Texans' linebackers

[Fox]

About halfway through the season this year I was fairly convinced this team needed another linebacker with the ability to make big plays. Greenwood was in the midst of another lackluster year, and the forum seemed to be kicking around ideas of either picking up a new WLB or a new MLB and shifting Demeco to the will. After seeing Adibi get some playtime I'm not necessarily convinced that we need to go out and use a high draft pick or expensive FA acquisition to replace Greenwood. Diles was our most productive linebacker prior to his injury, and his broken leg shouldn't prevent him from coming back 100% next year. I think the suspicion that Demeco hasn't been 100% healthy this year is most likely valid, but he still provides us solid play regardless. Adibi has some injury concerns, but when he's on the field he's very productive. The three of them give us a highly athletic but undersized group (Adibi - 6'2, 220; Diles 6'0, 240; Ryans 6'1, 250).

The point of the thread is to see what your thoughts are about moving forward with this group. Do you see Adibi starting in front of Greenwood from the beginning next year with Diles returning at SLB? Do we need to go get a high priced FA or blue chip prospect at LB to stiffen up our D? I'm happy to move forward with Diles, Ryans, and Adibi, and I wouldn't necessarily go out of the way to address this position before others such as DE and safety. On the other hand, Diles and Adibi were solid but not spectacular. I wouldn't pass up the chance at a great LB (a la Patrick Willis) if they were the BPA.
Thoughts on our LB corp moving forward?

 

[BigBull17]

About halfway through the season this year I was fairly convinced this team needed another linebacker with the ability to make big plays. Greenwood was in the midst of another lackluster year, and the forum seemed to be kicking around ideas of either picking up a new WLB or a new MLB and shifting Demeco to the will. After seeing Adibi get some playtime I'm not necessarily convinced that we need to go out and use a high draft pick or expensive FA acquisition to replace Greenwood. Diles was our most productive linebacker prior to his injury, and his broken leg shouldn't prevent him from coming back 100% next year. I think the suspicion that Demeco hasn't been 100% healthy this year is most likely valid, but he still provides us solid play regardless. Adibi has some injury concerns, but when he's on the field he's very productive. The three of them give us a highly athletic but undersized group (Adibi - 6'2, 220; Diles 6'0, 240; Ryans 6'1, 250).

The point of the thread is to see what your thoughts are about moving forward with this group. Do you see Adibi starting in front of Greenwood from the beginning next year with Diles returning at SLB? Do we need to go get a high priced FA or blue chip prospect at LB to stiffen up our D? I'm happy to move forward with Diles, Ryans, and Adibi, and I wouldn't necessarily go out of the way to address this position before others such as DE and safety. On the other hand, Diles and Adibi were solid but not spectacular. I wouldn't pass up the chance at a great LB (a la Patrick Willis) if they were the BPA.
Thoughts on our LB corp moving forward?

Diles is ok, but OLB is a big need. We need to get more athletic. Diles is great special teams, and a good flexable back up, but he can be upgraded. We need guys who know how to blitz. I think thats what our guys do worst, is blitz. Coverage is another weakness. They also dont always tackle great. Greenwood is at risk of not making this team.

 

[Vinny]

Greenwood is done here...he was awful off the bench Sunday. I think Diles, DeMeco and Adibi will be our starters next season.

 

[BigBull17]

Greenwood is done here...he was awful off the bench Sunday. I think Diles, DeMeco and Adibi will be our starters next season.

I agree, but I dont think Diles and Adibi are SO good you dont look at OLB as something to be upgraded.

 

[infantrycak]

Greenwood is done here...he was awful off the bench Sunday. I think Diles, DeMeco and Adibi will be our starters next season.

Should be. Adibi has outplayed him. 2009 is the last year of his contract and the Texans can create $4.77 mil of cap space by dumping him.

 

[Hervoyel]

Wish we could get our hands on Derrick Johnson. Still Diles, Ryans, and Adibi is going to be better than anything we've seen this season so far. I'm pretty sure of that.

