he only benched 28 reps, the same as weak old Marcus Thomas. Guess he's a bust too, huh? Seriously, how old are you? Twelve? Thirteen?

I don't think 13 year olds use "Wrongo bucko" as smack. I guessing he is just a run of the mill idiot.

[Broncos_OTM]

:peace: You're right. That's very impressive. The man that did the highest number of reps last year at the combine, an offensive lineman, went undrafted. What fools all those scouts are! He's so strong Also, as I mentioned before, Joe Thomas was the third pick of the entire draft and he only benched 28 reps, the same as weak old Marcus Thomas. Guess he's a bust too, huh? Seriously, how old are you? Twelve? Thirteen?

no you poo poo head. you didnt get the point. you sit there and say how moss cant do alot of bench presses because his arms ar we too long and dumervil is short 5'11 with longer arms then he should probasbly have. and you deflect like my wife does with insults and crap that just has nothing to do with what we are talking about. you really need to comprehend what people say not what you think they say. you sound like a friggin polotician. i might add i hate poloticians.

and hey dude. read this link and THINK

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=57738&highlight=Bates+Scheme

[Broncos_OTM]

I don't think 13 year olds use "Wrongo bucko" as smack. I guessing he is just a run of the mill idiot.
atleast i know what i am talking about.. unlike some of you. and if i was a idiot he would have more to say then "and" "are you drunk" and what not.

[Kaylore]

:peace:

no you poo poo head. you didnt get the point. you sit there and say how moss cant do alot of bench presses because his arms ar we too long and dumervil is short 5'11 with longer arms then he should probasbly have. and you deflect like my wife does with insults and crap that just has nothing to do with what we are talking about. you really need to comprehend what people say not what you think they say. you sound like a friggin polotician. i might add i hate poloticians.

and hey dude. read this link and THINK

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showthread.php?t=57738&highlight=Bates+Scheme
I see that you've joined in April, so you might not be familiar with me, but I'm here fairly often and I read just about every thread on the main board and have read that one too. I understand the Bates system just fine and understood it before that was posted, but thanks.

I can barely understand what you are typing but I'm pretty sure that I understand where you're going and I'm disagreeing with you. I don't think you get what I'm saying. If you talk to your wife like you are typing to me than it's no wonder you guys have trouble communicating.

Marcus Thomas is a talented football player. He can play in any scheme he wants to and excel at it. He has the quickness, reaction time, frame to grow and pursuit to play between the ends and focus on the run in Bates's system. He might have to gain weight, but he works hard and will be a good player for us. Virtually all your criticisms of Thomas aren't true and they are true about Tyler, which is a point you still haven't addressed. I'm not going to argue with you any more about it.

[Kaylore]

atleast i know what i am talking about.. unlike some of you. and if i was a idiot he would have more to say then "and" "are you drunk" and what not.
Don't type like you're intoxicated if you want people to think better of you. When you don't use punctuation, misspell words and form simplistic sentences it reflects poorly on you and distracts from what you're saying.

[Requiem]

Kaylore you're mean tonight.

[Broncos_OTM]

Don't type like you're intoxicated if you want people to think better of you. When you don't use punctuation, misspell words and form simplistic sentences it reflects poorly on you and distracts from what you're saying.thats fine and dandy. i am well aware that i am not the best typer in the world. my job does not require me to spell type or use a computer. which to be honest i really could care less about. and if you are so knowledgeable you should be able to get the jist of what i am saying. and instead of talking smack about how i type or how i dont use puncuation correctly why dont you put a little more effort in argueing my post then in how it was arranged.

and as far as moss goes. there are many scouting reports that i have read
that determined how i felt about thomas. and no it wasnt just one. this draft was known to not have many great nose tackles. Okoye and thomas claim to fame were being penetrators not massive NT's. so i do not understand where you get your points. you assume alot. and scouts who are PAID to do what they do while you are not. know more then you so you cannot say you are better then them. or know more then them so get off your high horse there pardner.

oh and sure thomas is talented so was ryan leaf, kijana carter, and many other players. some were injured. some were overrated. and then you have some that just didnt fit the system

[Kaylore]

Kaylore you're mean tonight.

Yeah. I need to go to bed.

[Kaylore]

and as far as moss goes. there are many scouting reports that i have read
that determined how i felt about thomas. and no it wasnt just one. this draft was known to not have many great nose tackles. Okoye and thomas claim to fame were being penetrators not massive NT's. so i do not understand where you get your points. you assume alot. and scouts who are PAID to do what they do while you are not. know more then you so you cannot say you are better then them. or know more then them so get off your high horse there pardner.

