Defensive Tackle

[BeastsoftheNFCeast]

In my opinion, we definately need a defensive end, Daniels is crap and is only getting worse due to his age. I dont know what to think about defensive tackle though. Griffin is good, Saleve'a is crap, and Golston is hovering around average. Is Golston good enough to be considered a starter? I think with his play last year, the answer is no, but he is young so he very well might develop into a quality starter. Should we address defensive tackle in this offseason, or let it be and hope it plays out well?

[PorterHouse]

I dont think resignin Boschetti is the answer. And if we dont get someone in there to eat up blocks, Fletcher will be unproductive. We definately need to adress the d-line. But as far as Salavea bein crap, I cant force myself to agree with you there. Goldston has a real good upside being young and all.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by PorterHouse

I dont think resignin Boschetti is the answer. And if we dont get someone in there to eat up blocks, Fletcher will be unproductive. We definately need to adress the d-line. But as far as Salavea bein crap, I cant force myself to agree with you there. Goldston has a real good upside being young and all.

I think the only thing the Boschetti signing means is that Renaldo Wynn is as good as gone.

Salave'a should only be counted on as the #3 guy behind the two starters. No way can we lean on him for another 16 whole games.

[WillH]

Im not sure how accurate this is but.....I remember hearing something last year that said that part of our trouble with our run D was that teams were consistently running to our WS(?) and that Carter was struggling to do much because if he could force the runer inside Marshall couldnt do crap. Im not so sure that our DTs were the problem....and even if they were eating us up on the inside it was partly due to injury...when Golston and Montgomery stepped in they did a stellar job, and I can see Golston becoming a solid DT, but he is probably just good depth again this year. Although I really like Okoye, and would be ecstatic if we drafted him, I think DE is a bigger issue. PD is old, too old and we need to replace him now, we at least have some talented young depth at DT...and everyone says this wont be a quck fix, well then get some young talent where we need it the most at DE, and let Golston/Montgomery develop, if they don't prove to be starters at least we will still have young depth, and I think we can get another productive season outa CG and JS.

[Beemnseven]

Look people, we can no more count on Griffin, Salave'a, Golston, and Montgomery any more than we could afford another season of Archuleta, Kenny Wright and Mike Rumph.

Witness the Tampa Bay game last year. That was the week that Griffin and Salave'a were both real banged up. Result? We were gashed by the Buccaneers for 181 yards rushing.

Golston and Montgomery are nothing more than future replacements for the other depth guys -- Demetric Evans and Ryan Boschetti.

[Beemnseven]

The word "good" cannot be ascribed to any player on the defensive line last year.

Golston had his moments, but like 90% of the rest of the time he was spread open and buttered, just like the other guys.

[SmootSmack]

Why'd you title this thread "Defensive Tackle" and then start with "In my opinion, we definately need a defensive end". Interesting

As for your question, I think a strong DT can have a bigger effect on the entire defense more so than a DE can.

[Big C]

a new DT who can absorb blockers will take pressure off of everyone on the defense. they will free up the linebackers to make plays, allow the defensive ends to rush easier, thus helping the secondary. a big DT is twice as important to us right now as a new DE.

[beatdallas]

I'll take either one. The d-line play last season was terrible.

[stu_nna]

Hmmm, but we are stronger at the tackle spot than the end spot. Overall I think a tackle would help decrease rushing yards. Yet to effectivley pressure the quarterback everydown a end makes more sense. I'd prefer an elite tackle, but this year the more pressing need is at the end spot.