 

[Vinny]

I agree, but I dont think Diles and Adibi are SO good you dont look at OLB as something to be upgraded.

Early in the draft I see us looking at a DE, a S or a G/C before we look at linebacker. I honestly think we have our starters in place...heck, before Diles was injured he led the team in tackles, not Demeco.

 

[disaacks3]

Greenwood is at risk of not making this team.

Best news I've heard all day! Adibi is definitely a speed upgrade and looks to have reasonably good instincts as well.

 

[gtexan02]

Diles is ok, but OLB is a big need. We need to get more athletic. Diles is great special teams, and a good flexable back up, but he can be upgraded. We need guys who know how to blitz. I think thats what our guys do worst, is blitz. Coverage is another weakness. They also dont always tackle great. Greenwood is at risk of not making this team.

Did you watch the games he played in? He was leading the team in tackles up until he got injured. he would have been the biggest surprise of the year if he hadn't gotten hurt

 

[b0ng]

I agree, but I dont think Diles and Adibi are SO good you dont look at OLB as something to be upgraded.

It Could be upgraded but I think both diles and adibi play well enough that we aren't going to make a huge splash landing a bigtime OLB. Look for an upgrade along the DL or the Secondary (Specifically either S position) that would qualify as a big expenditure.

 

[HOU-TEX]

Greenwood is done here...he was awful off the bench Sunday. I think Diles, DeMeco and Adibi will be our starters next season.

IMO, I still think we should look at LB on the first day if there's a top prospect still available at our spot.

Diles can play the run good, but I question his pass coverage. He's still young and inexperienced so he should improve.

Adibi's still a huge question mark for me. If he'd add another 10-15 pounds of muscle and stay healthy, he'd likely be pushing D-Ryans as our best LB.

Bentley's been impressive at times since Diles went down.

IMO, we should look at DE, OLB, S, G/C, CB

 

[Texan_Bill]

DB's, DL's, LB's.... rinse and repeat.

 

[HOU-TEX]

DB's, DL's, LB's.... rinse and repeat.

I agree. I know I've mentioned it quite often, but this draft should focus entirely of the defense. Maybe mix in a C/G somewhere in the 7 rounds, but the rest on defense. That way if SmithDC is still around for next season (Gag me!) the "not enough talent" BS can't be used as an excuse.

 

[Wolf6151]

I think that the top DE's (Johnson and Orakpo) will be gone by the time we pick and Greg Hardy has some mental issues and will probably be available in the 2nd round. The only DT worthy of us picking in the 1st round is B.J. Raji but if he's not available then I'd like to see us take Aaron Curry SLB from Wake Forest. Curry would be a major upgrade over Diles and would add alot to our run support defense and to our pass coverage of TE's and RB's who seem to kill us over the middle. Defensive linemen also seem to have a very high bust factor and usually take a couple years to develope into a player worthy of their draft position if taken in the 1st round. I think our starting LB's next year should be WLB Xavier Adibi, MLB Demeco Ryans, and SLB Aaron Curry. Then take the best, fastest, meanest SS in the 2nd round (Chung, Cook, Hamlin, or Chancellor).

 

[Goatcheese]

I'm excited to see Adibi Ryans and Diles get to play together.

That could be a really good linebacker corps.

 

[Jackie Chiles]

If Diles comes back 100% I really like our LBing core. He would probably have a bit of a battle to retake his spot from Bentley who has played very well. Diles really impressed me with his ability to penetrate and get after runners, especially on plays to the outside. He is not polished in coverage but he made a great play against Indy getting that pick and I think he can become more than adequate in that area. All three are very young and we have bigger problems on the DL and at safety as far as I am concerned. I believe LB next year will be a strength of this team. Jettison Morlon, Bentley is the first backup at each position and bring up Coley to help out with ST. If there is someone in the draft that is just too good to pass up either take him or trade down but hopefully we find the value elsewhere.

