Front options in the 3-4

[Mr. Scot]

So here's a quick matching game.

CATEGORY 1: Defensive linemen from last season still currently on the Panthers roster

DE Mario Addison
DE Bryan Cox Jr
DE Efe Obada
DE Marquis Haynes

DT Kawann Short
DT Dontari Poe
DT Vernon Butler

(Note: DTs Woodrow Hamilton and Elijah Qualls are also on roster currently but didn't play with us last season; include them if you wish)

CATEGORY 2: Defensive front positions in a 3-4 alignment

Nose Tackle
Left Defensive End
Right Defensive End
Left Outside Linebacker
Right Outside Linebacker

THE GAME: Match the current Panthers player to his best position in the 3-4 alignment

WILD CARD: Some might view Shaq Thompson as an OLB in the 3-4 while others would move him inside. Feel free to throw Thompson (or any other current linebacker not named Luke Kuechly) into one of those outside spots if that's where you believe they belong.

KEEP IN MIND: You're not necessarily building a depth chart here, so don't think of it in those terms. You're just putting our current players in the slots where you think they're best suited. Also don't worry about draft picks or free agents as we're looking only at the guys we have right now.

Okay... Go.

[carpanfan96]

DE - Butler/Cox

NT - Poe

DE - Short

OLB - Addison

ILB - Thompson

ILB - Kuechly

OLB - Haynes

 

if I absolutely must pick. lol

[Mr. Scot]

16 minutes ago, carpanfan96 said:

DE - Butler/Cox

NT - Poe

DE - Short

OLB - Addison

ILB - Thompson

ILB - Kuechly

OLB - Haynes

 

if I absolutely must pick. lol

No Obada?

[carpanfan96]

2 minutes ago, Mr. Scot said:

No Obada?

he'd back up short at the other DE spot. He's got the length and size to play 3-4 end so he's got that going for him. which is more then most of the current players can say.

 

Honestly to be able to run it properly, Rivera and Hurney are gonna have to hit a few picks out of the park. Honestly gonna need another DE and OLB, plus fs is needed. 

[Mr. Scot]

1 minute ago, carpanfan96 said:

he'd back up short at the other DE spot. He's got the length and size to play 3-4 end so he's got that going for him. which is more then most of the current players can say..lol

Fair enough, though I suspect the majority would probably put him at one of the OLB slots.

[carpanfan96]

1 minute ago, Mr. Scot said:

Fair enough, though I suspect the majority would probably put him at one of the OLB slots.

He's 6-6 and 270 pounds, makes much more sense as a 3-4 end. He's got all the tangible traits you want in a 3-4 end. no idea about skill set but isnt that true with most of these transitions. I put Addison at OLB because he played that for Washington and got reps while in thier ps. 

[Mr. Scot]

27 minutes ago, carpanfan96 said:

He's 6-6 and 270 pounds, makes much more sense as a 3-4 end. He's got all the tangible traits you want in a 3-4 end. no idea about skill set but isnt that true with most of these transitions. I put Addison at OLB because he played that for Washington and got reps while in thier ps. 

Is that his ideal weight though or did he gain weight to play in that spot?

Honestly, even at that weight, 3-4 defensive ends are more like 4-3 defensive tackles.

[MHS831]

I sincerely appreciate the offseason banter and challenges like this--It keeps it very interesting.  I wish I knew more about the defense they have in mind. 

I can say this--they are not tipping their hands in free agency.  Aside from re-signing Reid, we  have seen no real interests or movement on  the defensive side of the ball.

Unlike some of you who want players cut if they do not make an immediate impact, I believe in developmental players.  The center we just drafted was a PS player, for example.  Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy did little until their third years.  With that in mind, I am expecting some real growth from Obada and Cox this year.  I am also hoping that the shift helps Butler. 

 

[ncfan]

This thread pretty much proves how badly we need to draft Edge/DL in this draft

 

[Snake]

Honestly it really doesn't change much what you do if base is more or less in the nickel. Shaq and Luke are your Lbs and Addison is your pass rusher. Taking Addisons hand out of the dirt will only help mask blitzes and that's Riveras idea I assume. That is unless we draft a true 3-4 Jack who can be a game changer. 

[AU-panther]

54 minutes ago, carpanfan96 said:

He's 6-6 and 270 pounds, makes much more sense as a 3-4 end. He's got all the tangible traits you want in a 3-4 end. no idea about skill set but isnt that true with most of these transitions. I put Addison at OLB because he played that for Washington and got reps while in thier ps. 

That is really small for 3-4 end.

I'm thinking something like

DE - Butler/Love (if we resign him)

NT - Poe

DE - Short

OLB - Addison

ILB - Thompson

ILB - Kuechly

OLB - Haynes

I would have to guess OLB for Cox and Obada.  I don't think either is big enough to play 3-4 end.  Maybe they are the hybrid part when we go 4-3.  Or maybe a strongside OLB on running downs.

Maybe it becomes 

OLB - Obada, Cox

ILB - Thompson

ILB - Kuechly

OLB - Addison, Haynes

Either way I really thought we would sign a FA D-lineman and draft one also.

 

 

[Mr. Scot]

1 hour ago, Snake said:

Honestly it really doesn't change much what you do if base is more or less in the nickel.

If we do go 3-4 (and evidence is mounting that we will go full bore rather than "hybrid") then I'm not sure that trend continues.

[Snake]

1 minute ago, Mr. Scot said:

If we do go 3-4 (and evidence is mounting that we will go full bore rather than "hybrid) then I'm not sure that trend continues.

I would think a base 3-4 would make Luke less valuable in my eyes where running a base nickel with a Safety would allow you to cover and contain more. That's just my opinion though.

[Xtreme]

I don't think Cox will be here when the season starts. He's never done anything outside of a few plays in the preseason. I believe we'll move on from him.