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Olivier Vernon/Derrick Shelby In A Base 3-4

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Phoenician Fan, Jan 4, 2014.

  1. Phoenician Fan

    Phoenician Fan Well-Known Member

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    If Coyle and Philbin decide to switch or if there is a new coach who wants to run a 3-4, how do you view Olivier Vernon as a LB playing in space??

    Where would use Shelby?? Have him bulk up some and play 5-technique, or develop him as a backup OLB?

    Myself, I have some concerns about Vernon playing OLB in a 3-4. I may trade him if the price is right.

    Shelby, I think would make a great 3-4 DE if he can add 20 pounds of good weight.
     
  2. Alex13

    Alex13 Tua Time !!! Club Member

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    since coyle is still here, why would that change seem to be likely ?
     
  3. Phoenician Fan

    Phoenician Fan Well-Known Member

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    There was talk of it in November. Philbin addressed the issue at a press conference. He said there would be no changes in scheme this year.

    With the present coaching staff it may not be, "likely", but it certainly isn't out of the question. The run defense and pass rush could use some improvement.
     
  4. RickyBobby

    RickyBobby VIP DIY

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    We would still have same issue with Jordan.

    We are multiple and run some 3-4 concepts and I think the 4-3 will get Jordan on the field.
     
  5. mlb1399

    mlb1399 Well-Known Member

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    I think Vernon would be much more effective at 3-4 OLB. He really got pushed around and had a hard time setting the edge as a 4-3 DE. I know Wake was banged up this year but he also struggled against the run this year.

    I think the biggest problem with our defense and maybe our team is we don't have an identity. I think part of that is we have players who are better fits for 3-4 and vice versa. I don't know if we have 11 guys that are great fits for either scheme right now.
     
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  6. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    The problem is that you're going to have to make an investment on the D-line and ANOTHER investment at ILB because Wheeler doesn't fit. I doubt Koa Misi can shift there, and Dannell Ellerbe doesn't have Ray Lewis next to him. Miami would need a Brandon Spikes or a Shayne Skov at ILB to make it happen.

    However, the benefit is Cameron Wake and Dion Jordan both have way more natural ability to rush from the edge, and that far outweighs whatever value Ellerbe and Wheeler have as interior blitzers in the current scheme. Olivier Vernon would make good depth at OLB.

    The problem is, is that you're going to have to address DE depth and NT in the 3-4. Perhaps Derrick Shelby can do it, but even so, Miami's guaranteed Jared Odrick is back, and that's it.

    Either way, I trust Kevin Coyle to botch whatever scheme he's running. If you're going to move to the 3-4, bring in someone who has experience with the 3-4. Wade Phillips, Winston Moss, Jim Leavitt, etc. to be the DC.
     
  7. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    Dion Jordan would be even better as a 3-4 OLB than as a hand in the dirt DE. He excels from a two point stance, and moving around in space. For gosh sakes he covered a slot receiver at times in college.
     
  8. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    Honestly, it depends….

    If we want to run a 3-4 I feel like Wake is the one who may get a less favorable effect. He is at his best as a hand in the dirt DE because of his explosive first step out of that stance.

    But as a group, the front seven is probably better off in a 3-4. I assume, if we go 3-4 then we let Starks go because we have to keep Soliai.

    Base Downs / Run Downs
    DE Odrick - NT Soliai - DE Draftee

    OLB Dion Jordan/Oilvier Vernon ILB Ellerbe ILB Wheeler/Misi OLB Wake/Misi



    Obvious Passing Downs

    DE Jordan - DT Vernon - DT Odrick - DE Wake

    LB Ellerbe LB Jelani Jenkins


    In this scenario I think you let Starks go, draft a 3-4 DE, cut or trade one of Wheeler/Misi, and probably draft another LB to compete with Jenkins as a pass coverage LB but hope Jenkins has developed enough to win that spot.


    I'm not sure how superior this would be to our current 4-3 approach.
     
  9. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Wake could still play with his hand in the dirt in the 3-4 though. He did it from the relatively same position as a 3-4 OLB under Mike Nolan as he has been doing as a DE under Coyle. Not all that dissimilar for him.
     
