How our DEFENSIVE LINE is shaping up .... - The Orange Mane

BroncoBuff · 04-26-2009, 12:35 PM

Myself and many others are confounded why we've drafted ZERO d-linemen for the 3-4, despite the fact D-Line is our weakest unit.

Here's some thoughts:

1. Nolan knows what he's doing, I believe that. If he wants 3 DBs and no nosetackles, there must be a good reason.
2. I read/heard Josh thinks Ayers "plays bigger" than his 272. So he bulks up 10 pounds and plays DE.
3. Darrell Reid was playing SOLB in minicamp, but I'm not buying it. He's 288 for heavens sake, he'll move to DE.
4. Maybe they like Marcus Thomas at DE, maybe they REALLY like him there. That would explain a LOT.
5. They must really like Ron Fields at NT. Must be true, even though he's started only 5 or 6 games in his career.
6. Maybe they LOVE Carlton Powell at NT too ... we've drafted 7 guys now and ZERO nosetackles, so they must love somebody

BroncoInferno · 04-26-2009, 12:38 PM

Why is it so hard to understand that this draft is WEAK on 5 technique DEs and NTs

You people just want us to draft a guy out of need rather than taking the BPA. Obviously, the staff does not care much for the crop of DL talent this year. I'd rather they take a guy they feel good about rather than reaching for need.

TheReverend · 04-26-2009, 12:43 PM

We've had picks available for, but passed up:

Ron Brace
Sen'derrick Marks
Sammie Lee Hill
and Terrance Taylor

Four guys that can dominate on the defensive line.

TheReverend · 04-26-2009, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoInferno

Why is it so hard to understand that this draft is WEAK on 5 technique DEs and NTs

You people just want us to draft a guy out of need rather than taking the BPA. Obviously, the staff does not care much for the crop of DL talent this year. I'd rather they take a guy they feel good about rather than reaching for need.

And that's bull****.

Finger Roll · 04-26-2009, 12:44 PM

agree. some people on here will always have something to complain about even if we just won the superbowl

barryr · 04-26-2009, 12:44 PM

Fields was a 4th-5th round pick himself, yet idiots firmly believe there is some great catch to get that will be better than Fields or even Powell, yet another 5th round pick. Amazing. Draft one anyway, forget drfating the most talented player who believe is on the board. Yeah, that always works.

barryr · 04-26-2009, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReverend

We've had picks available for, but passed up:

Ron Brace
Sen'derrick Marks
Sammie Lee Hill
and Terrance Taylor

Four guys that can dominate on the defensive line.

Yeah, dominate your ass. Marks isn't even a NT type in a 3-4 and the others are projects. Fields and Powell were also 4th-5th round picks, but those other guys are guaranteed much better options. Clueless.

BroncoInferno · 04-26-2009, 12:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReverend

And that's bull****.

No, it isn't. You simply don't know what you are talking about. The vast consensus is this is a good draft for edge rushers and poor for DTs. That's a fact. The guys you mentioned would not go where they did in a normal year. Absolute fact.

BroncoBuff · 04-26-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReverend

We've had picks available for, but passed up:

Ron Brace
Sen'derrick Marks
Sammie Lee Hill
and Terrance Taylor

Four guys that can dominate on the defensive line.

Agreed ... all four would at least become immediate rotational guys.

Beats Mattias Askew and Ryan McBean, hands down.

Popps · 04-26-2009, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoInferno

No, it isn't. You simply don't know what you are talking about. The vast consensus is this is a good draft for edge rushers and poor for DTs. That's a fact. The guys you mentioned would not go where they did in a normal year. Absolute fact.

That's pretty much what I've read, as well.

If Brace was such a sure-fire candidate, why did he last so long in the draft?

That said, he's the only guy we passed on that makes me a little nervous, only because NE took him.

But, from what I understand of Nolan's system, a big, round slob at NT isn't always a necessity. Sounds to me more like he runs a system that rotates guys around, depending on situations.

Fields is also supposed to be an excellent run-clogger.

BroncoBuff · 04-26-2009, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoInferno

The vast consensus is this is a good draft for edge rushers and poor for DTs.

At the VERY TOP yes ... that's why Everette Brown lasted so long.

But there is high value in those four and others ... for example, we couldda had JARRON FREAKING GILBERT where we drafted a blocking tight end.

JARRON FREAKING GILBERT has insane upside as a 3-4 DE.

Popps · 04-26-2009, 12:56 PM

I think people are also discounting the staff's words that we may indeed see plenty of 4-3 sets this year, as well.

DenverBrit · 04-26-2009, 12:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

Myself and many others are confounded why we've drafted ZERO d-linemen for the 3-4, despite the fact D-Line is our weakest unit.

