What is needed to fix the front 7?

[Cowboyny]

-The hope is Kneeland/maybe Golston returning can replace DLaw's production if he departs via fa. They are both considered strong run defenders, but offer little as pass rushers. Could they replace DLaw's sack production? I think they potentially can.

-There is definitely a need for another edge rusher. Pretty much it's Parsons and players clean up after his pressures. Need another alpha pass rusher that can allow Parsons to see more one on one situations. I am expecting another Lawson type of low level signing to go with returning Sam Williams. This is very similar to WR position, 1 elite player has to receive help.

-Defensive Tackle is a complete mess, all they have is Mazi under contract. Personally, I am in the minority, but don't want to resign Osa if he price tag is close to 20 million. Think you can sign a player at the fraction of his market and get similar production like Detroit's, Onzuk. No matter what happens they are going to have to resign Osa or another veteran. Probably have to add more veteran depth at the position as well. This is a draft priority.

-Linebacker is in similar situation as DT, but due to Overshown's injury. Marist is still developing, really needs a veteran presence next to him. Depth is a serious concern as well. Makes sense to add another young linebacker to the group to replace Damone Clark who hasn't become that player we hoped he would become.

 

[stilltheguru]

-The hope is Kneeland/maybe Golston returning can replace DLaw's production if he departs via fa. They are both considered strong run defenders, but offer little as pass rushers. Could they replace DLaw's sack production? I think they potentially can.

-There is definitely a need for another edge rusher. Pretty much it's Parsons and players clean up after his pressures. Need another alpha pass rusher that can allow Parsons to see more one on one situations. I am expecting another Lawson type of low level signing to go with returning Sam Williams. This is very similar to WR position, 1 elite player has to receive help.

-Defensive Tackle is a complete mess, all they have is Mazi under contract. Personally, I am in the minority, but don't want to resign Osa if he price tag is close to 20 million. Think you can sign a player at the fraction of his market and get similar production like Detroit's, Onzuk. No matter what happens they are going to have to resign Osa or another veteran. Probably have to add more veteran depth at the position as well. This is a draft priority.

-Linebacker is in similar situation as DT, but due to Overshown's injury. Marist is still developing, really needs a veteran presence next to him. Depth is a serious concern as well. Makes sense to add another young linebacker to the group to replace Damone Clark who hasn't become that player we hoped he would become.

Most fans don't want to resign him. And also onzurikes career high sacks is 1.5 and hasn't made a dent of any kind in the NFL.

So again, it's foolish to let osa walk but you're wrong thinking most fans want to keep him

 

[exciter]

-The hope is Kneeland/maybe Golston returning can replace DLaw's production if he departs via fa. They are both considered strong run defenders, but offer little as pass rushers. Could they replace DLaw's sack production? I think they potentially can.

-There is definitely a need for another edge rusher. Pretty much it's Parsons and players clean up after his pressures. Need another alpha pass rusher that can allow Parsons to see more one on one situations. I am expecting another Lawson type of low level signing to go with returning Sam Williams. This is very similar to WR position, 1 elite player has to receive help.

-Defensive Tackle is a complete mess, all they have is Mazi under contract. Personally, I am in the minority, but don't want to resign Osa if he price tag is close to 20 million. Think you can sign a player at the fraction of his market and get similar production like Detroit's, Onzuk. No matter what happens they are going to have to resign Osa or another veteran. Probably have to add more veteran depth at the position as well. This is a draft priority.

-Linebacker is in similar situation as DT, but due to Overshown's injury. Marist is still developing, really needs a veteran presence next to him. Depth is a serious concern as well. Makes sense to add another young linebacker to the group to replace Damone Clark who hasn't become that player we hoped he would become.

What sack production? Dlaw has had about the same sack production since moving to the the strong side/5 tech as Crawford before him. Outside of a few outliers it’s what’s to be expected from the position.
We spent a 3rd and now 2nd on 43 5tech ends to replace Lawrence and the 20m we gave him from production while playing the 7tech. It’s time to move on and give our highly thought of 5tech a shot.
For this team to really become a dominant defense they need a F Cox. Chris Jones type 3tech even if they choose to keep Osa around they need to find someone in the first 3 rounds that can play and produce from that position to pair with Micah. My personal choice would be Walter Nolan in the first and let Osa take some snaps at 5tech to spell Kneeland but regardless they need a a 3tech with the quickness to consistently rush from the inside while being strong enough to play the run to pair with Micah!

 

[stilltheguru]

What sack production? Dlaw has had about the same sack production since moving to the the strong side/5 tech as Crawford before him. Outside of a few outliers it’s what’s to be expected from the position.
We spent a 3rd and now 2nd on 43 5tech ends to replace Lawrence and the 20m we gave him from production while playing the 7tech. It’s time to move on and give our highly thought of 5tech a shot.
For this team to really become a dominant defense they need a F Cox. Chris Jones type 3tech even if they choose to keep Osa around they need to find someone in the first 3 rounds that can play and produce from that position to pair with Micah. My personal choice would be Walter Nolan in the first and let Osa take some snaps at 5tech to spell Kneeland but regardless they need a a 3tech with the quickness to consistently rush from the inside while being strong enough to play the run to pair with Micah!

