Let's talk Kony Ealy

[Mr Mojo Risin]

So now that it's pretty much official Hardy won't be back we need to figure out how to fix our pass rush. Does Kony stop us from grabbing another pass rusher in the 1st or 2nd round? My answer would be no. While adding another rookie isn't always ideal it's probably our best shot at closing the gap left by Hardy. I hope Kony can really step it up next season but I believe he's going to follow in CJs and Hardys footsteps and not break out until year 3 or 4. If that's the case we need to find a way to replace those 10+ sacks on the other side of Cj and currently I dont believe we have a guy like that on our roster, nor do I think we'll get a rookie that will contribute that much right away either.

So, my question to you Huddle how do we go about fixing the pass rush? Remember we dont blitz all that often and rely on pressure from the front 4 most of the time. Does that change now that the circumstances are different? Do we blitz more? Do we bring In a FA? Or do we go with more of a committee like last year? Thoughts?

[4Corners]

We will get a better idea of what the organization thinks of him when we see what we do during FA and the draft. If they aren't bringing Hardy back, we need a pass rusher badly. Surprised, honestly, that a pass rusher isn't mentioned here more when we are discussing team needs. 

[Daeavorn]

I doubt we get a DE in FA. Any one worth a damn might not be affordable. I think DG is gonna draft a DE in rounds 1 or 2 let him and Ealy develop together.

[Mr Mojo Risin]

We will get a better idea of what the organization thinks of him when we see what we do during FA and the draft. If they aren't bringing Hardy back, we need a pass rusher badly. Surprised, honestly, that a pass rusher isn't mentioned here more when we are discussing team needs.

That is true but ill admit I was one of the ones that refused to believe we wouldn't at least make an attempt to bring Hardy back even if it wasn just for a year. Now that it is certain he won't be back pass rusher is definitely a top 3 need our defense relys too much on it to have a rookie or 2nd rd pick starting at the other end position. I think we try and bring in a FA or two before the draft.

[LinvilleGorge]

Gettleman has been very open about his affinity for pass rushers. I wouldn't be at all surprised if another DE was added in the first three rounds. Hell, I almost expect it. We need to protect ourselves against injury and CJ's eventual release or decline as well.

My choice is Mississippi State's Preston Smith. He seems to be that kind of well rounded guy with prototype size who can potentially play inside and out that Gettleman really likes. Imagine passing down situations where we could have CJ, Ealy, Smith, and Short out there to just pin their ears back and get after the opposing QB.

[PantherDynasty]

We will get a better idea of what the organization thinks of him when we see what we do during FA and the draft. If they aren't bringing Hardy back, we need a pass rusher badly. Surprised, honestly, that a pass rusher isn't mentioned here more when we are discussing team needs.

Another pass rusher would be nice, but I wouldn't really call it a need.

[tondi]

I'm OK with adding an early round DE if we see somebody we like. Don't think we should desperately draft whoever we can get however.

[MHS831]

Personally, I think Ealy needs time to develop, and playing him is how that will happen.  So much depends on his strength---

 

We need to remember that Alexander could be available, and he will be in his fourth year.  Addison is a good situational pass rusher. 

 

Pass pressure from the inside is how this team beats people.  Go back and watch the tape--when the qb cannot step up into pocket, our DEs eat.

[Ruff]

Honestly, with Gettleman drafting, I fully expect to see us get a pass rusher.

[Diehardpanther02]

We could address the need in other positions such as dbs, there are alot of dbs out there that can help sure up

The secondary. If we have better coverage we wont have to rely on the pass rush as much. We dropped off but still ranked 15th with ealy and those guys still learning their jobs.

[t96]

I don't think CJ is in DG's longterm plan so even if Kony turns into JJ Watt, I think there's a big chance we draft another DE in 1 or 2.

[EMSMedic79]

Corey Crawford in the 5-6 round.

[Kuech the Sneak]

Honestly, with Gettleman drafting, I fully expect to see us get a pass rusher.

It feels like every year were gonna get at least one dlineman with him drafting

[joemac]

If Norman and Bene continue to develop the way they have been, it will take a lot of pressure off our line. They go hand in hand