It has been fansplained to me several times but I still look uncertain at the 1tech DT.
We can still build through the 2016 draft but thats not the point of this post.
thanks for the comments
They only need a true 1tech in the base defense. Defenses generally prefer two 3tech
type DTs in the Nickel even if one of them is playing the 1tech position. The defense generally plays less than 70 total snaps. At 34%, that would be about 24 snaps for a true 1tech. They have two 1techs and a guy that is a 1/3 tech combo player. If the 24 snaps are divided between 2 or 3 players, that is not many snaps that require a true 1tech.
Note: At times in the Nickel, they actually play both DTs as 3techs with a wide gap in the middle of the line.
The 1tech candidates:
Nick Hayden: The starter last year. He played in both the base and Nickel and played way too many snaps. He is not strong or overly quick, but he hustles all over field which is why Marinelli likes him. He manages to get in on tackles in the flat or back at LB depth more often than you would expect for a DT. He never seems to get injured.
T. McClain: He is a 1/3 tech combo player. His best position is partially dependent on his weight. If he is going to be a 3tech only, he'll likely keep his weight down. He flashed talent last season, but was never 100% healthy. Just as he was coming on and playing his best, he was injured again near the end of the season. He continued to play but was limited.
Ken Bishop: He was a rookie from a small college last season. He was the most dominant small college player that I've ever seen. He is very strong and also has good quickness for a 1tech. I thought he outplayed Hayden on many snaps in the games he played last season; however, as a rookie he made some mistakes which kept him from playing more snaps. He has 5 tackles in 1 playoff game. Hayden averaged 2 tackles per playoff game.
Chris Whaley: I think he is more of a 3tech, but some have suggested he could be a 1tech. Again, his best position could be partially dependent on his weight. In college he played both the 1 and 3 along side Malcom Brown who was a 1st round pick this year. There were many snaps were offenses double teamed Whaley and single blocked Brown. He was injured when drafted and his weight was very low (269). He was reported to have been at 295 when playing in college.
When they move a DE like Hardy or Mincey inside on obvious passing downs, they will play the 3tech position. T. Crawford will likely move to the 1tech position next to Hardy/Mincey or they will play both inside guys as 3techs.