Here's some thoughts:

1. Nolan knows what he's doing, I believe that. If he wants 3 DBs and no nosetackles, there must be a good reason.
2. I read/heard Josh thinks Ayers "plays bigger" than his 272. So he bulks up 10 pounds and plays DE.
3. Darrell Reid was playing SOLB in minicamp, but I'm not buying it. He's 288 for heavens sake, he'll move to DE.
4. Maybe they like Marcus Thomas at DE, maybe they REALLY like him there. That would explain a LOT.
5. They must really like Ron Fields at NT. Must be true, even though he's started only 5 or 6 games in his career.
6. Maybe they LOVE Carlton Powell at NT too ... we've drafted 7 guys now and ZERO nosetackles, so they must love somebody

All good thoughts. I really think we have the best collection of Defensive coaches in a long time.
McDaniels is the HC, but there can't be any doubt that Nolan is the one deciding upon defensive players.
There's a plan!

BroncoBuff · 04-26-2009, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popps

I think people are also discounting the staff's words that we may indeed see plenty of 4-3 sets this year, as well.

That would explain a lot ... our 2-deep is fairly decent for a 4-3 set.

That'd get WW on the field, too ....

cabronco · 04-26-2009, 01:04 PM

i think it was the senior Bowl that I watched and saw brace basically get pushed wherever the guy wanted to take him, and to be honest I didnt see alot in raji that I would be fired up about getting either. He plays like a soft pud.

80smith · 04-26-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popps

I think people are also discounting the staff's words that we may indeed see plenty of 4-3 sets this year, as well.

Good point.

LonghornBronco · 04-26-2009, 01:05 PM

I'll take a stab at the front 7 opeining day lineup

NT - Fields, Powell
DE - Thomas, Peterson, Reid, Ayers
ROLB - Dumerville, Moss
SOLB - Ayers, Bailey ?
ILB - Williams, AZ guy, Woody,

barryr · 04-26-2009, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

At the VERY TOP yes ... that's why Everette Brown lasted so long.

But there is high value in those four and others ... for example, we couldda had JARRON FREAKING GILBERT where we drafted a blocking tight end.

JARRON FREAKING GILBERT has insane upside as a 3-4 DE.

NEWSFLASH: The Broncos didn't like Gilbert that much to take him there. Gilbert also has high bust potential since toughness and agressiveness are questioned and even a move to the OL had been discussed. But the Broncos should just take him even if they don't have him rated highly. Sound stuff.

orange crusher · 04-26-2009, 01:18 PM

My theory is that we really won't be seeing as much 3-4 as everyone thinks. One of the first things McDaniels said was that they would play whatever best fit the players strengths. I really think we'll see a hybrid that consists of mostly 4-3, with some 3-4 looks thrown in. After the coaching staff had time to evaluate the current players, I think they just felt that they couldn't complete the transition to a 3-4 in one year. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it - I think it's the only way to keep my sanity after this draft.

STBumpkin · 04-26-2009, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheReverend

And that's bull****.

Sorry, I'm gonna have to take a proven defensive coordinator's evaluation over your's

cmhargrove · 04-26-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Popps

I think people are also discounting the staff's words that we may indeed see plenty of 4-3 sets this year, as well.

Bingo.

And now we have several transitional pieces to get us from 4-3 to 3-4.
Ayers, Reid, and Dumervil will probably be asked to line up at DE, but drop into coverage more often as we transition to the 3-4.

We have two NT sized bodies, and two others that can conceivably handle the job in rotation.

We will be a hybrid, which is what the coaches have alluded to all along. We just need to sit back and watch this happen.

The run game should rock, however.

Rohirrim · 04-26-2009, 01:44 PM

Belichick took Brace three picks after Mac traded next year's first for Big Al Smith. But I'm sure, like some of the experts realize on this board, Belichick doesn't realize this is a ****ty draft for DTs and he's an idiot for taking one. I'm guessing Belichick doesn't know much about the position. Fortunately, I can come here where the true knowledge lurks.

BroncoMan4ever · 04-26-2009, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BroncoBuff

2. I read/heard Josh thinks Ayers "plays bigger" than his 272. So he bulks up 10 pounds and plays DE.

i am thinking Ayers will be our SOLB in the base 3-4 and when we switch into 4-3 allignments he will move to DE and put his hand in the dirt.

he is going to play all over and be asked to do a lot. somewhat our version of Adalius Thomas, sort of a Terrell Suggs, OLB/DE player for us.

i think his best bet would be to stay at around 275, so that he is capable of keeping speed as a LB, but also has a good amount of bulk to play on the line at DE.

Beantown Bronco · 04-26-2009, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by STBumpkin

Sorry, I'm gonna have to take a proven defensive coordinator's evaluation over your's

A "proven" defensive coordinator was responsible for drafting Jarvis Moss and Tim Crowder. Just sayin'.

