2013 Mocks and Needs

[HPF Bob]

I would only take an OLB in the first round if we aren't keeping Barwin. Otherwise, we have enough invested with Barwin, Reed and Mercilus. Of course, Cushing was an OLB in college so there could be the plan to convert such a pick to the inside.

I'd sure rather see a big body in the middle or the top ILB at the bottom of Round 1.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

I would only take an OLB in the first round if we aren't keeping Barwin. Otherwise, we have enough invested with Barwin, Reed and Mercilus. Of course, Cushing was an OLB in college so there could be the plan to convert such a pick to the inside.

I'd sure rather see a big body in the middle or the top ILB at the bottom of Round 1.

Chase Thomas is a guy I can see playing either inside or the outside in our system. He is on the small side for a full time OLB in Wade's system, but he certainly could be an ILB in the base defense and a pass rusher with quickness in some passing down packages.

Also I am thinking Barwin is gone if he is offered a decent size contract from someone, but that happening is looking more unlikely.

Skov is a more traditional ILB, and we need to upgrade the depth at ILB.

That would give the Texans Cushing coming of IR, Sharpton who will have missed half this season, Dobbins and Skov as full time ILB and Thomas as a swing guy going from ILB to OLB depending on the package.

[nunusguy]

Until we know Wade Phillips plans beyond this year, wouldn't it be premature to sign/resign any LBs ?

[HPF Bob]

Originally Posted by nunusguy

Until we know Wade Phillips plans beyond this year, wouldn't it be premature to sign/resign any LBs ?

Maybe not. If we promote a DC from within if Phillips leaves, then the schemes are likely to remain the same. I think it would be foolish, after our personnel decisions of the past two years, to switch back to a 4-3 base.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by HPF Bob

Maybe not. If we promote a DC from within if Phillips leaves, then the schemes are likely to remain the same. I think it would be foolish, after our personnel decisions of the past two years, to switch back to a 4-3 base.

I completely agree, going back to a 4-3 right now is not the best move IMO.

My problem is which guy would you go with? Reggie called the defense last year during the game Wade missed, and the team sucked that week. I like the young DB coach, Vance Joseph, but he has no experience calling defenses. Kollar was here during the bad defense years, so can he be an answer, not sure.

IMO we need to keep Wade here as long as we can.

edit note a name to add to the mix:
John Pagano DC for the Chargers, he has worked with Wade with the Chargers, might not be a fit, but then again...