  10. Disgustipate

    Disgustipate Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I don't think Wake really loses anything at OLB. If anything, it's grossly beneficial because it's easier to keep him at wider techniques than it is at LDE, where one of the issues this year, and it eliminates some of the goofy strong/weak side issues the front currently has now.

    Whatever the defense, odds are he'd still be in a 3-point stance in passing subs anyway.
     
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  11. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Honestly, if Miami's switching to a 3-4, I think it might be easier to keep Starks than Soliai. You know at that point Canter will demand big $ since he'll be the NT. If you look at free agent options, there's quite a few guys who can play nose slated to be available: Aubrayo Franklin, Terrence Cody, Colin Cole, Ryan Pickett (also has 3-4 DE experience), Cam Thomas, Jay Ratliff, Jerrell Powe, and two guy who haven't played NT in a 3-4 that might be able to do it with Linval Joseph and Antonio Johnson. I think you could get any one of these guys, and maybe even two, for relatively the same amount you bring back Paul Soliai for.

    Plus, with where Miami sits draft-wise, Louis Nix would certainly seem to be in play unless he lights up pre-draft stuff, which I think would be unlikely given that he's coming off knee surgery. You can also do some homework on guys like Danny Shelton, DaQuan Jones, Ryan Carrethers who are all mid-round guys. And, you've also got some late-round/priority UDFA guys you could develop, say behind an Aubrayo Franklin, like Bruce Gaston, Ken Bishop, Zack Kerr, Beau Allen and Donte Rumph.

    So, I think there's ways to fashion the NT position other than Paul Soliai if in fact that becomes Miami's prerogative with a switch to the 3-4.
     
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  12. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Adding onto this just for the sake of adding onto this. I think the biggest obstacle for the 3-4 conversion is going to be at linebacker, the two inside spots in particular. Miami's fortunate to have a bevy of guys who can play outside: Cameron Wake and Koa Misi have started there before. Olivier Vernon's played something akin to it both at the University of Miami and with Dolphins at times. Dion Jordan obviously did so at Oregon and has played some hybrid stuff with the Dolphins. Even Josh Kaddu on the practice squad was a 3-4 OLB at Oregon.

    Where the rubber meets the road is in the middle. Dannell Ellerbe has played it before, albeit next to Ray Lewis. I think it's clear that he's better off playing with someone next to him as he didn't really show the range needed to be a 4-3 MLB, at least from my view. But, who else has done it? To my knowledge, only Austin Spitler (a free agent) and that's only because I played against him in high school and he did so then. He did play inside at Ohio State, but was largely a backup. Philip Wheeler is a poor fit, as is Jason Trusnik (another guy who played outside in the 3-4 when he was with the Jets). I don't think we've seen enough of Jonathan Freeny to assume much of anything. Jelani Jenkins seems to be the same type of guy that Dannell Ellerbe is; a pass-coverage ILB, which does fit a role, but probably won't see him starting as long as Ellerbe is on the roster. Again, this assuming Miami does make a switch to a 3-4.

    So, loooking at what's out there, the obvious choice to me is Brandon Spikes. I'm not sure of the final regular season ratings, but I know at one point he was PFF's top-rated 3-4 ILB. He's not rangy, so there's where Jenkins' niche fits in on passing downs, but Spikes is instinctive, a good run-stopper, and physical. Many people have opined for Koa Misi to make the move inside. I think that's got "failure" marked on it. I just don't see the instincts there with him, and even if he fit, I still think you need someone like Spikes next to him; that isn't Ellerbe. Other guys out there who might be worth a look: Our old pal Karlos Dansby probably isn't coming back here, so after him you've got the likes of Donald Butler, Perry Riley, D.J. Williams, Pat Angerer, Daryl Smith and Kavell Conner. None of those guys really moves the needle for me.

    In the Draft you've got C.J. Mosley. CK has a pretty good bead on him in the Draft Forum, so I'll let you check that out for yourselves. I think he's a bit undersized though, so you may have to get a little crafty if you're trying to scheme with him next to Ellerbe. Shayne Skov is a pretty nice prospect as well and I think he's more of what you'd be looking for playing next to Ellerbe. He's smart, physical and very instinctive. I'm not as big a fan of Wisconsin's Chris Borland as I am Mosley and Skov, and I think that's telling considering I live in B1G country.

