Our first round pick Whitney Mercilus

[76Texan]

It doesn't matter where he was drafted.

If Crick has been showing up in practice the way he played against the Niners, he makes the team.

The guy plays smart, with good pad level, maintaining his gap responsibility well.

I expect him to be part of the rotation.

I will have the game breakdown soon.

[Cjeremy635]

Mercilus has been a non factor all half. I could be wrong, but has he even been in on a single tackle? He appears lost and isn't making moves with a purpose. He just appears unsure to me.

Nevermind, he just got a sack. I'd still like to see more.

[thunderkyss]

Originally Posted by NastyNate

I think we're going to carry 5 DE's. He'll make the squad.

Who else do you see as DE? Smith, Watt, Jamison, Crick. .... who am I missing?

[beerlover]

Originally Posted by Cjeremy635

Mercilus has been a non factor all half. I could be wrong, but has he even been in on a single tackle? He appears lost and isn't making moves with a purpose. He just appears unsure to me.

Nevermind, he just got a sack. I'd still like to see more.

Mercilus is a bright star. Best closing speed of any pass rusher in Texan history. Early on they are asking him to become a sack specialist, doesn't mean he is a one trick pony but what a good skill set to have.

[76Texan]

We should feel good the way Barwin and Reed holding up playing so many snaps last year, having another pass rusher is a plus.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by Cjeremy635

Mercilus has been a non factor all half. I could be wrong, but has he even been in on a single tackle? He appears lost and isn't making moves with a purpose. He just appears unsure to me.

Nevermind, he just got a sack. I'd still like to see more.

To me he looks the same like he did in college. Doesn't wow you with anything in particular, but he has moments where he just gets it done. Honestly, id like more out of him, but If the highest he ever achieved is being "a good player", I can live with that.

[wolf123]

Originally Posted by Rey

To me he looks the same like he did in college. Doesn't wow you with anything in particular, but he has moments where he just gets it done. Honestly, id like more out of him, but If the highest he ever achieved is being "a good player", I can live with that.

He's a raw player that's pass rushing ability is well ahead of other areas of his game. He still has gotten 2.5 sacks in 3 games.

[EVOLVIST]

Originally Posted by wolf123

He's a raw player that's pass rushing ability is well ahead of other areas of his game. He still has gotten 2.5 sacks in 3 games.

Some of those sacks against scrubs, and the one against NO with nobody blocking him.

I predict 5 sacks for the season for Mercilus...and you know what? I fine with that number (for now, anyway).

[Rey]

Originally Posted by wolf123

He's a raw player that's pass rushing ability is well ahead of other areas of his game. He still has gotten 2.5 sacks in 3 games.

That's fine and all, but I'm not a huge Brooks Reed or Mercilus guy. To me they are about the same type of player. They have good motors they are good enough athletes, they are scrappy and because of that some good things will happen for them.

But I don't see either as they type of player that is going to dominate the guy in front of them on a consistent basis.

I hope I'm wrong about that by the way...

[badboy]

Originally Posted by EVOLVIST

Some of those sacks against scrubs, and the one against NO with nobody blocking him.

I predict 5 sacks for the season for Mercilus...and you know what? I fine with that number (for now, anyway).

Isn't the defense of Phillips designed to have someone unblocked & get to QB?

[Bulls on Parade]

Any idea if anybody can upload the Whitney Mercilus sack against the Saints on YouTube? He nearly had a second and third as well but the one sack he had was amazing to watch. Just wish it was available to watch again.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by badboy

Isn't the defense of Phillips designed to have someone unblocked & get to QB?

Yeah it is. But it won't always work out like that and that's when talent and skill kick in.

[76Texan]

Originally Posted by Rey

Yeah it is. But it won't always work out like that and that's when talent and skill kick in.

And that was exactly why they drafted Mercilus in the first place.

On the talent part that is; the skills, one has to learn.

You want a playmaker, you've got one.
Sometimes I wonder what can please you, Rey!

[Rey]

Originally Posted by 76Texan

And that was exactly why they drafted Mercilus in the first place.

On the talent part that is; the skills, one has to learn.

You want a playmaker, you've got one.
Sometimes I wonder what can please you, Rey!

I'm not displeased with anything merci has done or not done.

As far as the playmaker part, I hope you are right.

[TheRealJoker]

Originally Posted by Rey

I'm not displeased with anything merci has done or not done.

As far as the playmaker part, I hope you are right.

Merci has an elite first step. That alone is worth a first round pick.

[b0ng]

Just for giggles, if I put the over/under on the number of sacks you guys think Merci will get this season at 6 (not counting playoffs), what would you take?

I'd probably take the under.

[Vinny]

Originally Posted by b0ng

Just for giggles, if I put the over/under on the number of sacks you guys think Merci will get this season at 6 (not counting playoffs), what would you take?

I'd probably take the under.

I'd take the over...he's gonna be in a lot of pass rushing situations and will be fresh since he is not taking too many conventional down and distance snaps (assumed).

[b0ng]

Originally Posted by Vinny

I'd take the over...he's gonna be in a lot of pass rushing situations and will be fresh since he is not taking too many conventional down and distance snaps (assumed).

I don't think he's going to get as many snaps as Reed got last year. Not totally sure if he has enough moves/power (I know the speed is pretty much there) to get 6 sacks in a much more limited role.

[Cjeremy635]

I know one thing, that cat has got to learn to seal the edge of the damn line. As out outside guy, that is rule #1. He may be fast when getting after the QB in open space, but he's a liability in run defense. This is just my opinion of him from what I've seen in preseason. I don't follow college ball, so I don't know what skills he's supposed to be bringing to the table other than what I've read on here....which is basically "pass rush specialist". What's going to stop teams from checking to a run play when he's in the game? Yes....I'm that concerned.

[Rey]

Originally Posted by Cjeremy635

I know one thing, that cat has got to learn to seal the edge of the damn line. As out outside guy, that is rule #1. He may be fast when getting after the QB in open space, but he's a liability in run defense. This is just my opinion of him from what I've seen in preseason. I don't follow college ball, so I don't know what skills he's supposed to be bringing to the table other than what I've read on here....which is basically "pass rush specialist". What's going to stop teams from checking to a run play when he's in the game? Yes....I'm that concerned.

He's a rookie and needs to settle down. He'll get better. Especially in this defense.

You can look at him and tell he is thinking a lot. Not as reactionary. I think he'll at least be a solid player, but I'm not sold that he is a star.