Linebacker Need

[Cowboyny]

We all are well aware of the state of the linebacker group. Declining play with Jaylon, Lve cannot stay healthy and his play has gotten worse cause of it, Lee might be retiring, Neal is going to play some will linebacker this season. They lost a quality backup in Joe Thomas. It is quite possible, this entire unit is all gone at the start of next off-season.

Let me first state this, there is no chance this team starts next season without a legitimate, starting caliber linebacker on this roster, outside of their current starters. Both Lve & even Neil have major durability concerns, just a matter of time, based on their history.

In my opinion, major drop-off at the position after the first 5 linebackers, where Bolton is probably the only one who goes in rd 2. After them there are major question marks at the position:
.
Browning, Cox, Werner, Moses, Surratt, McGrone are all the tier 2 prospects at the position.

Team could always sign KJ Wright, but I think they want to wait to see what happens with the draft first. We cannot rule out the team drafting a 1st rd linebacker, not my preference, but can see it happen.

 

[visionary]

Agree with you totally
I want a dog in the middle
This is yet another reason why a trade down in rd 1 helps. Gives us an extra rd 2 pick with which we can take Bolton.
I would also take Browning if he’s there with our comp pick in rd 3or first pick in rd4
They can both start next year

 

[Future]

Disagree that there's some major dropoff from Bolton to that next group. Bolton might not even go before some some of those guys.

 

[Brooksey]

Really like Bolton and Browning. Werner and McGrone interesting, some say Browning is a Sam only blitz LB, I see a steal that can play Will LB.
Werner the guy who isn't great at anything except not really being deficient at anything is a gamer too

 

[cowboyec]

i wouldn't be upset with a double or triple dip at LB in this draft.

 

[John813]

I ask this only cause they talked to him, but what tier would you put Niemann?

 

[LACowboysFan1]

i wouldn't be upset with a double or triple dip at LB in this draft.

I wouldn't too much, either. But too many needs, assuming of course you're not reaching for any player, don't ignore CB/DT/S/OT just to "load up" on LB...

 

[Aven8]

Neal hasn’t even passed a physical yet and been signed if I’m not mistaken? We need at least two IMO that can play.

 

[Cowboyny]

I ask this only cause they talked to him, but what tier would you put Niemann?

Somewhere day 3.

 

[Cowboyny]

i wouldn't be upset with a double or triple dip at LB in this draft.

I too, would like to throw numbers at the position. Draft one in the top 3 rounds and add another if not more on day 3.

 

[Cowboyny]

Disagree that there's some major dropoff from Bolton to that next group. Bolton might not even go before some some of those guys.

Bolton is the only one who is currently rated as a 2nd-3rd rd prospect. See the rest in that 3rd to 4th rd range.

 

[Cowboyny]

Really like Bolton and Browning. Werner and McGrone interesting, some say Browning is a Sam only blitz LB, I see a steal that can play Will LB.
Werner the guy who isn't great at anything except not really being deficient at anything is a gamer too

Werner surprisingly tested out very well, think he has solid 3rd rd prospect now. Heard there is some medicals regarding McGrone.

 

[fivetwos]

We all are well aware of the state of the linebacker group. Declining play with Jaylon, Lve cannot stay healthy and his play has gotten worse cause of it, Lee might be retiring, Neal is going to play some will linebacker this season. They lost a quality backup in Joe Thomas. It is quite possible, this entire unit is all gone at the start of next off-season.

Let me first state this, there is no chance this team starts next season without a legitimate, starting caliber linebacker on this roster, outside of their current starters. Both Lve & even Neil have major durability concerns, just a matter of time, based on their history.

In my opinion, major drop-off at the position after the first 5 linebackers, where Bolton is probably the only one who goes in rd 2. After them there are major question marks at the position:
.
Browning, Cox, Werner, Moses, Surratt, McGrone are all the tier 2 prospects at the position.

Team could always sign KJ Wright, but I think they want to wait to see what happens with the draft first. We cannot rule out the team drafting a 1st rd linebacker, not my preference, but can see it happen.

I haven't done much homework on the position for this draft.

I do know that typically, starters can be found in the 3/4/5 type rounds at LB, and I expect the team will attempt to do exactly that.

As fans we should realize that a large part of Quinn being brought in was about fixing 54 and 55, so those two are going to get every shot, plus some.

Either way, even if 54 figures it out, the salary is outrageous....and 55s rookie deal is over.

Adding it all up I'd very much call it a position of serious need. I did the same last year this time, hoping they would get ahead of something for a change.

DE is going to present a similar problem next offseason unless it's addressed in this draft.

 

[Cowboyny]

I haven't done much homework on the position for this draft.

I do know that typically, starters can be found in the 3/4/5 type rounds at LB, and I expect the team will attempt to do exactly that.

As fans we should realize that a large part of Quinn being brought in was about fixing 54 and 55, so those two are going to get every shot, plus some.

