Which DL and LB Prospects Are a Good Fit for Our New Defense? And Which Ones Are Not?

[RJ in Lafayette]

I think this is a good question. And I am just trying to learn. In scheme, it appears we will have a new defense going forward, though there is a bit of educated guessing in projecting what exactly that defense will look like and what variations there will be. There are a number of defensive linemen and linebackers in this draft who will be picked from, say, five to 22. Of the defensive linemen and linebackers in this draft, which ones seem to "fit" what we will be trying to do on defense and which ones will not? For example, I like defensive tackle Walter Nolen, though nine seems too high for him. But does he fit a 3-4 defense?

 

[Geldo]

Ashton Gillotte has the size and containment abilities to contribute at DE
Most of the twitchy edge rushers could play OLB particularly Mike Green
Personal favourite would be Jihaad Campbell who could play any LB position in a 3-4 or a 4-3

 

[OzzieSaint]

Ashton Gillotte has the size and containment abilities to contribute at DE
Most of the twitchy edge rushers could play OLB particularly Mike Green
Personal favourite would be Jihaad Campbell who could play any LB position in a 3-4 or a 4-3

Jihaad for sure!!

 

[B_doggman47]

I think this is a good question. And I am just trying to learn. In scheme, it appears we will have a new defense going forward, though there is a bit of educated guessing in projecting what exactly that defense will look like and what variations there will be. There are a number of defensive linemen and linebackers in this draft who will be picked from, say, five to 22. Of the defensive linemen and linebackers in this draft, which ones seem to "fit" what we will be trying to do on defense and which ones will not? For example, I like defensive tackle Walter Nolen, though nine seems too high for him. But does he fit a 3-4 defense?

Walter Nolen would probably be a DE in a 3-4.

 

[SigFreudianSlip]

Awesome thread! I look forward to some of the answers supplied by the folks who know way more than I do about this.


I will add, and ask, are my favorite d line prospects a good fit for our new scheme?


Kennth Grant
Tyleik Williams (hurt running at his pro day yesterday)
Mason Graham
Derrick Harmon
Omarr Norman-Lott
Deone Walker.

 

[Trey W.]

The problem with a question like this is we have no clue what scheme Staley is going to use and it’s not like the 80’s & 90’s where base 3-4 & 4-3 were the main formations. Being Staley’s first season with us and having the personnel for a 4-3 or 4-2-5 it will be interesting to see if he adapts his schemes and packages to fit our personnel or if he tries to fully implement his style pulling square pegs in round holes.

As a lot of people have said in previous threads, true base formations are rarely used due to the high passing rates and spread formations. So 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 formations have become the base and traditional formations are mainly for short yardage.

I just hope who ever we draft is not some raw, possible high ceiling guy that is a project. We need guys who can play and make an impact as starters and depth. Hopefully a new set of coaches will bring in a new drafting philosophy and we can start building this team up again.

The one player I wouldn't mind trading up for is Graham. I think he could play NT and 3T depending on scheme. I would love to pair Graham with Grant or Walker but I don't see us using two high picks on the DL back to back.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

I really like Kiser from Notre Dame, and Jay Higgins from Iowa. Mondon from Georgia might also serve well.

For DL I want Deone Walker, Howard Cross or TJ Sanders for DE and Yahya Black or Alfred Collins for NT.

 

[RJS]

Walter Nolen would probably be a DE in a 3-4.

Is it really a 3-4? Calling Joey Bosa an OLB doesn't really change what he does. I did notice that Greg Cosell has Nolen as his top rated DT this year and compared him to Jalen Carter. A nickel package with Nolen and Bresee playing the roles of Milton Williams and Carter doesn't sound horrible.