First, I didn't say that.

But you did. You said it in this thread saying he was a mistake and that Shanahan and his staff, PAID scouts that know more than you or I, think Thomas will fit in here. So I guess I can't disagree with some scouts from a website and agree with real scouts that work for a pro team, but you're allowed to and know better than these coaches and GMs? Who's on a high horse now? :clown:

[Requiem]

Yeah. I need to go to bed.

Without going into detail, THANK YOU - for making me laugh my ass off for like five minutes. . .

"Jeff. . . I'm drunk and in the room now, this is a dorm room - two people. I have this girl with me and we're going to have sex. Leave, or close your eyes and go to bed. *raises fist* GO TO BED JEFF OR I WILL PUT YOU TO SLEEP."

God, I miss the RA life.

Wait, those were details.

[Broncos_OTM]

First, I didn't say that.

But you did. You said it in this thread saying he was a mistake and that Shanahan and his staff, PAID scouts that know more than you or I, think Thomas will fit in here. So I guess I can't disagree with some scouts from a website and agree with real scouts that work for a pro team, but you're allowed to and know better than these coaches and GMs? Who's on a high horse now? :clown:


http://nflexperts.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2566743&yr=2007
Pos:

Explosive interior lineman who is a force when focused on his game. Plays with good pad level, quickly gets off the snap and is fluid changing direction.

Effectively uses his hands to protect himself or get off blocks, makes plays laterally and covers a good amount of area on the field. Focused on by opponents and defends the run or rushes the passer.

Neg:

Gets lazy and takes plays off. Does not give consistent effort trying to shed blocks. Has been in a lot of trouble the past eight months.

A true senior three-year starter at defensive tackle…


its funny that is from a website you gave ealier. where you formed your oppion on thomas where they questioned his motor as well. and say the same thing i have read on EVERY site. you can beleive the hype on tank but when it comes to thomas you are a homer. plain and simple

[Atlas]

WrongO buckO bates tackles eat blocks Double teams playing two gaps. they have to be able to hold there ground.they have to be able to give the DE's there one on ones there looking for while funneling the rbs and what not to the linebackers.

Bench press does not mean a whole lot but it is a guasge. Tank 42 reps. Thomas 27 while EVERY scouting report says that thomas cannot and is not strong on the field

i have shown you his SCOUTING REPORT from the NFL!!!!!! read it. but i guess that holds not weight with you.

I highly dissaggree and will be expecting you to lick my feet when it comes true.

OH and PLEASE PLEASE tell me how http://www.nfldraftcountdown.com/scoutingreports/dt/marcusthomas.htmlthis fits denvers scheme. instead of laughing at something please tell me


He is not in the mold of an Adams and Kenedy. Thomas will be a pass rushing DT to start with, maybe his whole career, but he fits this scheme just fine. Denver rotates their tackles a bunch so if rotates in on 2 and long and 3rd down that is fine.

[TheReverend]

http://nflexperts.scout.com/a.z?s=211&p=8&c=1&nid=2566743&yr=2007
Pos:

Explosive interior lineman who is a force when focused on his game. Plays with good pad level, quickly gets off the snap and is fluid changing direction.

Effectively uses his hands to protect himself or get off blocks, makes plays laterally and covers a good amount of area on the field. Focused on by opponents and defends the run or rushes the passer.

Neg:

Gets lazy and takes plays off. Does not give consistent effort trying to shed blocks. Has been in a lot of trouble the past eight months.

A true senior three-year starter at defensive tackle…


its funny that is from a website you gave ealier. where you formed your oppion on thomas where they questioned his motor as well. and say the same thing i have read on EVERY site. you can beleive the hype on tank but when it comes to thomas you are a homer. plain and simple

Look, dude, you really don't have an argument when you consider these three facts:

A. Thomas was hand picked by Bates.

B. Bates has said Thomas WILL be the starter, it's just a matter of when.

C. Bates knows his own system better than you.

Anything left to argue about?

[brncs_fan]

i might add i hate poloticians

What the heck is a polotician? Is that Ted Kennedy on a horse with a stick?

[Paladin]

No, that's a Bush with a smirk and his lips moving around another lie........

[Ray Finkle]

Kaylore brings out the beating stick....I love it. I bet Broncos-OTM would tell Wabbit that all the info he supplies is wrong...

