1st Round DL
I've seen some discussions about taking or not taking a DL with our 1st round pick. So much so, I felt it deserved it's own thread.
First up for debate is B.J. Raji as the much needed NT to anchor the DL. While it may be a moot point and he could be drafted before we pick, why not kick this can around? A reason not to could include the fact that Vince Wilfork was not drafted until #21, so perhaps #15 is too high. Also, one could assume that Raji would most likely only be a two down DL that would need to be replaced several times during a game to keep fresh. What is his mind like and can he learn a defensive scheme. The last reason, which would apply to any DL is that we've spent 1st round picks on the DL before.
The reasons to select Raji include the fact that he is a force in the middle. He commands double teams and they still have trouble stopping him from moving the pile back 3 yards in the backfield. Imagine DeMeco being able to roam freely to the RB instead of having to take on RGs. Okoye would also be allowed to use his penetrating ability as the 3-Technique and be disruptive. Peyton Manning would no longer be able to step up in the pocket when Mario Williams comes screaming around his left ear hole. The defense would not have to blitz in order to get pressure on the QB. We might be able to shut down the run against the Titans and Jags without needing 9 in the box. Even if the big fella has to come out on 3rd down, that wouldn't be so bad if it was 3rd and 7 because we were able to stop teams on the 1st two downs. There is no other player who compares to Raji and what he can do on a football field in this draft class.
Exhibit #2 is Peria Jerry. Don't laugh, this guy is very good. The main reason we shouldn't draft him is because Travis Johnson and Amobi Okoye are very similar to him. He's a one-gap penetrator and can play on the offense's side of the ball. However, with Okoye on the roster, it seems a little bit of a missed opportunity. Perhaps we could get someone similar later in the draft, (Sen'Derrick Marks, Ziggy Hood, Alex Magee, or Darryl Richard) if we are simply trying to find another TJ or Okoye backup.
Exhibit #3 is Brian Orakpo/Everette Brown/Aaron Maybin. Yep, I lump them all together because to me they are all the same type of player. The main reason against these guys is that they are small when you consider putting their hand on the ground to play DE for 3 downs. While there are guys like T. Suggs and D. Freeney (not to mention Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay), they are not very effective vs. the run. So, basically you are allocating resources (1st round pick money) to be successful on defensive 3rd and longs - something you should be successful at anyway. I'd rather have a DE who plays against the run such as Robert Ayers and bring in a pass-rush specialist like Stryker Sulak who will be available much later in the draft.
|