Atlas · 04-26-2009, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LonghornBronco

I'll take a stab at the front 7 opeining day lineup

NT - Fields, Powell
DE - Thomas, Peterson, Reid, Ayers
ROLB - Dumerville, Moss
SOLB - Ayers, Bailey ?
ILB - Williams, AZ guy, Woody,

Powell played the run well in college but he weighs only 305 lbs.

04-26-2009, 12:35 PM	#1
BroncoBuff *************** Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Seattle Posts: 25,433 Adopt-a-Bronco: QUANTERUS SMITH	How our DEFENSIVE LINE is shaping up .... Myself and many others are confounded why we've drafted ZERO d-linemen for the 3-4, despite the fact D-Line is our weakest unit. Here's some thoughts: 1. Nolan knows what he's doing, I believe that. If he wants 3 DBs and no nosetackles, there must be a good reason. 2. I read/heard Josh thinks Ayers "plays bigger" than his 272. So he bulks up 10 pounds and plays DE. 3. Darrell Reid was playing SOLB in minicamp, but I'm not buying it. He's 288 for heavens sake, he'll move to DE. 4. Maybe they like Marcus Thomas at DE, maybe they REALLY like him there. That would explain a LOT. 5. They must really like Ron Fields at NT. Must be true, even though he's started only 5 or 6 games in his career. 6. Maybe they LOVE Carlton Powell at NT too ... we've drafted 7 guys now and ZERO nosetackles, so they must love somebody

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04-26-2009, 12:38 PM	#2
BroncoInferno Ring of Famer Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: South Carolina Posts: 12,999	Why is it so hard to understand that this draft is WEAK on 5 technique DEs and NTs You people just want us to draft a guy out of need rather than taking the BPA. Obviously, the staff does not care much for the crop of DL talent this year. I'd rather they take a guy they feel good about rather than reaching for need.

04-26-2009, 12:43 PM	#3
TheReverend www.PatrickTurley.org ^ buy this... twice Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 32,990 Adopt-a-Bronco: Mike Shanahan	We've had picks available for, but passed up: Ron Brace Sen'derrick Marks Sammie Lee Hill and Terrance Taylor Four guys that can dominate on the defensive line.

04-26-2009, 12:44 PM	#5
Finger Roll Ring of Famer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Connecticut Posts: 1,321	agree. some people on here will always have something to complain about even if we just won the superbowl

04-26-2009, 12:44 PM	#6
barryr Ring of Famer New to the Forum Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 8,267 Adopt-a-Bronco: None	Fields was a 4th-5th round pick himself, yet idiots firmly believe there is some great catch to get that will be better than Fields or even Powell, yet another 5th round pick. Amazing. Draft one anyway, forget drfating the most talented player who believe is on the board. Yeah, that always works.

04-26-2009, 12:56 PM	#12
Popps TEAM FIRST. Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 29,785	I think people are also discounting the staff's words that we may indeed see plenty of 4-3 sets this year, as well.

04-26-2009, 01:04 PM	#15
cabronco Fish & Chips PFM Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: So.Cal. Posts: 5,469 Adopt-a-Bronco: wth happened	i think it was the senior Bowl that I watched and saw brace basically get pushed wherever the guy wanted to take him, and to be honest I didnt see alot in raji that I would be fired up about getting either. He plays like a soft pud.

04-26-2009, 01:05 PM	#17
LonghornBronco Ring of Famer Hook'em Horns Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Austin Posts: 1,356 Adopt-a-Bronco: Rahim Moore	I'll take a stab at the front 7 opeining day lineup NT - Fields, Powell DE - Thomas, Peterson, Reid, Ayers ROLB - Dumerville, Moss SOLB - Ayers, Bailey ? ILB - Williams, AZ guy, Woody,

04-26-2009, 01:18 PM	#19
orange crusher Predominately Orange Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Rapid City, SD Posts: 2,563	My theory is that we really won't be seeing as much 3-4 as everyone thinks. One of the first things McDaniels said was that they would play whatever best fit the players strengths. I really think we'll see a hybrid that consists of mostly 4-3, with some 3-4 looks thrown in. After the coaching staff had time to evaluate the current players, I think they just felt that they couldn't complete the transition to a 3-4 in one year. That's my theory and I'm sticking to it - I think it's the only way to keep my sanity after this draft.

04-26-2009, 01:44 PM	#22
Rohirrim Partisan Human Cannonball Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Twixt Hell & Highwater Posts: 48,834	Belichick took Brace three picks after Mac traded next year's first for Big Al Smith. But I'm sure, like some of the experts realize on this board, Belichick doesn't realize this is a ****ty draft for DTs and he's an idiot for taking one. I'm guessing Belichick doesn't know much about the position. Fortunately, I can come here where the true knowledge lurks.