 

[mussop]

I think that the top DE's (Johnson and Orakpo) will be gone by the time we pick and Greg Hardy has some mental issues and will probably be available in the 2nd round. The only DT worthy of us picking in the 1st round is B.J. Raji but if he's not available then I'd like to see us take Aaron Curry SLB from Wake Forest. Curry would be a major upgrade over Diles and would add alot to our run support defense and to our pass coverage of TE's and RB's who seem to kill us over the middle. Defensive linemen also seem to have a very high bust factor and usually take a couple years to develope into a player worthy of their draft position if taken in the 1st round. I think our starting LB's next year should be WLB Xavier Adibi, MLB Demeco Ryans, and SLB Aaron Curry. Then take the best, fastest, meanest SS in the 2nd round (Chung, Cook, Hamlin, or Chancellor).

I would be shocked if Curry last until we pick. There is a thread about who most likely will be available where we are most likely to be picking.

 

[steelbtexan]

I would like to see us pick up solid veteran LB in FA (Mike Peterson) He can be had cheap.

We need to re-sign Bentley I have been very impressed with his solid play @ SAM. He also is a good ST guy & provides veteran leadership.

 

[noxiousdog]

Early in the draft I see us looking at a DE, a S or a G/C before we look at linebacker. I honestly think we have our starters in place...heck, before Diles was injured he led the team in tackles, not Demeco.

I agree. You could even throw DT in the mix.

 

[Mr teX]

We've got our guys.....

I don't think i can recall another player on the texans who everyone noticed when he got in the game except Adibi. Demeco maybe, but surely noone else after him. My guess it that he's going to be entrenched as a starter & will be fine, he just needs that 1 pro offseason under his belt to be able to put on a little more weight. another year of possibly being under the same scheme isn't gonna hurt him either. These were the main reasons Diles was able to emerge as a starter this past year & Adibi's route to getting better as a down in/out starter likely isn't going to be much different. I thought it was huge that he got some PT this year b/c now he knows what it's going to take to be a dominant player on this level like he was at VT.

Unlike Adibi, Diles didn't get much of any PT last year & i think that kinda of hurt what he might've been able to do this year but all in all still good upside for him. As long as he comes back 100%, he'll be a starter & finally do what everyone thinks he's capable of.


As for Meco, i don't think he's been hurt. his production maybe down but that might just be a side effect of him getting better talent around him & Mario emerging the way he has over the last couple of years.

 

[Big Lou]

At the start of the year I felt like our top pick in the draft should have been an LB in the draft. However I think Adibi, Dile, and Ryans are a strong group overall. I would prefer to get a book end DE and a Playmaking Safety, and we would be set. We could use the depth at LB, but only if the right guy came along for the rights price would I even bother. Say like Bart Scott, except I don't think he fits our system.

 

[dalemurphy]

Greenwood is done here...he was awful off the bench Sunday. I think Diles, DeMeco and Adibi will be our starters next season.

Also, I really like Bentley as a backup. He's versatile and very solid. I think he can play all three spots, though weakside may be a bit of a stretch for him.

I think I even like Chaun Thompson but he's been M.I.A. too much to say for sure.

 

[threetoedpete]

Greenwood is done here...he was awful off the bench Sunday. I think Diles, DeMeco and Adibi will be our starters next season.

I'll be surprised if Greenwood makes it to OTAs. I know everyone likes the guy.
I know he is a good locker room guy. But it's fish or cut bait for this regime next year. And they know it too. Agreed with he starters. I think it is imperative that they bang a special teams guy like the Cal Senior or Freeman from the OSU. Bentley has played well. But he doesn't have the top end gear you're looking for in a play maker. He is a back up.

Well we're out of the elite first step guys picking in the twenties or so. Orakpo and Everett Brown should be off the board. Curry is going to go top ten or so. What will be on the board is a lot of talented lineman. I hate a safety pick in the first.