Either way, even if 54 figures it out, the salary is outrageous....and 55s rookie deal is over.

Adding it all up I'd very much call it a position of serious need. I did the same last year this time, hoping they would get ahead of something for a change.

DE is going to present a similar problem next offseason unless it's addressed in this draft.

Just look at the contracts, Lve's option is probably not going to be picked up. There is an out in Jaylon's contract after this season. Neal is just playing on a 1 yr deal. The rest are all untested, low level prospects and or special teamers.

Defensive End could be an issue next season as well as Gregory is set to become a fa.

 

[cnuball21]

We all are well aware of the state of the linebacker group. Declining play with Jaylon, Lve cannot stay healthy and his play has gotten worse cause of it, Lee might be retiring, Neal is going to play some will linebacker this season. They lost a quality backup in Joe Thomas. It is quite possible, this entire unit is all gone at the start of next off-season.

Let me first state this, there is no chance this team starts next season without a legitimate, starting caliber linebacker on this roster, outside of their current starters. Both Lve & even Neil have major durability concerns, just a matter of time, based on their history.

In my opinion, major drop-off at the position after the first 5 linebackers, where Bolton is probably the only one who goes in rd 2. After them there are major question marks at the position:
.
Browning, Cox, Werner, Moses, Surratt, McGrone are all the tier 2 prospects at the position.

Team could always sign KJ Wright, but I think they want to wait to see what happens with the draft first. We cannot rule out the team drafting a 1st rd linebacker, not my preference, but can see it happen.

Good post...agree with you that LBr is a bigger need than most are talking about.

I see JOK as a SS, so I'd say after Parsons / Collins / Davis there is a big drop off IMO. I like Bolton, but the size / athleticism drop him quite a bit for me. Moses / McGrone are probably my favorites after the 1st wave but they both come with injury concerns. Both top 100 talents though IMO and maybe one will slide,

After that Barnes, Werner, Fields and Wallow are guys to keep an eye on in the 4th/5th. Barnes is an interesting dude that I think is picking up steam.

 

[Hawkeye0202]

Just look at the contracts, Lve's option is probably not going to be picked up. There is an out in Jaylon's contract after this season. Neal is just playing on a 1 yr deal. The rest are all untested, low level prospects and or special teamers.

Defensive End could be an issue next season as well as Gregory is set to become a fa.

If I'm not mistaken, DLaw's contract also has an out after this season. If Gregory has anything close to the season we expect, he's not going anywhere. He either get's his long-term deal or tag.

 

[Future]

Bolton is the only one who is currently rated as a 2nd-3rd rd prospect. See the rest in that 3rd to 4th rd range.

Not really. His pro day showed that he's purely a two-down LBer, that puts him in the same tier - at best - as the guys you listed.

Cox, Davis, Browning are probably all ahead of Bolton at this point, and you're underselling them to begin with. Don't be surprised if Bolton lasts until the 5th.

 

[fivetwos]

Just look at the contracts, Lve's option is probably not going to be picked up. There is an out in Jaylon's contract after this season. Neal is just playing on a 1 yr deal. The rest are all untested, low level prospects and or special teamers.

Defensive End could be an issue next season as well as Gregory is set to become a fa.

Also DLaw cap figures go to 27 and 29 million next couple years.

That obviously cant happen....and if Gregory manages to play all 16 games he will likely put up some decent numbers....so he may cost a bit.

DE is going to be a very serious concern...unless Anae proves capable, amongst other long shots.

 

[MarkP88]

We all are well aware of the state of the linebacker group. Declining play with Jaylon, Lve cannot stay healthy and his play has gotten worse cause of it, Lee might be retiring, Neal is going to play some will linebacker this season. They lost a quality backup in Joe Thomas. It is quite possible, this entire unit is all gone at the start of next off-season.

Let me first state this, there is no chance this team starts next season without a legitimate, starting caliber linebacker on this roster, outside of their current starters. Both Lve & even Neil have major durability concerns, just a matter of time, based on their history.

In my opinion, major drop-off at the position after the first 5 linebackers, where Bolton is probably the only one who goes in rd 2. After them there are major question marks at the position:
.
Browning, Cox, Werner, Moses, Surratt, McGrone are all the tier 2 prospects at the position.

Team could always sign KJ Wright, but I think they want to wait to see what happens with the draft first. We cannot rule out the team drafting a 1st rd linebacker, not my preference, but can see it happen.

Totally agreed. LB is a major need, as is DL. I'm WAY more concerned about those positions than CB. The fastest way to improve this defense is to improve DL and LB play.

 

[Brooksey]

Not really. His pro day showed that he's purely a two-down LBer, that puts him in the same tier - at best - as the guys you listed.

Cox, Davis, Browning are probably all ahead of Bolton at this point, and you're underselling them to begin with. Don't be surprised if Bolton lasts until the 5th.

Bolton is a very good Zone LB against the pass and #1 against the run which is why you dislike him. You're a jamin davis guy