    A.J. Johnson, when you watch him, drives you insane. Some plays he flies to the ball and makes thumping tackles. Some plays...I'm not sure how I even describe what he does some plays. He doesn't have enough upstairs for my taste, but he fits the mold. He might be worth a flyer if he's still hanging around in round 5 or 6, because physically he's a 2nd or 3rd rounder; mentally...who knows. DeDe Lattimore, Max Bullough and Andrew Jackson seem to be the late round tier and I really can't comment on Lattimore and Jackson. Bullough's okay as a developmental prospect. Greg Blair from Cincinnati might be worth sniffing as a priority UDFA, but one sight of his body will send DJ into a conniption.

    All those names aside you still have the issue of what are you going to do with Philip Wheeler and his contract. Do you bite the bullet and take the dead cap hit? I think you have to seriously consider it as I doubt there's a trade market for him with his current contract. I think you also might look at trying to move one of the outside guys if you can. If a 4-3 team comes calling for Olivier Vernon and offers you a 2nd rounder, or a pair of 3rd rounders, do you pull the trigger? What if a team like Cincinnati comes calling for Koa Misi?

    That's where I think you have to investigate matters. It's pretty easy for me to envision having Wake and Jordan coming off the edges as OLBs. I can even envision a triumvirate of OLBs a la San Francisco in 2011 with Wake opposite Jordan or Vernon, depending on how you want to match it up. OV probably is a better run defender as an OLB than he is as a DE just given that he's further away from the edge and can give himself a better angle setting it. Jordan is so long and athletic he can probably learn to defend the run like JT did AND, as he proved this year (we all owe kudos to Pandarilla) you can match him up man-to-man or drop him in zone or spy him or whatever you're inclined to do. The outside is set and set well. The inside, not so much.
     
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  13. zwave21

    zwave21 New Member

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    After watching the Chiefs defense I firmly believe our best scheme fit for our defense is a 3-4. Really wouldn't require an major overhaul at all. We have options possibly leaving in FA that we would need to address first.

    Option A: Keep Big Paul Solai. He is most definetly a top 5 NT when he was in the 3-4 scheme. But, after seeing some of the names on the market not so sure he is as important as I once believe.

    Option B: Re-sign Randy Starks. Starks is a beast a top 5 DT, not matter what the scheme. I love the atittude he plays with but in no way do I view him giving us anything short of top dollar. But, being on the wrong side of 30 not so sure I want him.

    So, the main questions were Vernon and Shelby could that be odd men out in a different scheme. Personally I don't believe so. Vernon is a work horse, he has a high motor that off sets for his size difference to be a two way DE. I truthfully don't believe Vernon has any special trait besides the effort he gives but that is more than enough for me,

    Shelby, is a decent rotation guy, but let us not rest our hat with riding him as starter potential. Good depth but don't settle for that. But, I would definitely ask him to bulk up this offseason and try to get to 295 and I'd play him at DE in the 3-4. Never can have enough depth on the D-Line.

    So, here is how I'd re-order my defense.

    3-4 Hybrid

    Running downs:

    DE: Jared Odrick. Guy played his tail off this year and finally was put in a right position. He is not an effective enough DE in a 4-3 to warrant consistent playing time there. Problem this year for him was that he had to play in a rotation. Think he will put up even bigger numbers in this scheme and give us our own version of a Muhammad Wilkerson.

    NT: Paul Solai. Look at this season guys, we tossed away our veteran leadership in Dansby, Long, Bush, etc. and one of our highlights was a internal investigation related to lack of leadership and institutional control. Solai is back home at NT and he doesn't make a fit for sacrificing #'s for the greater good. I look to give him a 3 year deal.

    DE: Arthur Jones. The Baltimore product is a young option, and truthfully I don't want to re-sign two DL's over 30 years old to 3-4 year deals. I give Jones a four year deal and call it a day. He is rated the 12th best 3-4 DE by PFF this season and with Baltimore in some cap trouble I think he makes the market.