Orakpo may pull a Randy Moss and tumble because of his injury history and the production of the Texas guys d-lineman of late. But he isn't going to fall into the twenties.

 

[badboy]

We are set with Diles, Ryan and Adibi. Bentley while not great is solid and looked good against Titans. Chaun Thompson I am not sure of and will not be surprised if Greenwood is back. That is not a commentary on his ability, just saying. A solid FS like William Moore
6'1" 220 and 4.45 in first and a 2nd round selection of Brandon Graham DE are what my goals are as of today. Of course how the college guys grade out prior to draft may allow a few to sneak in. Smith has been pretty good and pulling in guys in lower rounds such as Diles. I do not expect a pick before 5th if that on LB.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I wouldn't mind an upgrade to our LB's but not at the expense of a higher rated player. Diles was absolutely awesome this year, and Adibi has looked great. I've been worried over Demeco's injury and his ability to get/stay healthy. Something is going to have to change over the next few season- we either NEED a bigger DT (NT) and have Amobi/TJ alternate or we NEED to get more athletic, quicker LB's. If we have an undersized DL, our LB's are going to get pounded and have shorter careers. Demeco may be the same weight as some other notable LB's... but he doesn't have the same frame. If we don't get a beefier DL and Demeco stays in the middle, I'm worried he's always going to have some lingering health issue. I'm not saying he's not a fighter b/c he'll be out there playing even if he's got a broken arm, but too many hits from the MJD's, Addai's, and White/Johnson's of the league/division are going to take a toll on him. I have been okay with moving Demeco outside if we can get the likes of a LB like P-Willie. We passed him up for the pure upside of Amobi... will we continue to gamble like that? (could be somewhat similar prospects like Mauluga and Spikes this year) although Curry for OLB would be a great addition.

I'm worried about Diles, too. He looked great, but the the bottom line is he's got a steel rod in his leg right now. I don't know about the recovery of anything like that but I find it doubtful he makes it back 100% next season, but that's just me. If he doesn't... or even if he does, he provides great depth and our LB's become the strength of our defense.

We've several options for players and positions to look at with our 1st rd pick this year. DT, DE, LB, S, CB, OG so I think we just need to focus on taking the best player available.

 

[Porky]

Diles is adequate but he certainly isn't special in any way, shape or form. He isn't an impact player whatsoever. He's a guy who is around the ball and makes tackles - 5 yards down the field. He's undersized, not all that fast, but his instincts appear to be pretty good to me. All in all, an adequate starter or good backup. I mean let's face it - he lasted until round 7 for a reason AND he is coming off a broken leg.

In a pinch we can run Bentley out there, but he's not the answer either imo.

If someone is there on day one that can unseat these guys and be more of an impact player, I'm all for it myself.

As far as I am concerned, Adibi won the weakside spot. If someone truly *special* comes along, fine. But I think he can be a fine player for a long time, although I don't see special in him either.

 

[Polo]

Diles is a beast. Well....He's really good IMHO...

Very strong...Can run with most TE's....And he makes plays on the opponents side of the ball....

 

[Polo]

Ever since we drafted Adibi I felt like we needed to go DE in the upcoming draft...

My priority would be:

1)DE
2)RB
3)Interior Lineman
4)DB
5)LB

 

[Fox]

We've several options for players and positions to look at with our 1st rd pick this year. DT, DE, LB, S, CB, OG so I think we just need to focus on taking the best player available.

Agree with this. I don't think we're hurting so badly at any one position that it must be upgraded immediately. I think we should approach our picks with a purely BPA mentality, take the player who's going to make an immediate impact on the field, regardless of position.

 

[ATXtexanfan]

Diles is adequate but he certainly isn't special in any way, shape or form. He isn't an impact player whatsoever. He's a guy who is around the ball and makes tackles - 5 yards down the field. He's undersized, not all that fast, but his instincts appear to be pretty good to me. All in all, an adequate starter or good backup. I mean let's face it - he lasted until round 7 for a reason AND he is coming off a broken leg.