I'm assuming your mean osa at 5 tech on run downs because on passing downs he needs to be in the middle with a legit rookie. Playing people like dlaw and Armstrong at dt on passing downs only works on trash teams.

So any plan on bolstering the front 4 has to involve Osa.

 

[FanofJerry]

Im kinda over the DT talk.

Team doesnt want to use draft capital, at least in early rounds, on one or two guys to fix a significant hole on the team...

Trade for a guy, then. Is it that hard? Without all the "you have to have an able and willing second party" mumbo jumbo to distract and waste time.

If the situation with not wanting to use high picks on a guy is causing the defense to have a huge hole....find a couple of players, even if at more premier positions and offer them up for a proven DT.

This board hates Steele? Could he not return a DT? Without a bunch of stupid posts wasting time talking about "trading a starting Tackle for a DT is peak ignorant"....these posts are a waste of time.

What is the solution? there isnt one...its designed to be frustrating. existence lost me

 

[J-man]

DE:
I think Kneeland was drafted to replace D-Law if he leaves. We need Williams to come back fully healthy. If he doesn't we could be in deep poopoo for pass rushers to help Micah. That is why I think DE has a very real possibility to be drafted at 12. Carter if he falls is a no brainer but doubt he makes it to us. Pearce and Green are both very much in consideration to me.

DT:
I hope they can afford to re-sign Odiggy. He's been better than ave at 3T over the last 2 seasons. If we lose him we could be in big trouble because we have all but zero at 1T/NT. Mazi has been ave at best so far. Either way I'm all for drafting a DT high or signing a good FA to come in, probably both actually.

LB:
Overshown is a stud, but he won't be back until Dec at the earliest and actually may never be quite the same. Marist seems to be progressing but Clarke hasn't. Kendricks played better than I expected, but how long can he keep that up? Nick V is a decent back up/jag. IMHO LB is a huge need for this team. I'm really leaning towards taking J Campbell at 44, if he makes it there. If we miss out on him we could be in trouble as it's not a great class.

 

[Dalmations202]

Before I say what it will take to fix the front 7, who is the DC and what defense will they be based out of? Yes I know they will often end up in a nickel variant.

 

[FanofJerry]

Before I say what it will take to fix the front 7, who is the DC and what defense will they be based out of? Yes I know they will often end up in a nickel variant.

too much missing info to even try to fix this

 

[Landryhat73]

Would bet Carl Lawson will be resigned to be be the 4th edge, with Parsons, Kneeland and Williams.

 

[bleachedwheat]

The Falcons will most likely cut 3-Tech Grady Jarrett to save 17m on their cap this off-season.
I would let Osa walk and sign Jarrett to a shorter deal, he shouldn't be to expensive; considering his age and production decline.
I would also look for another cheap 3-Tech from a cash strapped team like the Saints or Seahawks. In that case I think Jarran Reed is doable.
Add a 3-Tech in the draft and add a cheap 1-Tech in FA to rotate with Mazi and Rogers.

For the ends I would sign Tank to an incentive laden deal, 1yr 6.5 up to 10 if milestones are met.
RE would be a top two rounds type of pick for me. Williams will miss a few weeks to begin the year and I doubt they resign him after this years up.

LE- Tank, Kneeland, Gholston, 5-7 draft pick, Wheat
RE- Parsons, 1-2 draft pick, Williams, Lawson(if he's cheap), Luiji Vilain
3-Tech- Jarrett, Reed, 3-5 draft pick
1-Tech- Mazi, VET, Rogers

MLB- Kendricks, Liufau, draft pick 5-7, Mogensen PS Harris
WLB- VET FA, Clark, draft pick 5-7, Buddy Johnson PS Vigil

 

[gtb1943]

I think Lawrence is gone and how much does he have left anyway?

Kneeland showed promise; we have Williams as well.
we need a STUD NT which we ain't got so that should be the primary need filled.
Another DE is a good idea
Osa is probably going to get offered more money then Stephan wants to spend
I would like to get one way or another Two DTs and at least one DE and two would be nide


LB Overshown is not going to be back until late season and he has shown so far to be injured a lot; and in addition this injury is bad enough that its possible he will never be the same again
SO we have Marist and Kendrick. That is all. Who knows how long kendricks has. I would like to pick up another veteran LB in FA. Bottom line is we need two there.

So far that is five new players needed on the Front Seven. We would be real fortunate to get them all in one offseason

 

[Hawkeye0202]

don't want to resign Osa if he price tag is close to 20 million

I'm even more of a minority....I don't wanna resign Osa at all. Even if he's resigned, we STILL need an NT/Tech 1 run defender. Let's find a reliable vet via free agency. We let a Hankin walk for some reason. Bring him back and use day 2 to draft the best avail DT.

