How Thirsty is DG for a pass rush DE?

[bLACKpANTHER]

During the Huddle podcast, Jones said our #1 need was a pass rushing DE- which really surprised me. With the obvious holes at OT, WR and S- and the way we still produced sacks without the Kracken last year- I didn't even think an edge rusher was on our radar until the later rounds. (Shoot, I didn't even think RB was that big of a need until I got persuaded by some friends)

 

So since I listened to the pod, whenever I do a mock I have been looking to grab a DE in the early to mid rounds. However, this is such a weak class of elite-above average DEs that it is really hard to find one when we draft.

 

My question of "How Thirsty is DG for a pass rush DE?" comes with the thought that maybe we got our DE last year in Kony Ealy. A player usually improves the most from his rookie-sophomore year. I really don't have 100% faith in Ealy to make a jump to a 8-10 sack season, but I just don't see us taking a DE anywhere in our first 4 picks because no one really moves the needle, IMO.

 

What say you?

[updownsigma]

How thirsty? About two Aquifina bottles worth:

 

 

But really, I hope we don't get a DE in the first 3 rounds.  If we do though, I'll have to give Gettleman the benefit of the doubt.

 

Edit: I don't think Ealy jumps to double digit sacks this year either, that would be a pretty impressive leap for a second year guy

[CarolinaCoolin]

I don't think we find a guy outside of project who won't make an immediate impact

[t96]

I don't agree with JJ that DG thinks it's our #1 need. OT is our #1 need first and foremost. That could possibly not be the case depending on Oher and Martin but since they're unknown it's our #1 need. DE is definitely our #2 need in my opinion. Roman played solid enough down the stretch when the other pieces were all in place that, while SS is a need, it's not a priority. And WR2 in our offense just isn't super important compared to how important DE is in Rivera's system. I would be shocked if we don't draft a DE in the first 3 rounds.

[d-run]

It's possible (but unlikely) Dupree or Gregory could fall to 25 and we would undoubtably take either.

Other options are Smith, Harold or Odighizua but I think all three would be a reach in the first. If any of those fell to our second round pick we would certainly grab them though.

We don't seem to be in a great spot where a DE would be BPA unless there is an unexpected drop

[Bartin]

There is no one I like at all that could be there at 25 but there are some seriously enticing options that could be there at 57 if they fall.

[O-Ther]

Charles Johnson 6'2" 285 lbs.

Kony Ealy 6'4" 275 lbs.

Frank Alexander 6'4" 270 lbs.

Mario Addison 6'3" 260 lbs.

Wes Horton 6'5" 265 lbs.

 

See the pattern? I'm scanning the DEs/OLBs available and not seeing many that match that mold. The ones that do are Addison types instead of Johnson, Ealy, or Alexander types. DE Preston Smith is the closest one, and from what I can tell is projected 3rd or 4th round.

[Gin and Juice]

It is and will always be a priority. It is the bread and butter of the defensive philosophy

[tiger7_88]

If a Bud Dupree or Randy Gregory is sitting there at our pick, you take him.

[Gin and Juice]

Preston Smith and Trey Flowers are the only two top tier 4-3 ends. Look for one or the other to be had in Rd 2. Thank god we run a 4-3 so there isn't much demand for our style ends

[Bartin]

Charles Johnson 6'2" 285 lbs.

Kony Ealy 6'4" 275 lbs.

Frank Alexander 6'4" 270 lbs.

Mario Addison 6'3" 260 lbs.

Wes Horton 6'5" 265 lbs.

See the pattern? I'm scanning the DEs/OLBs available and not seeing many that match that mold. The ones that do are Addison types instead of Johnson, Ealy, or Alexander types. DE Preston Smith is the closest one, and from what I can tell is projected 3rd or 4th round.

Preston Smith is a 2nd round guy that could go as high as late 1st or fall to late 2nd. Odighizuwa is another guy that fits the measurables profile DG will like and he could be there at 57 as well though his hip issues scare me. Trey Flowers is a little short but he's a guy I could see in the 3rd or 4th.

[DelhommesTheMan]

Been saying this forever if Odi is there at 25 we are taking him..you can get a OT in the second (Fisher) who could be the same as some of the first round guys. Charles Johnson and his contract also play a huge part in this, plus the pass rush was awful the first half of the year until CJ got into the groove. A rotation of CJ, Ealy, Alexander and a guy like Odi would be dominant with Ealy and Odi obviously being the future at DE for us.

[KillerKat]

ban for using word "thirsty" in that way

[O-Ther]

Preston Smith is a 2nd round guy that could go as high as late 1st or fall to late 2nd. Odighizuwa is another guy that fits the measurables profile DG will like and he could be there at 57 as well though his hip issues scare me. Trey Flowers is a little short but he's a guy I could see in the 3rd or 4th.

 

Good to know about Smith. Feel the same about O2, hip problems are a bad sign.