In a pinch we can run Bentley out there, but he's not the answer either imo.

If someone is there on day one that can unseat these guys and be more of an impact player, I'm all for it myself.

As far as I am concerned, Adibi won the weakside spot. If someone truly *special* comes along, fine. But I think he can be a fine player for a long time, although I don't see special in him either.

BINGO on diles, rest of the post speaks the truth.

 

[Polo]

I mean let's face it - he lasted until round 7 for a reason AND he is coming off a broken leg.

Matt Cassel ????

Is that you ?????

 

[ATXtexanfan]

highest rated defensive player (minus CB) is fine by me in the draft.

 

[Polo]

I'd take the highest rated CB in a heart beat....

 

[Polo]

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41092&highlight=Greenwood+terrible

http://www.texanstalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38754&highlight=Greenwood+terrible


LOL @ some of y'a'l'l

Morlon didn't become terrible overnight....

 

[b0ng]

I'd take the highest rated CB in a heart beat....

I'd reform that to, I'd take any highest rated defensive player available in a heart beat

 

[281]

if he were somehow still on the board, my dream is for us to draft rey maualuga out of usc and move demeco to the outside, since his smaller frame and punishment at the mike makes him more injury prone. our LB corps would be flat out scary.

 

[ObsiWan]

if he were somehow still on the board, my dream is for us to draft rey maualuga out of usc and move demeco to the outside, since his smaller frame and punishment at the mike makes him more injury prone. our LB corps would be flat out scary.

Can he cover Dallas Clark all over the field?
Nope.
We need more speed.

 

[TEXANRED]

OLB is still a need on this team. I know there are a lot of Diles fans here but he is a MLB playing OLB like a MLB. I didn't see a change in our front seven after he got hurt. Bentley came in and was doing the job just as well as Diles. Maybe not from a tackle stand point, but our rush/pass defense didn't get any better or worse.

Maybe we switch Diles and DeMeco's positions? Nah.

Xavier worries me a little with his health. First he gets a mysterious illness (which sounds like Mono) and now he pulls his groin and will likely miss the rest of the season. So there might be a health issue there.

I do agree that DE and Safety are probably bigger concerns at this point, but I would still address it in the draft.

 

[BigBull17]

I agree. I know I've mentioned it quite often, but this draft should focus entirely of the defense. Maybe mix in a C/G somewhere in the 7 rounds, but the rest on defense. That way if SmithDC is still around for next season (Gag me!) the "not enough talent" BS can't be used as an excuse.

I would like to see us get a slot type WR guy as well. Just to spread the field. Anderson is ok, but a little more impact.

 

[Insideop]

I wouldn't mind an upgrade to our LB's but not at the expense of a higher rated player. Diles was absolutely awesome this year, and Adibi has looked great. I've been worried over Demeco's injury and his ability to get/stay healthy. Something is going to have to change over the next few season- we either NEED a bigger DT (NT) and have Amobi/TJ alternate or we NEED to get more athletic, quicker LB's. If we have an undersized DL, our LB's are going to get pounded and have shorter careers. Demeco may be the same weight as some other notable LB's... but he doesn't have the same frame. If we don't get a beefier DL and Demeco stays in the middle, I'm worried he's always going to have some lingering health issue. I'm not saying he's not a fighter b/c he'll be out there playing even if he's got a broken arm, but too many hits from the MJD's, Addai's, and White/Johnson's of the league/division are going to take a toll on him. I have been okay with moving Demeco outside if we can get the likes of a LB like P-Willie. We passed him up for the pure upside of Amobi... will we continue to gamble like that? (could be somewhat similar prospects like Mauluga and Spikes this year) although Curry for OLB would be a great addition.

I'm worried about Diles, too. He looked great, but the the bottom line is he's got a steel rod in his leg right now. I don't know about the recovery of anything like that but I find it doubtful he makes it back 100% next season, but that's just me. If he doesn't... or even if he does, he provides great depth and our LB's become the strength of our defense.

