at an added 285 pounds, we could even slide Alden Smith inside at some nickel interior packages too - we have some flexible and options
we're not as hostage bound with sub- rotational Crawford as some may think.
Right now, we have six players ahead of him: Lawrence, Griffen, McCoy, Poe and Woods (because Crawford doesn't play 1-tech). If Aldon Smith is what I think he is, we have seven.
Lose either Smith, Griffen or Lawrence to injury than we just have starting ends with no one to rotate with them unless we're sure of one of the young ends. Frankly, if it was a choice between Armstrong and Crawford, I'd take Crawford easily right now.
On the inside, we have more options on passing downs. On running downs, though, I wouldn't want any of our ends other than Crawford playing 3-tech at this point. Maybe Gallimore changes that by giving us another quality DT. Maybe Hill. But otherwise, on running downs without Crawford, we have a three-man proven rotation (McCoy, Poe and Woods). Take one of them out of the picture then you are relying on the rookie or the second-year guy.
As I've said, I don't mind Crawford being cut. He's not worth $9 million. However, I'd rather see a young guy give us reason to cut him, than just cut him and hope that one of the younger players can step up. Despite how some feel about Crawford, he's been better than the types we've tried to replace him with, and I believe his absence contributed to our DL not playing as well last year as it did in 2018.