Anthony Montgomery

[Schneed10]

During the draft preparation and free agent acquisition process, I was strongly in favor of upgrading our DT position because I saw how badly the line performed against the run last year. But reading the Washington Post today, I'm surprised to hear of how highly regarded Anthony Montgomery is in terms of raw talent. Reynaldo Wynn compares him to Marcus Stroud in terms of size, build, strength, and quickness.

Of all the things we talk about, needing players to step up and whatnot, of course JC is the main one. And it'd be real good to see Rocky fill in that LB spot admirably, and see Landry make an impact in the secondary, and see Springs stay healthy. But man, stopping the run is still our primary need on defense IMO. And if we get Montgomery to tap into his raw talent? Lights out fellas, we're going to the playoffs.

washingtonpost.com

[12thMan]

I think this is precisely why the Redskins opted not to draft any defensive lineman. I think both Montgomery and Golston are going to raise some eyebrows this year.

[freddyg12]

I was shocked to see this article too. I recall reading in 06 that most teams that talked to Montgomery wanted him to switch to o-line. the skins promised to keep him on D. Usually a switch to o-line is due in part to lack of speed, hope that isn't the case.

[gibbsisgod]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I think this is precisely why the Redskins opted not to draft any defensive lineman. I think both Montgomery and Golston are going to raise some eyebrows this year.

I was really suprised when we took both of them last year. I thought why would they waste 2 picks on guys that probably won't make the team anyways. It really is starting to show that Gibbs and Co. have a real plan for the future instead of trying to win it all right now.

[TheMalcolmConnection]

What I liked about their strategy last year was drafting people who were injured but were highly regarded. I think some people said that had they not been injured they would have been first to third round picks.

[MTK]

He's a guy that has first round talent, but up until now his work ethic has held him back. Seems like he's starting to understand that hard work is what seperates the average players from the great ones on this level. He's a big wildcard for our defensive line this year.

[12thMan]

Wouldn't it be something if Montgomery and Golston were both starting around mid-season.

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I think this is precisely why the Redskins opted not to draft any defensive lineman. I think both Montgomery and Golston are going to raise some eyebrows this year.

Because of these two guys I think the FO saw that they did not have a need for DT. I remember Gibbs saying in one of his press conferences that both of these guys were having great off-seasons. HOWEVER, DE is whole nother issue. We need a young stud DE in the worst way. We need some pass rushers coming off the edge and right now we don't have anybody. I assume that GW is going to reley on the improved secondary to cover better and blitz more guys.

[MTK]

If Carter picks up where he left off last year we could be just fine at DE. Williams is supposed to let the lineman attack more this year, so hopefully that will pay off. Plus, if we can generate pressure up the middle that will only help take the pressure of the DEs by not allowing them to be doubled as often.

[freddyg12]

yeah, don't forget about AC. IF all we need him to do is pass rush, he'll get his sacks. He's a natural rusher, he's just not much in the run.

[Hog1]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Wouldn't it be something if Montgomery and Golston were both starting around mid-season.

Really!
I really like what I am reading about these guys. Actually, I really like what the Skins have done.........or not done in the off-season

[skinsfan69]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

yeah, don't forget about AC. IF all we need him to do is pass rush, he'll get his sacks. He's a natural rusher, he's just not much in the run.

And that's exactly what scares me cause he can't hold up on run downs. Perhaps 50 year old Wynn can spell him some.

[MTK]

If they're both starting that would probably mean Griffin is hurt, and I don't like the sound of that. One of the big keys to our defense is Griffin staying healthy and playing at a high level.

[freddyg12]

Originally Posted by Mattyk72

If they're both starting that would probably mean Griffin is hurt, and I don't like the sound of that. One of the big keys to our defense is Griffin staying healthy and playing at a high level.

true, would be nice if Montgomery beat griff out to start w/griff coming in on passing downs. I read that Montgomery runs a 5.24 40, which sounds like he's not likely to be a pass rusher as much as a run stuffer. 40 times only count for so much though, he might have a great burst now that he's toning up. It's a position where quickness is more important than speed anyway.

[Schneed10]

Originally Posted by freddyg12

true, would be nice if Montgomery beat griff out to start w/griff coming in on passing downs. I read that Montgomery runs a 5.24 40, which sounds like he's not likely to be a pass rusher as much as a run stuffer. 40 times only count for so much though, he might have a great burst now that he's toning up. It's a position where quickness is more important than speed anyway.

40 times mean diddily squat for a DT. The 40 time measures straight away speed. The DT needs explosion and burst, as you alluded to. It's more about his lower body strength, how quickly can he get off the line.

If you were going to measure something, take a look at how much weight he can squat, and how much he can "clean." That's when you hold the barbell in both hands down at about your knees and jerk it up to the point where you're holding at your shoulders in preparation to lift it over your head.