 

[Cowboyny]

I think Lawrence is gone and how much does he have left anyway?

Kneeland showed promise; we have Williams as well.
we need a STUD NT which we ain't got so that should be the primary need filled.
Another DE is a good idea
Osa is probably going to get offered more money then Stephan wants to spend
I would like to get one way or another Two DTs and at least one DE and two would be nide


LB Overshown is not going to be back until late season and he has shown so far to be injured a lot; and in addition this injury is bad enough that its possible he will never be the same again
SO we have Marist and Kendrick. That is all. Who knows how long kendricks has. I would like to pick up another veteran LB in FA. Bottom line is we need two there.

So far that is five new players needed on the Front Seven. We would be real fortunate to get them all in one offseason

Remember Kendricks is a fa and only came here for Zimmer

 

[Cowboyny]

I'm even more of a minority....I don't wanna resign Osa at all. Even if he's resigned, we STILL need an NT/Tech 1 run defender. Let's find a reliable vet via free agency. We let a Hankin walk for some reason. Bring him back and use day 2 to draft the best avail DT.

NT is the biggest need and their are very good ones high in this draft, but you know how they think, too high for a no pass rusher and they already drafted Mazi

 

[Cowboyny]

Most fans don't want to resign him. And also onzurikes career high sacks is 1.5 and hasn't made a dent of any kind in the NFL.

So again, it's foolish to let osa walk but you're wrong thinking most fans want to keep him

It’s not about the sacks so much, had a similar pass rush win rate. By the way OSA isn’t a big sack guy either

 

[Cowboyny]

What sack production? Dlaw has had about the same sack production since moving to the the strong side/5 tech as Crawford before him. Outside of a few outliers it’s what’s to be expected from the position.
We spent a 3rd and now 2nd on 43 5tech ends to replace Lawrence and the 20m we gave him from production while playing the 7tech. It’s time to move on and give our highly thought of 5tech a shot.
For this team to really become a dominant defense they need a F Cox. Chris Jones type 3tech even if they choose to keep Osa around they need to find someone in the first 3 rounds that can play and produce from that position to pair with Micah. My personal choice would be Walter Nolan in the first and let Osa take some snaps at 5tech to spell Kneeland but regardless they need a a 3tech with the quickness to consistently rush from the inside while being strong enough to play the run to pair with Micah!

I prefer Harmon as he has the size to be a well rounded player who can play all over the line. We so need to also address the depth at both interior positions.

If you want to shoot for upside, Walker in my opinion is the Chris Jones of this class. He needs development, but cannot teach what he possesses

 

[Zekeats]

Act like a Harbaugh, build up the lines on both sides, power inside and out along the lines is what wins games. Jim took Colin Kap to a superbowl with a bunch of nobodies that were past their prime position player wise. If you build up the lines and play a little bully ball you can win. We like to draft finesse and flash and get pushed around.

 

[FanofJerry]

Act like a Harbaugh, build up the lines on both sides, power inside and out along the lines is what wins games. Jim took Colin Kap to a superbowl with a bunch of nobodies that were past their prime position player wise. If you build up the lines and play a little bully ball you can win. We like to draft finesse and flash and get pushed around.

is there not a major hurdle to climb for numbers minded FO's though. Take Jerry out of this. That talk is so unimportant.

talk to me like this isnt about Jerry or Dak.

if numbers say drafting those guys high is stupid...what is your plan?

I already asked this in another thread and got ghosted.

if the numbers are so instrumental that you cant pass on a WR to pick a D-Lineman early...what is your plan if a FO cant get over the numbers?

At this point...DT/DL is over-running this board....just do some due diligence and pick a couple of guys one year and keep what sticks. if you can only get good ones in higher rounds(no need to distract with, well, if every other team is picking them early why are you so dug in that it is bad to pick them early...thats a lame argument to kill time)

This draft is supposed to be deep at the position. Is forgoing a Lamb or Micah(crap shoot) not more important than shoring up a HUGE need for this team?

I dont get it at all. Its one draft.

 

[exciter]

I prefer Harmon as he has the size to be a well rounded player who can play all over the line. We so need to also address the depth at both interior positions.

If you want to shoot for upside, Walker in my opinion is the Chris Jones of this class. He needs development, but cannot teach what he possesses

According to sports reference Nolan played at 304 this season without loosing any quickness. He could probably gain another 8-10 pounds. All he needs is a little coaching up on hand usage to be a dominant inside passer rusher… he’s already been more productive than either Fletcher Cox or Chris Jones were playing in the SEC!

 

[exciter]

I'm assuming your mean osa at 5 tech on run downs because on passing downs he needs to be in the middle with a legit rookie. Playing people like dlaw and Armstrong at dt on passing downs only works on trash teams.

So any plan on bolstering the front 4 has to involve Osa.

Yup!
I just didn’t feel like trying to type a book on a phone keyboard… but yeah either some snaps spelling the 5t on run downs or a straight 1 to 1 rotation at 3t!