This change means we pretty much have to bring back Joseph and Manning. No way we can go into next season with Swearinger/Keo. It also means we will probably draft a NT and sign one in FA. We will also address DE in draft or FA. We also need a stud OLB across from Mercilus and a rangy ILB inside with Cushing.
Yea, we stayed in the 3-4, but this hire pretty much changes everything on defense. Would have rather gone to an attacking 4-3 like Seattle.
No doubt that there will significant personnel changes needed. Still, I don't think it means keeping Manning is more important than it would be otherwise... In no system would I be remotely interested in Keo as a starting safety. Manning is an option but there are others available in free agency if we cut Manning for salary relief.
The DL will need a huge makeover. I think Crick will fit nicely as DE depth. Jamison could be servicable as depth at DE or shed 10 lbs and play a role as OLB.... There are no natural fits at DL signed for next season...
Mercilus and
Reed both become LBs... I'm quite interested in how Reed looks under Crennel. So, with Mercilus,
Cushing, and Reed, you have three assets to place in the four positions... Beyond that, don't forget about
Trevardo Williams! This defense is designed for a guy just like Williams- Wade's system was designed to create a one on one matchup between the rushing OLB and offensive tackle... Romeo's 3-4 is designed to have Williams running free untouched or picked up by a TE or RB. Based on our current roster, those 4 guys should all fit into the defense quite well.
In the secondary,
KJ, JJo, and Swearinger should all fit very well and probably look like better players than they have under Wade. Beyond that, I'll be interested in how the assess guys like Harris, Buoye, Pleasant, etc...
NT: **
DE: Crick, Jamison
DE:
Let's assume Watt converts to some type of OLB
OLB:Watt,
OLB:Mercilus, T. Williams
ILB:Cushing
ILB:B. Reed
CB: KJ, B.Harris
CB: JJo, McCain (should be fine not constantly exposed in man coverage from slot
S: Manning
S: Swearinger, Pleasant?
So, certainly there are some decisions to be made at DL/OLB (who converts to what best)...
Otherwise, the obvious roster holes are on the DL- especially if Watt doesn't play on the DL... Otherwise, I don't think it complicates our off-season needs... LB depth and Safety was going to be an issue to address regardless of the system.