[Big C]

Originally Posted by stu_nna

Hmmm, but we are stronger at the tackle spot than the end spot. Overall I think a tackle would help decrease rushing yards. Yet to effectivley pressure the quarterback everydown a end makes more sense. I'd prefer an elite tackle, but this year the more pressing need is at the end spot.

i disagree, i think our DT's are weaker than our DE's. griffen had a bad year last year and is getting a free pass from many because of how good he was a few years ago, and golston did well for a low round rookie but griffen and golston are the same style players, penetrators. neither absorbed blockers and our defense was badly exposed. if we go into the season with the same tackles we are in huge trouble, we can get by with our DE's. a new DT will improve daniels' play, while i doubt a new DE will improve our DT's play. we will still be destroyed by the run

[stu_nna]

Originally Posted by Big C

i disagree, i think our DT's are weaker than our DE's. griffen had a bad year last year and is getting a free pass from many because of how good he was a few years ago, and golston did well for a low round rookie but griffen and golston are the same style players, penetrators. neither absorbed blockers and our defense was badly exposed. if we go into the season with the same tackles we are in huge trouble, we can get by with our DE's. a new DT will improve daniels' play, while i doubt a new DE will improve our DT's play. we will still be destroyed by the run

I keep thinking with a middle linebacker known to make tackles, and a with Griffin and Salavae healthy we will have different results. So, i still belive that Cornelius is the real deal.
We gave up alot of rushing yards last year i think Fletcher will really help improve in that area. Yet still without getting pressure on the quarterback our secondary gets ate up. Also with a good pass rush i think alot of opions on Los (carlos) will change. More pressure equals more turnovers, more turnovers lead to more points and a healthier defense. Whadyathink?

[jdlea]

Originally Posted by stu_nna

I keep thinking with a middle linebacker known to make tackles, and a with Griffin and Salavae healthy we will have different results. So, i still belive that Cornelius is the real deal.
We gave up alot of rushing yards last year i think Fletcher will really help improve in that area. Yet still without getting pressure on the quarterback our secondary gets ate up. Also with a good pass rush i think alot of opions on Los (carlos) will change. More pressure equals more turnovers, more turnovers lead to more points and a healthier defense. Whadyathink?

I agree with the general theme, I only disagree with pretty much everyone's assessment of Joe Salave'a to me the guy has never been more than an average player. I like the hard nose, bust your ass guy as much as anyone, but the fact is he's just not that good. He never has been. They need to replace him and they need to replace Griffin in my opinion. I'm sick of guys who can't stay on the field...*cough* Springs and Griffin *cough*

[70Chip]

This argument has been on going in the Draft Forum. I have taken the position that we need a DE more than a DT although both could use improvement. I think I part company with many in that I rate Golston as an adequate starter and they do not. Also, others take the position that because we spent so much on Carter we have to hope he pans out. I say even if Carter plays better, Daniels and Wynn are over the hill.

Most of the argument is brought on by the 6th overall and wether to take Branch or Adams. My view is that they should split the difference, trade down, and get one of each. However, if they keep the 6th overall, they should take Adams or whoever they rate highest at DE.

My botton line is that 1. We need to improve the DL. 2. This is a multi-year process. 3. Defensive End is the more immediate need.

[stu_nna]

Originally Posted by 70Chip

This argument has been on going in the Draft Forum. I have taken the position that we need a DE more than a DT although both could use improvement. I think I part company with many in that I rate Golston as an adequate starter and they do not. Also, others take the position that because we spent so much on Carter we have to hope he pans out. I say even if Carter plays better, Daniels and Wynn are over the hill.

Most of the argument is brought on by the 6th overall and wether to take Branch or Adams. My view is that they should split the difference, trade down, and get one of each. However, if they keep the 6th overall, they should take Adams or whoever they rate highest at DE.

My botton line is that 1. We need to improve the DL. 2. This is a multi-year process. 3. Defensive End is the more immediate need.

Its true there is no quick fix to our line problem. We need some raw talent in Daniels's spot and Salvae's spot immediately.
I'll have to differ with the thought that Golston is an adequate starter though. If he played a full seasons then we might rank worst than the 06 campain. Golston is an overachiever, a great back up and good to keep our starters fresh.
Overall though good thoughts lets draft both positions and coach em' up to be talented starters.