What new starters do you want to see?

[painekiller]

I know we all want to see Cushing and Smith play, but the question I am really asking is which expected starter do you want to see replaced and by whom?

I'll start with a few changes I would like to see happen:

Myers seems to be a coach favorite, but I want to see Caldwell replace him for a long time. I don't expect this happen coming out of camp. But maybe by mid year.

Another player I want to see rise up and grab a starting job is Okam. I think a big NT who can split double teams changes the defense.

[nunusguy]

Most of all I'd like to see somebody, anybody beat out DRob at the position they've been "saving" for his return. I have really soured on him, and that wasn't easy since he used to be one of my favorites - even sent him several "get well" post cards when he was coming back from his injury.

[nero THE zero]

I'd like to see DelJuan starting. I don't care if he supplants TJ or Amobi, but I'd like to see him starting.

I'd like to see Caldwell starting in place of Myers.

Also, for clarity's sake, who's the expected starter at SS? If it's Ferguson, I'd like to see Barber start in his stead.

[idymoe]

You guys have already picked the cherries. I would like to see Barwin starting, based on merit and not injuries. I know he will be used primarily in passing situations to begin with, but with his physical tools, he will eventually be a good run stopper, too. Hopefully, he'll be a quick study. If he earns the start to kick Smith inside, it could be a very rugged d-line. If Okam could also earn a starter's spot, then that is even better.

The d-line should be significantly better this year, even if Barwin and/or Okam don't start. Smith is a huge upgrade to Weaver, and Barwin will be a better pass rusher than anyone not named Williams and possibly Smith. Deljuan is good enough to start, so the entire rotation will be better than last year.

[barrett]

I think "starters" are not that big a deal at most positions. Guys rotate and I hope we get contributions from spots #25-45 on the roster more than I care about who starts. That is how good teams are good. They do not have a guy on the roster that can't play. You have to have that with the way injuries and a 45 man active roster affect things in the NFL today.

The only starting lineup battle I care much about is at WLB, and that is because backup LBs get almost no playing time outside of special teams (opposed to the rotations that are used at almost every other spot). It seems like we have a bunch of guys who are quality depth but no solid NFL starter at the WLB. Hopefully one of them really steps up.

[papabear]

In General I would like to see younger guys able to beat out the older guys. That means we are doing a good job drafting. I'm not real picky about how that plays out though.

I think Caldwell will supplant Meyers, or Briesel at some point this year. That doesn't mean I'll be pissed if he doesn't.I would also like to see Barber breakout this year, and have guys like Bennet and Molden start consistently playing up to their ability. I would like to see Adibi show that he can be a long term solution at WILL.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Most of all I'd like to see somebody, anybody beat out DRob at the position they've been "saving" for his return.

Who will be the DB starters? What if we trade Dunta before the season?

Bennett and Reeves seem to be the favorites at CB with Ferguson and Wilson the safeties(?).

I have a feeling Molden is going to be held back and be placed on the PUP list, I do not have any info just a hunch.

So what is if Bennett steps ups and beats out the slower smaller Dunta? The two guys I am rooting for long term to play CBs are Bennett and Molden. With Quinn as a nickle.

At safety, I like Barber and I would like to see Harrison step it up or it's time to say bye bye to him. I am also interested in seeing Nolan play. Just want to throw this one out there, what if we used Busing and Barber as safeties on run plays. That would be a some size.

WILL LB - I want Adibi to win it, but Diles might be the better run stopper to go with this defense.


One thing is for certain we are cutting some very good players very soon.

[cland]

The only starting lineup battle I care much about is at WLB, and that is because backup LBs get almost no playing time outside of special teams (opposed to the rotations that are used at almost every other spot). It seems like we have a bunch of guys who are quality depth but no solid NFL starter at the WLB. Hopefully one of them really steps up.

I actually feel pretty comfortable with the winner of the Adibi, Diles, and June battle at the WLB spot. Safety still has me worried, but not as much as prior years.

I really think it's about how our DT's turn out, and I'm very interested in seeing how Okoye in year 3 and Okam in year 2 turn out. T. Johnson can hold ground, but he's not going to change the game. Smith's pass rush at DT in the nickle package, will also impact how our D is schemed against.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by cland

I actually feel pretty comfortable with the winner of the Adibi, Diles, and June battle at the WLB spot. Safety still has me worried, but not as much as prior years.

I really think it's about how our DT's turn out, and I'm very interested in seeing how Okoye in year 3 and Okam in year 2 turn out. T. Johnson can hold ground, but he's not going to change the game. Smith's pass rush at DT in the nickle package, will also impact how our D is schemed against.

I agree that DT is more important for how we play this year, but who starts there isn't that important. At least 4 DTs will play and at least 1 DE will see time there as well. So which 2 get to start doesn't matter a ton since they all need to play well for us.

At LB, your starters play almost all of the snaps, and when they come off the field it is for a DB not for the backup. Because of this it is probably the most interesting position battle.

At Safety I just don't think we have enough talent to even call it a position battle. Someone is going to be put there and asked to not lose games. We are obviously going with the model that pass rush = pass defense. If we can rush the passer well, that should be fine. The problem is we haven't yet.

[painekiller]

As barrett points out at some positions the starter is not as important.

RB is one of those, well at least the ways Kubiak has used the position in the past. We all believe Slaton will be the feature back, I am hoping that Foster wins the short yardage/big back job. I think Brown has the inside track, but I want young hungry blood with something to prove playing.

Slaton, Moats, Foster. (PS) Jeremiah Johnson