Could be, I thought Wade and McNair both implied some changes , ie. new FA's, were needed on defense. not sure if that means 1 or 5 or Pro Bowlers or what, beyond the draft, but some new FA's seems plausible.

Couldn't let this one go by without a comment. Yes Mathews had a good year. He also had a stable environment and a good DC. Cushing will be OK now that he has Wade for a Coordinator. You'll see.

^^^ I agree with this

Speaking of which, Casey Matthews had a great game last light. Someone said Cush could play outside in a 3-4, but I don't think he's got the hips to turn on a dime or the speed. On the other hand, Casey showed he could run down a VERY mobile QB, and even showed a knack for the big play by causing a fumble while sacking Cam Newton.

From what I saw of young Matthews he was pretty impressive in the BCS game the other night as has Aggie Von Miller been when I've seen him on TV this past season. But IMO they both have the same problem, which is they're undersized.

Miller is listed as 6-3 243 and Matthews is listed as 6-2 235.

Miller does not play hard when the play is moving away from him, he trots on the field alot. That is not going to endear him to NFL scouts and coaches. Matthews has a high motor and football smarts.

Both are smaller then ideal but both have upside.

The guy I'm watching is Dontay Moch from Nevada. 6-1 242, high motor guy.

He's apparently a freak of nature:

NFL draft Scout has him at 4.38 which is still really fast....

What they're listed at is one thing, but Miller looks a lot more like 223 than 243, and Matthews is very short. We'll see what their stats are at the Indy combine ?

That is why I said it was listed. :D

"Moch had a lot of hype entering the season with his elite speed and athleticism, but he really has no clue how to play football, and on tape he reminded me of Vernon Gholston. He has absolutely no instincts and is very soft. He is the definition of a workout warrior. I'm not sold on him as an 3-4 rush linebacker either because he his instincts really hurt him and all he can do is use his first step and speed rush."
http://walterfootball.com/draft2011OLB3-4.php
Maybe you're right about Moch PK, but the Walter Draft guys aren't buying into it.

Who knows hopefully that might be a blessing in disguise and we can grab em both (Miller and Moch). Can't have enough pass rushers and especially with the question marks around Connor Barwin now after his injury. Also if what John McClain has been saying is true for us about how Wade Phillips uses a DT/NT that's currently on rosters for all team's he comes to then that may not even be a position of need so we may not have to draft for it (though I disagree).

But at the end of the day in my dream scenario if it all played the way I'd want it to go it would be like this:

1- Von Miller OLB (assuming DT is assessed as to not being a position of need)

2- Rahim Moore FS

3- Dontay Moch OLB (if what Walter Football projects is accurate)

Free Agency- Nnamdi Asomugha CB (NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES)

I believe our offensive issues are going to be solved next year as long as Owen Daniels is re-signed and fully healthy. He's reliable in moving the chains as you can tell Schaub had a little bit of indecisiveness without him. The focus of the draft has to be and needs to be defense. My opinion.

Here is a site that reviews most of the top free agents by position

http://www.footballsfuture.com/2011/fa/dl.html

I'd like to see us get a can't miss NT in free agency for sure.

I will certainly agree with that. Any idea who will be available?

Some of the top NT supposedly to be FA , unless resigned real soon, are

Haloti Ngata (BAL) - The contract Ngata will get from the Ravens this year probably still won’t be large enough to accommodate him as the league’s best defensive linemen who has been playing several years for far below his actual value. His impact on the Ravens defense is immeasurable and he’s made great strides as a pass rusher over the years as well. Ngata is a truly dominant football player.

Richard Seymour (OAK) – Seymour’s presence, production, and incalculable veteran leadership has helped spark a resurgence in Oakland. While initially displeased with the trade that brought him to the Raiders last year, Seymour has opened up to donning the silver and black long term. Al Davis has no problem spending money, so it would be a surprise if he didn’t have the highest offer on the table for Seymour, who has earned every penny he’ll see through his play this year.

Brandon Mebane (SEA) – At only 6’1, Mebane has the natural leverage and quickness to give interior linemen fits. He’s as underrated as they come and when you look at his numbers, it’s easy to see why he’s often snubbed when the discussion of the best defensive tackles comes up. Mebane has the work ethic and the tools to be a dominant defensive tackle for next decade and has been instrumental to the Seahawks’ run defense over the last 2 seasons.

Aubrayo Franklin (SF) – Though not as terrific as last year, Franklin had another strong season as the nose tackle for the 49ers. He was late to report to the Niners after they slapped him with the franchise tag. Franklin will be looking for his long-term extension this season and if the organization doesn’t reward him again this year, he’ll won’t hesitate to look elsewhere, as long as they don’t place the franchise tag on him yet again.

Pat Williams (MIN) – So much for the retirement talks of last offseason. Through recent comments, he already seems ready for next year and he’s already the league’s oldest defensive player. While the Vikings have had a disappointing season, Pat Williams has continued to play at a productive level. With a lot of upcoming free agents, it’ll be interesting to see how the front office approaches this offseason. Williams has predicted a “rough” transition for the team. Though he’s ready to return if the Vikings want him, he’s also open to going to another Super Bowl contender.

I agree with Dale Murphy about not spending Crazy Money for a CB, even as good as Nnamdi. I'd rather buy more players at bargain prices to minimize risk. Who would I like to target?

Richard Seymour (OAK) – Seymour’s presence, production, and incalculable veteran leadership has helped spark a resurgence in Oakland. --I loved this guy at Georgia and think he'd be awesome in our new 3-4 Defense. Not only his play on the field, but his leadership would be a great addition.

Brodney Pool (NYJ) - This team needs better coverage from the Safety position. This guy is probably more important long-term, than Seymour is to the team. I'd make him a very good offer, early in the bidding process.

D’Qwell Jackson (CLE) - I like the idea of having him and DeMeco in the middle of the defense as tackling machines. If Cushing is going to play OLB in the 3-4 like Clay Mathews does for Green Bay, then I am allowing Diles to either backup an ILB position or simply not re-sign him.

Richard Marshall (CAR) – Marshall has been okay in coverage over the years, but good in run support. He won’t be at the top of the Panthers priority list. --Another guy who has some time in the league and his presence should help out the younger players.

AND THE REST
I would mention Lamar Woodley and Tamba Hali, but doubt they get away from their current employers....
Really looking at adding LB's since that's where the talent is generally found in the 3-4.

Cliff Avril (DET)
Mark Anderson (HOU)
Brian Robison (MIN)
Chris Gocong (CLE)
Matt Roth (CLE)
Kirk Morrison (JAC)
Thomas Howard (OAK)
Kamerion Wimbley (OAK)
Antwan Barnes (SD)
Kevin Burnett (SD)
Brandon Siler (SD)
Manny Lawson (SF)
Quincy Black (TB)

KJax-----Cushing-----Mario-----Okoye-----Seymour----Avril-----Marshall
-------------------Thomas Howard-----D. Ryans
-----------------Jason Allen-----------------B. Pool

Quinn could come in as the NickleBack.
Barwin and Avril could fight over pass-rushing OLB
Thomas Howard could be the Coverage LB when we play Dallas Clark ---Or Kevin Burnett could play that spot and has experience with Wade in Dallas. --Quincy Black would also be athletic enough to play that position.

I'm not against swapping Seymour and putting him at the NT. Just thinking out loud.

Just as an aside: Brodney Pool is a local guy, played H.S. at Westbury and was a very good FS (good instincts), at Ok St. Still young enough to have several more years of good playing time.