    OLB: Cameron Wake. Guy struggled a little more than we are used to this year but it was apparent he was never truly 100% after the MCL sprain. I know people do not believe that he is better in 3-4 but he can still put his hand in the dirt. Also, I'd play him right behind Jared Odrick and overload the right side of the offensive line.

    ILB: Dannell Ellerbe. Yes, I know I know he was terrible this year but truthfully it is going to be hard to justify cutting too LB contracts after one year that will accrue dead cap money. Ellerbe coming back home to a 3-4 might be the best thing. In no way do I believe him to be our defensive leader at LB, but getting a solid partner in crime like he had with Ray Lewis in Baltimore.

    ILB: Lamin Barrow. The LSU prospect, plays fast and is good in coverage. Too things we thought we got in ur 2013 FA class. Yes, I get rid of Wheeler. In no way do I try another year of that disaster. Despite staying a start Ellerbe will be on a short leash in my mind. Barrow will likely be around in RD 3-4 range and I wouldn't prioritize drafting a LB over an OL. If they fall in love with a stud LB like a Christian Jones from FSU in round 2 I won't throw a fit but just feel we should look OL early in the draft.

    OLB: Dion Jordan. Hopefully, and fingers crossed a new staff or a new coordinator will realize the potential Jordan has if he gets a chance. He is a natural in space and won't be required to pass rush every down as I think we should play him in a similar hybrid role like Seattle does with Bruce Irvin. Let him blitz, let him cover, whatever it takes. I also heavily rotate Vernon into the rotation at either Wake or Jordan's spot. Also don't forget Koa Misi who will have a severly diminished role but I think should be utilized at all LB spots, whether its ILB or OLB he is not a true liability so he should be rotated.

    CB: Brent Grimes. Objective #1 this FA, Re-Sign this man. He is a true #1 corner and that is something we needed. I give him a 4 year deal and keep him in Miami for the better last half of his career. I hope to see some more man coverage with a aggressive coordinator. But that truthfully matters who we have playing next to him.

    CB: Jamar Taylor. Laugh all you will but he was never healthy and missed significant time and valuable time in the off-season and pre-season. A year of live game speed should help slow it down a bit. But, in no way is he a shoe in to be a starter but he was a 2nd round pick and its sink or swim time.

    SS: Reshad Jones. Hopefully we bring a coordinator in who realizes he natural skill set and puts him in a role to make plays. We need him to be more aggressive and play like he did when he was working for a new contract.

    FS: Chris Clemons. After Grimes and Solai I believe Clemons is a priority to bring back. Truth be told behind Grimes and Starks he was probably our 3rd best defender this year on a disappointing season. He should be trusted more back there and while he isn't a natural ball hawk he is reliable and steady. Two things we desperately need to keep in tact. Let Jones play more aggressive in space.

    Passing Downs: Looking for a Seattle/SF hybrid look where we have 5-6 pass rush options.

    DE: Wake. Now on a down and distance that justifies pass I let the big dog eat and pin his ears back. hand in the dirt, sitting down, standing up, what ever he needs to get to the QB.

    DT: Jared Odrick. Now I shade him inside of Wake and overload the right side again. Guy, had pretty solid pass rush numbers this year so he for sure is on the field.

    DT/DE: Vernon. Yes, now I get Vernon on the field at the same time as Jordan and Wake. Vernon held his own rushing from the inside so I don't play him so much outside the LT as I do splitting the LG/LT.

    OLB: Dion Jordan. Now it gets interesting we have Jordan who will be in a stand up position able to play off the line in coverage or shading the outside of the LT. With this the options are limitless, letting Jordan blitz outside, inside, stunt or drop back in coverage. The key is too have multiple defensive weapons who are equally skilled.

    ILB: Barrow. Yes, I view him as 3 down LB, much more so that Ellerbe. Barrow also no slouch to blitzing or coverage gives us another weapon equally apt in both with plus athleticism.