We've several options for players and positions to look at with our 1st rd pick this year. DT, DE, LB, S, CB, OG so I think we just need to focus on taking the best player available.

Yep! I have to agree with you here OMT about the health concerns of DeMeco and Diles. I'm also concerned about Adibi too (light weight and injuries). So, if Curry is there when we pick in the 1st, I hope we take him. If he's gone, maybe Everette Brown or Taylor Mays will be there, but I hope Curry is still there. JMHO!

 

[infantrycak]

I wonder if we are still going to have move Demeco posts/threads after he has gone to his 6th pro-bowl at MLB.

 

[BigBull17]

OLB is still a need on this team. I know there are a lot of Diles fans here but he is a MLB playing OLB like a MLB. I didn't see a change in our front seven after he got hurt. Bentley came in and was doing the job just as well as Diles. Maybe not from a tackle stand point, but our rush/pass defense didn't get any better or worse.

Maybe we switch Diles and DeMeco's positions? Nah.

Xavier worries me a little with his health. First he gets a mysterious illness (which sounds like Mono) and now he pulls his groin and will likely miss the rest of the season. So there might be a health issue there.

I do agree that DE and Safety are probably bigger concerns at this point, but I would still address it in the draft.

Agreed. DE and S are needs one and two, but a OLB has to figure into this draft. I just think we can get better at the postition.

I wonder if we are still going to have move Demeco posts/threads after he has gone to his 6th pro-bowl at MLB.

We better not after we passed on Willis to leave him in the middle.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I wonder if we are still going to have move Demeco posts/threads after he has gone to his 6th pro-bowl at MLB.

I have no doubt in my mind Demeco is a great MLB and will make many pro bowl rosters. I just always have to wonder WHAT IF we had another perennial pro bowler in the Middle and Demeco was just as good outside. What if Demeco is forced to play with lingering ankle injuries his whole career because he's playing mike behind an undersized DL?

Willis has already proved he's that MLB, but the past is the past. There are a lot of LB's this draft that can really succeed in the NFL. I'm not a HUGE huge fan of moving Demeco for the sake of moving him. Kubiak is obviously a really smart coach and I trust his judgement. But I also know Demeco is really versatile and you don't pass up on A++ talent.

Amobi was apparently the highest rated Defensive player on their board in '07, so you take him if you have the chance. Duane Brown is apparently perfectly suited for LT in Gibb's ZBS so you take him to be your franchise LT while the coach is here. But at what cost do you take these players? Both are based LARGELY on potential, shoot almost purely on potential. And to be clear, I was a fan of both draft picks and still am.

 

[infantrycak]

I have no doubt in my mind Demeco is a great MLB and will make many pro bowl rosters. I just always have to wonder WHAT IF we had another perennial pro bowler in the Middle and Demeco was just as good outside. What if Demeco is forced to play with lingering ankle injuries his whole career because he's playing mike behind an undersized DL?

Willis has already proved he's that MLB, but the past is the past. There are a lot of LB's this draft that can really succeed in the NFL. I'm not a HUGE huge fan of moving Demeco for the sake of moving him. Kubiak is obviously a really smart coach and I trust his judgement. But I also know Demeco is really versatile and you don't pass up on A++ talent.

What if Demeco just got rolled in the pile and his ankle has nothing whatsoever to do with the DL? What if they get another perennial pro bowler on the outside and Demeco stays where he is? What if Willis had been moved to the outside?

Fact is teams pass up on A++ talent all the time at positions they feel are set and because there are almost always other players at other positions with very similar talent available. You rarely see a team spend a first round pick on a position they already have a pro-bowler at unless they are clearly at the end of their career. I understand Demeco is versatile but I just don't like screwing with success. In addition to the pure play on the field, the MLB is the traditional leader of the front seven and I think Demeco has exceptional smarts and leadership he brings to the position that can't be undervalued.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

What if Demeco just got rolled in the pile and his ankle has nothing whatsoever to do with the DL? What if they get another perennial pro bowler on the outside and Demeco stays where he is? What if Willis had been moved to the outside?

