My Pre-draft Opening Day Defensive Line-up -2020 ....

I thought this was going to be another "my dream 2020 offseason" thread, but instead you basically just informed us of which players are currently on the team. Thank you.

Manny - So with an entirely new coaching staff, 70 million dollars of free cap space, and the #4 and #36 picks in the draft, we are not signing nor drafting anyone who plays defense this offseason?

I understand Golden and LW are not currently on the team, they are technically free agents, but you know what I mean. This is basically just what the 2019 week 17 defense would have been if 100% healthy (minus Ogletree and maybe another player or 2 I'm not thinking of I guess).

Should have added, Pre-Free agency

I'm thinking, save for a high draft at WR, and FA/Draft Center and OT, the offense is set.

I have no idea who they will draft or who they'll pick up via Free agency. What I do know is that they have a fat wallet and will pick high in the draft.

Ogletree, Bethea, Bucannon - those "old farts", they have to go

Can't agree. TBH none of our current DL are suited to play 4-3 DE. Stay with the current scheme and continue to build out the backend.

...he learned from BB?

Dont try to put square pegs in round holes

BJ, LW and Golden would all be completely misused in that scenario

Also, do people realize we played a hybrid defense last year. Everyone loves the labels but golden and carter lined up as defensive ends hand in the dirt with Dexter and hill at DT. We did not run a strict base defense. No nfl team is running a strict 3-4 or 4-3. However, if we do run a 4-3 base, as don said, it would be a gross misuse of Tomlinson, Leonard Williams and D Law.

To add to my above post. With those lineman on the roster who can occupy blockers a rangy sideline to sideline linebacker who can shoot gaps would be ideal. Imagine Murray next to Connelly as your inside backers.

(Disclaimer: This is only a hypothetical.)

Lawrence, Tomlinson, and Hill stay at DT. Williams moves to DE. As Sy'56 noted in his pre-draft review of LW, "He could legitimately play the 4-3 LDE role or the UT role." McIntosh may be better suited there as well. Golden does not get re-signed, in favor of signing a more traditional 4-3 DE.

Carter goes to SLB, Ximines goes on the trading block. He's a bad fit for the 4-3. A starting-caliber 4-3 WLB would have to be found, either in free agency or the draft.

With the 4-3 in mind, I'm drafting Auburn DT Derrick Brown in the 1st Round (and looking to trade Hill or Tomlinson). Front four from left to right: Williamson, Brown, Lawrence, and a big-time UFA DE/McIntosh.

In comment 14771087 Capt. Don said:

Quote:

...he learned from BB? Dont try to put square pegs in round holes BJ, LW and Golden would all be completely misused in that scenario

I think it was “round pegs in square holes” which is much more unusual.

In comment 14771107 Tuckrule said:

Quote:

Also, do people realize we played a hybrid defense last year. Everyone loves the labels but golden and carter lined up as defensive ends hand in the dirt with Dexter and hill at DT. We did not run a strict base defense. No nfl team is running a strict 3-4 or 4-3. However, if we do run a 4-3 base, as don said, it would be a gross misuse of Tomlinson, Leonard Williams and D Law.

No matter how you try to twist things-- the Giants played with 4 linebackers. Just because Golden and Carter put their hands in the dirt doesn't change the fact that they are linebackers.

3rd, 4th and 5th round draft picks on rookie contracts without letting the new coaches see where they fit? Just so we can replace them with veteran free agents at higher salaries and mediocre production?

A lot of these guys have more value because they are tweeners who can be multiple. Let the coaches figure it out before trying to trade them for low round draft picks which is about all you can get.

Leonard Williams is on this team, you can move him around, but he's going to be best suited to disrupt the running game and to get inside push.

Using him at DE in a base D is foolish.

Luckily, I don't think we'll have a base D. We'll be running multiple formations based on who the opponent is.

then who is getting to the QB on that defense?

Wiliams isn't a 4-3 end.

Unless of course you think DG is giving him $18M year and telling him to go do it now...

but sheesh, we still need a stud LB somewhere in that group

to be 100% his first year back from ACL

In comment 14771194 Ivan15 said:

Quote:

In comment 14771087 Capt. Don said: Quote: ...he learned from BB? Dont try to put square pegs in round holes BJ, LW and Golden would all be completely misused in that scenario I think it was “round pegs in square holes” which is much more unusual.

Shows his brilliance. After a near decade in the dumpster, our holes have become square.

That analysis got him the job!

which is a breath of fresh air and you want us to lock in a 4-3? The coach wants versatility, I think he is going to want to play multiple sets to keep the O guessing. This is exactly what Eric highlighted in another thread.

Again, the point of this thread is versatility. By the number of LBs sitting on the present squad, we're locked into the 3-4.

I do like what Klaatu suggested (with a couple of mods) ....

DTs - Lawrence, Tomlinson, Hill

DEs - Williams, McIntosh, New draft/Free Agent

The reason that I advocate switch to a 4-3 is that the big guys wear out more easily. In recent memory the Eagles' Dog Petersen and Seattles' Pete Carroll have mastered the practice of a maintaining a excellent & fresh corps of defensive linemen.

Teams that tank in the 4th quarter (as we do), do so for a variety of reasons; unable to get off the field because the offense can't run the ball, poor coaching and just pure fatigue.

The whole defense needs help, but the place to focus is up-front. (Williams is an excellent way to start)