    ILB: Jelani Jenkins. I will put Jenkins in coverage any day over Ellerbe. Unfortuanetly for Jenkins he isn't a bigger LB to challenge for a starting spot at ILB during running downs but he gets swallowed up in the run game by OL. This way we have an athletic coverage LB, but again to his size I don't view him as a our best option against tall seam threat TE's. I view Barrow or Jordan grabbing that duty more often.

    CB: Grimes. See above but guy is a stud.

    CB: Taylor. Yes, he stays on the field no matter way. Baptism by fire. But, with potentially re-signing Nolan Carroll to come in on spot duty or if Tayor flounders I feel fine.

    Slot CB: Walter Thurmond. Yes, I love how Seattle's secondary plays. But, with Browner being a liability off the field not so sure Thurmond gets out of Seattle without a fight. Still, I view him as a viable option in FA. Also wouldn't mind the bevy of other options. Sorry, but we can certainly upgrade from Jimmy Wilson who has never been consistent enough for me.

    SS: Jones. I play Jones in a Polamalu type role, playing in center field. Covering the slot. Delayed blitzes, CB blitz. Whatever it takes to get him in position to make plays. He is more than talented enough.

    FS: Clemons. Our steady last stand at safety.

    Now I didn't mention the reserves and their roles.

    Derrick Shelby would be a backup to Jones and/or Ordick. He would spell them both at either side.

    I also look to re-sign Tony McDaniel. Loved the way they used him in a variety of ways in Seattle. He won't demand top dollar and he would provide a familiar face who could spell all 3 of the DL positions in our scheme.

    Vernon would only play a rotational role in the base scheme but will rotate heavily. We always need to have enough depth and having Vernon who can play hand down or in two point stance is very valuable.

    Artur Jones will be a starter on obvious rushing downs but will rotate with Odrick and/or Vernon on passing downs to spell them especially when we go against the likes of Brady, Rodgers, etc next year.

    Solai being the only DL to be off the field in passing situations.

    Koa Misi, who another victim to Ireland's unwarrented spending spree. While he might be too overpaid to justify him being on the roster as a reserve but truthfully after the money we will eat on losing Wheeler not sure we could spell Misi's dead money as well. He will play OLB, ILB just all over the place. He ability to play the run and rush the passer is valuable.

    Jenkins, in no way will play on obvious running downs. But, his athleticism to cover backs and some TE's makes him valuable when it is a down and distance on a pssing down.

    Ellerbe while still considered a starter needs to earn my trust back but I think the scheme swithc will only help. Hopefully he comes the guy he was in Baltimore.

    Noland Carroll, yes I want him re-signed. But, my hope is a more talented Jamar Taylor or Will Davis overtakes his playing time and moves him into a more reserve rotatonal role. If he ends up being our Nickel CB I am not pulling my hair out. But, don't just make him an unchallenged starter again.

    Jimmy Wilson, will provide depth but if its up to me besides Grimes, I have an open competition between Taylor, Davis, Carroll, Wilson, and hopefully a FA or Draft pick. I keep four and cut the odd man out. His value as a safety and CB is nice to have.


    In this scenario we re-sign three of our pending FA's Solai, Carroll, and Grimes to be starters. Re-sign Carroll to compete for a starting or nickel spot. Our only cut from this years defense is Phillip Wheeler who in my mind provides more liability than Ellerbe (lesser of two evils). We sign a 3-4 DE in Arthur Jones to be a starter. We potentially sign a CB to compete for starting or nickel spot opposite Grimes. Then we use a mid round pick to find our missing ILB, personally I just want an athletic 3 down LB in the likes of a Navarro Bowman (who was a mid round pick in his ownright). Plenty of options in the draft. If we address OL in FA then I am not opposed to spending possibly a 2nd round pick on a stud LB. Behind OL our LB presence was one of the most disappointing on the team.

