Possible DL To Target

Hoofbite

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I was reading PFF's (Pro Football Focus) review of the FA DL and there are a couple of players who might be worth taking a look at. Obviously Campbell is rumored to get the tag so no use in talking about him. If he didn't get the tag, he's a guy to consider if you don't mind the bidding price.

Anyway, here's a couple of other players.

Broderick Bunkley: IIRC, he blew up the bench press at the combine and Philly took him mid-1st round. He was in Denver last year so maybe not worth looking because they're in a 4-3 right now but PFF has him graded as the best DT/NT against the run in 2011.

Antonio Garay: Played in SD and PFF graded him highest at NT for pressure. A little older at 32 but doesn't have much mileage on the tires. Has only played in 48 games, most coming in the last 2 seasons. UGLY STAT, 7 PENALTIES IN 2011, 2 FOR 2010. His 8.9 Pass Rush Productivity (PRP) grade from NT isn't far behind Spencer's 9.3 grade. Not trying to crap on Spencer, just giving a comparison in that area that we can easily relate to. I will mention, I very much dislike their PRP grading because I think it gives far too much credit to QB Hurries & Hits and far too little credit to sacks. But that's another issue. Had a STUDLY year in 2010. Absolutely fantastic according to their ratings. 2nd overall grade and finished in the top 10 for individual grades in both pass rush and run defense.

Sione Pouha: Played for the Jets and hasn't missed a game since like 2009. I would think he could fit into Rob's scheme pretty easily if he can fit into Rex's. Was graded excellent agains the run, 2nd to only Bunkley for NT/DTs and a little better than average in pass rush. BIG STAT, ZERO PENALTIES IN LAST 3 SEASONS. Or at least they don't have any attributed to him.

Aubrayo Franklin: Played 4-3 DT for the Saints and wasn't that great. Pretty poor, really. But in 2010 he played NT for the 49ers and was "great" according to PFF. His run stopping looks good. Probably in the top 3 or 4 players for that 3-4 NT position.

Personally, I think these guys could be good options. Pouha is probably gonna be the hot ticket for 3-4 teams but I'd love to get a guy like Pouha who has experience in a Ryan system and who seems to be a very smart player.

If I had to rank them in the order I'd like to see. Probably go like this.

1. Pouha: Smart and a true run stopping player to anchor the middle of the line. Great size, 6-3 & 330. Might be too spendy.

2. Garay: Great production possibility but had a lesser year in 2011, as did the entire SD defense. Labeled as inconsistent by PFF with some really strong outings in 2011 and some really weak outings as well. Looks like he can provide support in both aspects of the game when he's on top of his game. 6-4 & 300. Shouldn't cost a ton but can he bring on a weekly basis.

3. Franklin: Obviously not going to get a big deal based on his 2011 play. Was pretty good in a 3-4 prior to 2011 so this could be a very good consolation prize. Good size, 6-1 & 320.

4. Bunkley: 6-2, 295 probably isn't what you want in the middle from a guy who doesn't have experience at that position. Not much heavier than Jay, if at all, but shorter. May cost a bit based on youth and 2011 performance.
 
Paul Solai from Miami would be the guy IMO.
 
Good thread Hoof.

It's such a shame Campbell won't hit the market, I would love to have him on our DL.

Another name worth looking at is Red Bryant. I would be interested to see how PFF graded his last couple of seasons.
 
RS12;4429659 said:
Paul Solai from Miami would be the guy IMO.

I considered him but he just got payed handsomely and probably wants to start a trend in that area. Pouha probably wants money but he hasn't been tagged before so maybe his expectations are lower. Probably not though.
 
Skerr41;4429686 said:
Good thread Hoof.

It's such a shame Campbell won't hit the market, I would love to have him on our DL.

Another name worth looking at is Red Bryant. I would be interested to see how PFF graded his last couple of seasons.

Not that great for 2011.....in the high 40's as far as overall rankings go.

Of course, their ranking aren't gospel, they have some other highly regarded players down there as well.

Tuck is lower than Bryant.

Osi and Freeney aren't even Top 30.

Also, if a player really sucks in one are it really doesn't matter how good he is in another, he's gonna get hammered. They really don't like Bryant's pass rush ability. One of the worst grades in the league.

2010 he looks much better though. Cuts his rank in half ending the early 20s. Okay in rushing in that year, both years have good marks in defending the run.

Another example of their rankings being a little odd.

Both Jared Allen and Chris Long are highly rated in rushing the passer in 2010 but neither is in the top 10 overall at their position because they were absolutely hammered in the run defense category, scoring two of the three worst grades that were handed out.
 
I guess you just use it as a guide, and look at the categories you feel matter most for what you want out of that position.

I had heard some praise for the job Bryant was doing, and who in their right mind would want Allen playing DE for them in a 43
 

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