[Mediator12]

He is not in the mold of an Adams and Kenedy. Thomas will be a pass rushing DT to start with, maybe his whole career, but he fits this scheme just fine. Denver rotates their tackles a bunch so if rotates in on 2 and long and 3rd down that is fine.

Ding ding ding! We have a winner! Nice Work Atlas, as usual ;D


Hey, Everyone seems to be experts on draft sites and message boards. Here is the deal with the DT's responsibilities in Bates scheme:

NT: always plays Two gaps (A and B gap) in Base scheme, uses read and react Combo techniques and aligns in multiple gaps pre snap
UT: Plays same Two gap on Running downs as NT, then usually one gaps in nickel and passing downs

Take into account that this is the NFL and that Bates scheme is simple and a "here is what we are going to do, deal with it" attacking style and here are just a few variations of what the DT's will do.

1. DT's will switch NT and UT responsibilities as the formation shifts presnap. Bates scheme rarely uses Stays. So, both DT's have to be able to execute NT and UT responsibilities.

2. NT will align over Center or between Center and guard in A Gap to that side. UT will align over weak side Guard or between Weak guard and OT. Both will move presnap based on reads with formations. LB's will shift Gap responsibility based on DT alignment, coverage called, and gap choices.

3. NT and UT will play one gap on "GO" reads. Go reads are obvious passing downs with little risk of run based on formation and tendency.

4. Bates will use smaller DT's if they are what he has. MIA had smaller DT's the year it was ranked #3 in run defense in the NFL. Size does not mean you are a good two gap DT, Run defense is all about execution of gap responsibilities. It's about effort, mindset, and meanness. Run defense is a mental skill. Sure, it helps if you are as Heavy as the guy trying to move you, but it all comes down to who gets the proper technique first.

5. They also had a tackling machine in Zach Thomas. DJ is set with better skilled DT's than a year ago and his athletic ability will be unleashed this year. If he can tackle well, he will keep a 3 yard gain to a 2 yard gain on most inside running plays. That does not seem like much, but it matters alot in this run defense. The run defense has inside holes in the C gaps if the MLB is not a Great tackler.

6. Marcus Thomas has all of the physical skills to be a dominating DT in this scheme. The rest is simply mental and effort. In college, he did not have to work like he will in the NFL and scouting reports like that are tainted to the scheme he played. FL had the best DL in the country last year, bar none and Thomas was arguably the best player on that DL. He was asked to play both NT and UT. He started since being a freshman in the SEC and was immediately effective against bigger OL.

The problem with Thomas was complacency off the field and a sense of entitlement with being a top 3 DL in the country preseason. That was immature and poor judgement. He seems quite contrite at this point, but so did Tank Johnson. If Thomas gets the right support around him and wants to be a tough DT then he has everything he needs to succeed in this defense. I just question if he grew up overnight once teams dropped him from their draft boards. That is a huge change to adjust and that does not even include the rookie transition changes that kill about 30% of all draftees.

Personally, I hope he does change for the better because he is talented and better than any other DT DEN has had recently outside of Pryce when he played DT full time.

[Drek]

Strictly from a talent/football skills standpoint Thomas is a great fit for our system. He's got a combination of good size, strength, and athleticism. Given some additional technique refinement (he's got better technique than most of his peers as it is) will make him more suited to handling two gap assignments. As it is now he's a very explosive 2nd/long and 3rd down rotational DT who has everything necessary to develop into an every down starter within Bates' scheme.

I'm really worried about Thomas least of all the D-linemen. Moss I think is a project and Crowder doesn't fit the scheme but is ready to go. I think of the three, Thomas has the best chance to succeed.

Moss isn't much of a project from a pass rushing ability standpoint, which is exactly what we need. He'll be able to contribute right away.

I also don't see how Crowder is a poor fit. He's not an speedy pass rush specialist like everyone pigeon holes as Bates' standard DE of choice but we've already got that in Moss and Dumervil (not to mention Lang, though he's clearly lost a step). You do need guys who can compliment them.

Is he going to be a star? Probably not, but he's exactly what we need for a 1st and 2nd down strong side end. He'll be solid against the run and when isolated one on one against a tackle will create pressure on the pocket. He won't throw up tons of sacks every season but he's the kind of workhorse we need rotating and playing opposite of Moss and Dumervil, letting them focus in on their pass rushing duties.