    Now, in my world our draft is invested wisely as need in round 1-3 then BPA after that. I for one am not sold on investing a 1st round pick on a LT. I like the pattern I saw from the Jags and Chiefs drafting a potential LT with a veteran in place. I believe the Jon Martin experience failed on two ends due to the player and coaching. In no way did I think shifting a college LT to RT termporarily or permanently is a flawed system. But, in my mind if we sign a LT in FA (Albert, Veldheer, Saffold, etc.) then I wouldn't view round 1 as a definite need to invest in OL. We have a lot pending in the above mentioned format. Grimes wants to get paid and while he stated he would like to come back we know that is never a guaranteed. If we lose him that makes a pretty big gaping hole at CB. This year's CB crop seems pretty solid as well. If we lose both Solai and Starks varying on our scheme DL a pretty big need and there are some good options not a very deep class in my opinion. Also if we bring a new regime in and they view ILB as a clean the cabinets sitution and rid us of Wheeler and Ellerbe then view ILB as a real need and a CJ Mosely in round 1 becomes a possible option.

    My hope is such:

    Sign Two FA linemen. Pretty solid class. Really don't have a personal preference as anyting is better than what we had this year. But, let us first figure out what type of running team we want to be. I just want to see some gosh darn holes like I saw KC plowing today.

    Give me Roger Saffold from St. Louis and Geoff Schwartz from KC. Saffold provides us some real flexibility. He got shifted by the Rams signing Mr. Long (still miss him but his injury history is really concerning). But, Saffold has played LT, RT, and G. My hope is that Saffold holds down either LT or RT. Worst case he sifts into Guard. But, I don't really want to have to draft to rookie tackles this season but we gotta improve the whole unit. Schwartz comes in to provide us a solid starting option to replace the embarrassment that was John Jerry. Schwartz and Saffold are both entering their prime and by signing both to wise deals as neither are top on the market but have potential to get better.

    To the draft: Ideal Scenario not what I mentioned above.

    Round 1: While I am not sold on investing another 1st rounder on a OL, our lack of consistent line play lost us multiple games this year, and that can't be argued. I want our offense to get a coordinator who is innovative, I would like some balance as well. So, I bring in a rookie to compete with Saffold for the starting LT side. Best man wins the job and the loser shifts to the right to hold down fort. My personal options: (Cameron Irving FSU;Greg Robinson Auburn; Cedric Oguebhi Tex A&M) All three of these options are underclasmen who are considered to have no physical defencies just may need more seasoning. All come from the most competitive conferences and each plays behind high speed offesnvses. All could likely boost their stock above our pick but with a deep class this year I think we are fine at #19 to find a day one starter. The key is competition if the rookie beats Saffold let him learn from experience as their will be growing pains.

    Round 2: This is a tricky pick for me as I think we could stick with the OL trend but after investing 2 FA's to be starters, our #1 pick to be a starter and a All-Pro at center we have other needs. LB? CB? RB? TE? You might read two of those and be like wait what? But, in my scenario we re-signed Grimes and Carroll our two starters from our pass defense (our best unit of 2013) so I don't think CB is the move. TE? Charles Clay had a pro bowl caliber season and I don't think our team needs to make the worry TE this early. LB? Not against it. If Christian Jones or Shayne Skov is available I would not be opposed to taking them in round 2. But, RB well that is a interesting question. Lamar Miller can't be viewed to be starter unchallenged. I think using Miller and another back in rotation would be ideal. There are options in FA but I don't want to spend big cash on used good in FA and would rather look to the draft. Please for god sake get rid of Daniel Thomas. Well, I watch the Top Defenses and their LB play and I long for the days of Zach Thomas. I want a Luke Kuechly, Navarro Bowman, Patrick Willis, just a true playmaker at LB. I view both Skov and Jones to be day one starters both who play fast and physical with great size. I personally take Jones as I have always loved FSU LB's. I think he could be a Lawrence Timmons type player to our defense.

