Anyone want to see Carpenter replace James inside?

[junk]

Well, many (myself included) preferred Lawson over Carpenter because they didn't think Carpenter was a good fit for 3-4 OLB because of his lack of pass-rush ability. While he did come on late in the season, even then he didn't show any pass-rush ability.

It's only logical for those same people to continue to think that he doesn't fit the 3-4 OLB position. I'm not sure why that's amusing. It shows consistency in thought.

Meanwhile, Manny Lawson, who started 11 games only managed 1 more sack than Carpenter.

Consistency in thought or seeing what you want to see? He developed slower than I liked, but I thought he showed real potential as an OLB at the end of the season and that includes rushing the passer.

I think Carpenter can be a player at OLB. However, like I said earlier, the quickest way to improve the defense is to move him inside and draft a pass rusher (one that can hold up at the POA and not a 225 pounder).

 

[theogt]

Meanwhile, Manny Lawson, who started 11 games only managed 1 more sack than Carpenter.

Consistency in thought or seeing what you want to see? He developed slower than I liked, but I thought he showed real potential as an OLB at the end of the season and that includes rushing the passer.

I think Carpenter can be a player at OLB. However, like I said earlier, the quickest way to improve the defense is to move him inside and draft a pass rusher (one that can hold up at the POA and not a 225 pounder).

What does Lawson's 1st year performance have to do with this discussion? I wouldn't consider Lawson or Carpenter a bust (or a hit) at this point in either of their careers.

Even if Lawson busts, however, it has no relevance whatsoever on the discussion of whether Carpenter is better suited inside. I'm glad we can agree that Capr should be moved inside and another player (Moses, Spencer, Moss, etc.) should be drafted for the OLB position.

By the way, it appears that the worries about Lawson not being able to keep his weight up might prove to be correct. It was a point of debate during the draft, because there were conflicting reports on his weight. If he can't get up and stay at ~250, then he'll be undersized for the position (just like Carpenter's a little short IMO). If Carpenter had a little more weight and muscle on him he might be a little better pass-rusher, but he just gets over-powered at 6'2"/250.