Fact is teams pass up on A++ talent all the time at positions they feel are set and because there are almost always other players at other positions with very similar talent available. You rarely see a team spend a first round pick on a position they already have a pro-bowler at unless they are clearly at the end of their career. I understand Demeco is versatile but I just don't like screwing with success. In addition to the pure play on the field, the MLB is the traditional leader of the front seven and I think Demeco has exceptional smarts and leadership he brings to the position that can't be undervalued.

No doubt I agree with your post. As to the injury (or any potential), it's not so much what caused it but with it going forward in future years. It is very rare to 'replace' a pro bowlwer, DROY with another player to make a move. I think adding a pro bowl OLB (like Curry?) would be great or moving another LB outside would be good if they can make that transition. As to the bolded, 110% agree. That's the biggest factor why I believe they moved him to MLB. I think initially it was unclear as to where he'd play but that he would definitely see the field as a starter. I think it is his ability to be the leader and his football IQ that keep him where he is. But part of the BPA process during the draft is best player, not best athlete- "player" should take into account these intangibles.

 

[BigBull17]

I have no doubt in my mind Demeco is a great MLB and will make many pro bowl rosters. I just always have to wonder WHAT IF we had another perennial pro bowler in the Middle and Demeco was just as good outside. What if Demeco is forced to play with lingering ankle injuries his whole career because he's playing mike behind an undersized DL?

Willis has already proved he's that MLB, but the past is the past. There are a lot of LB's this draft that can really succeed in the NFL. I'm not a HUGE huge fan of moving Demeco for the sake of moving him. Kubiak is obviously a really smart coach and I trust his judgement. But I also know Demeco is really versatile and you don't pass up on A++ talent.

Amobi was apparently the highest rated Defensive player on their board in '07, so you take him if you have the chance. Duane Brown is apparently perfectly suited for LT in Gibb's ZBS so you take him to be your franchise LT while the coach is here. But at what cost do you take these players? Both are based LARGELY on potential, shoot almost purely on potential. And to be clear, I was a fan of both draft picks and still am.

I agree, the past is the past, but Ill still die a little each time I see him post 200 tackle seasons.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

Back to the original thought though:

I really like Adibi and Demeco where they are.
Diles being injured really concernces me and I'm not writing him in, we have to move on like he's not even available next year.
Bentley is a good backup to have and can play in the middle or outside if necessary for spot duty.
Greenwood shouldn't get another contract like he has and is welcome to play his way onto another team if he'd like. I think he's a good backup to have, I like him for the team as a backup but not at his current price.
Then there's Coley and Thompson and I havn't really seen enough of them.

I miss Charlie Anderson, I think he was a great backup to have and an even better special teams player.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

I agree, the past is the past, but Ill still die a little each time I see him post 200 tackle seasons.

You're telling me! I'm mostly just telling myself that so I get over it... I don't want to be a P-Dub Homer like some of the VY homers we had around here.

Not to derail the thread at all but I wonder, what if ATL and Petrino would have taken Amobi instead of Anderson. Who would have been next on our list? Would we had taken Anderson to play opposite Mario or maybe Willis? This is why I love the draft so much, every pick affected by the ones preceding it.

 

[Vinny]

after watching him play for two years I have a hard time comprehending how Okoye would have been the highest rated defensive player on the draft board.

 

[Ole Miss Texan]

after watching him play for two years I have a hard time comprehending how Okoye would have been the highest rated defensive player on the draft board.

Great story, smart, nice guy and tons of potential. I think it was one of those "let's pray we just hit a homerun picks" that teams can afford to make when they have a better supporting cast. If our DL was already strong, Okoye would be making more plays left and right. Instead, now the first couple seasons we're paying him handsomely to learn the game and to try and put it together.