    Round 3: Now do we go back to OL? CB? RB? or TE? Personally, I expect development from our invest early round picks on Taylor and Davis at CB. I am not willing to draft more projects early in the draft when thru FA we can find starters and contributors to our pass defense. RB is a position that has decent depth but I am not in love with one single back. And I still think we could find a mid round gem who could potentially be a starter. TE? The Ebrons, Amaros, and Sefrian Jenkins will be long gone as they are the crown jewel of the TE class. But, lets get back to our real problem this year Oline. This draft class has plenty of options. Now in my plan we have LT (Saffold/Rookie), LG(Saffold/Schwartz/?), C (Pouncey), RG (Schwartz/Rookie), RT (Saffold/Rookie). So, truthfully it could be Guard or Tackle as the move. But, what about center. Pouncey is athletic enough to make the move and with potential Centers in FA or Draft available if they don't fall in love with the guard class. Here are the options I take a look at (Zack Martin OT/G ND; Anthony Steen G Alabama; James Hurst T UNC; Corey Robinson T South Carolina; Travis Swanson C ARK; Bryan Stork C FSU) I want the five best lineman on the field every game. I don't care if that means Pouncey is at guard or whatever the case. I love teams with versatility, the next man up approach. Have interchangable pieces and have some depth. My hope is we seriously take a look at Center and either option will most likely be available and will give us more athleticism at guard with Pouncey making the move.

    Round 4: Now that our major needs have been addressed in LB/OL. Let's get a weapon or two. I view round 4 as a RB/TE round. Charles Clay is impressive but he is not a true old school TE. I would like to see us look for some size at the position for a red zone option as well as a capable blocker. I don't expect a Jimmy Graham here but someone who can make an impact. RB is a funny group as truthfully there could still be some good quality at this point in the draft. If it's me I choose from any of these options at this point (CJ Fiedorowicz TE IOWA; Xavier Grimble TE USC: Bishop Sankey RB WASH; Carlos Hyde RB OSU; Charles Sims RB WVU) Fiedorowicz is 6'7" and comes from a heavy run team in IOWA. He was never really had a chance to get many targets but he has good athleticism and hands and could be a real red zone guy we need. Grimble suffered from inconsistent QB play and injuries but he is a talented athelete with good size. Sankey has been the work horse for Washington, he reminds me of a Doug Martin type back who is very stocky but runs with low center of gravity. Hyde is a big downhill back, he was OSU best player this season but I always worry from backs from OSU as he could be another Beanie Wells, his speed will be key in combine. Sims is my favorite of the backs but didn't have the numbers of the other two. This guy has good size, great hands, and good speed. He transferred from Houston to WVU and suffered after they lost 3 major weapons in 2013 draft. My pick is Sims and I let him compete day one with Miller.

    Round 5-7 BPA.

    Your thoughts guys!
     
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  14. Anonymous

    Anonymous Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Switching to a 3-4 would be a mistake. Defense is fine the way it is.
     
  15. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Considering the 2011 team allowed fewer points with nearly identical sack and interception totals running a 3-4, with a less-talented/experienced secondary I'd say the defense can, and SHOULD be improved upon. A switch back to the 3-4 would do that.
     
  16. NorFlaFin

    NorFlaFin Active Member

    I would not be surprised if Jerry Jones makes Randy Starks a priority FA. Their IR list of DT's reads like a MASH unit.
     
  17. rtl1334

    rtl1334 New Member

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    This team was obliterated in the running game which cost us just as much as our leaky o-line.

    I would prefer a hybrid 4-3/3-4. But I think all we need is one more 3-4 DE and one more ILB to be effective in any scheme.
     
  18. Phoenician Fan

    Phoenician Fan Well-Known Member

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    Mar 21, 2013
    That is one of the most absurd statements I have ever heard.

    The Cowboys are projected to be 25 million OVER THE CAP in 2014. Ya, TWENTY FIVE MILLION.

    The Cowboys are going to be cutting and restructuring their brains out!

    GM Jerry Jones is beyond broke. He is steeped in debt, when it come to managing cap. He won't prioritizing any top tier free agents and Anthony Spencer won't even be getting an offer.

    What Jerry might do is offer his first round pick for Olivier Vernon and a couple throw-ins like Daniel Thomas,Jonathan Martin,Jimmy Wilson, and the like. He would avoid having to pay that mid first round rookie bonus, which is still high even with rules changes.

    It is one thing to be 10-15 mil over the cap, but 25 mil is really crippling. They are going to have to make some desperate moves. If they could pickup a few experienced starters still on rookie contracts, they would be overjoyed.

    If the Dolphins had a GM with a brain, they might make the pitch themselves; however Ireland is incapable of thoughts so he won't be having any, he just reacts to hype.
     

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