Addressing the LB position

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

1. We can bank on Fletch this year, but it's critical we have a contingency plan in place. I do think Blades is going to step right in for him, which is why I don't think we'll be in the market for Maualuga or for Laurinaitis.

I don't think we will be in the market for Laurinaitis either, but I believe (as I believe many others do too) that his best position in the NFL could be at the WILL in a 4-3 (more so than Maualuga), but 13 is a bit high to draft someone and then move them to a new position. Especially when you only have four picks overall

2. I think Rocky has lost his role as a nickel LB for good. I think we'll move him across to SLB, and I don't think he's in the future plans. Of course, a breakout season could mean a franchise tag next year.

I kinda still wish we had gotten DeMeco Ryan that year

3. Well, an impact linebacker from the draft is more of a need than getting Blades on the field, but at the same time, I wouldn't sign anyone to block Blades, and I'd work to get him on the field for 40-50% of snaps from the base 4-3 package, and he's the de-facto nickel linebacker. And, I don't think that Fletch should play 100% of snaps this year. Blades should get a small percentage of his snaps, plus it will work well that way with the whole radio in the helmet thing.

You want a Blades avatar don't you?

4. Getting an undersized DE in the draft will do wonders for the depth issue, but I'd still float a contract offer at Marcus Washington anyway. No smallish cover-two type OLBs please.

What about two-year plea of getting Wilson more playing time at OLB?

5. Sign that tender, son.

Seems convinced still that there is a big market out there for him

6. Yes, we can afford to pass at a linebacker at No. 13, and we should if one of the big four tackles there. If we could turn our third round pick into a late second rounder, the draft is deep enough to land a pass-rushing LB there.

Word