The Raiders have cut DT Dan Williams, is he someone we should look at to bolster our DT depth?
He turns 30 in June, but has played every game for the last three years.
As far as performance goes, he has been reasonably consistent with Pro Football Focus grades (such that they are):
2016: 74.4 (16 games)
2015: 85.1 (16 games)
2014: 83.9 (16 games)
2013: 80.9 (14 games)
2012: 82.2 (15 games)
2012: 76.3 (10 games)
2011: 81.3 (15 games)
Williams seems like he could be a decent low cost vet signing to upgrade our DT depth.
Hankins had a 47.1 grade from PFF
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For reference, other PFF grades
(take the PFF grades for what they are)
Hankins
2016: 47.1
2015: 80.9
2014: 85.9
2013: 79.5
Odrick
2016: 44.2
2015: 60.2
2014: 82.2
2013: 82.4
2012: 71.6
2011: 61.5
2010: 71.0
I also read something the other day, I believe it was Raanan, that did the team isn't necessarily looking for a slashing, penetrating DT to pair what Harrison, and they would be interested in another run stuffing DT like they had last year with Hankins.
Something to keep an eye on indeed.
Just needs an engine tuneup and this baby is good Togo another 32-48 games
DT seems to be an easy position to cut when teams are trying to find money to sign draft picks. Maybe some other DT talent will be cut loose between now and June 1 and the Giants can wait and see.
I've been wondering this all offseason. Fans have been clamoring for a 3T, but it's not crazy to think that the Giants actively prefer two big bodied DTs in the center of the defense. Being a premier run-stopping unit does so many things for a defense - primarily giving you favorable down and distance on 2nd and 3rd down to make the opposing offense one-dimensional. That's where Spags' exotic blitz packages can wreak havoc on an offense. Of course, that comes at a price; it means that the defense is less likely to generate pass rush out of its base set, which sort of necessitates exotic pass rush strategy (either by way of NASCAR or blitz packages). But if you can't stop the run effectively, you'll just get carved up with play-action on 2nd and 3rd down anyway.
Obviously, there's a best of both worlds scenario that exists as well: find a penetrating 3T that is also a stout run defender. Those guys are few and far between and typically very expensive (and you really have to find them via the draft because they don't come up in FA very often). But given the either/or choice, doubling down on run-stoppers at DT can be a bit more cost-effective, and be a valuable cog in the overall defensive scheme.
Counter argument is that our main division rival is built on a power running game and adding another run stuffer would help shut down the Dallas offense.
Agreed.
Usually not a fan of 1 year deals..In agreement here
To me, Dan Williams is a perfect replacement for Hankins. He's exactly what we need to continue our effectiveness vs. DAL and hopefully add a pass rusher in the draft.
If they don't bring in a FA I expect they go DT much earlier.
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We already have one of those. We need a 3T.
Counter argument is that our main division rival is built on a power running game and adding another run stuffer would help shut down the Dallas offense.
Suppose our main division rival in 2017 turns out to be Philly, not Dallas. Philly, which has gone to great lengths to upgrade their passing game.