Moving back to the 4-3

[MHS831]

Burns is 6-5 and 250.   I imagine we will see him at 260 this year?  I dunno.

James Lynch is a Baylor DE and the coach's loved him.  He will be there late--do not be surprised to see him drafted late (6 or 7th round).

I sorta like the DEs in the draft---role players for the most part--but there are some decent role players that will be ideal for us (since the focus seems to be on DT, OL, DB, and maybe WR.

 

[MHS831]

If I am not mistaken, the coaching philosophy is to build a system around the players where they will most likely succeed--not force the player into the system.  No matter how you shake it, we need some DTs.   We need a strong-side DE.  Baylor DE James Lynch is one.

Think Von Miller.  Once the most destructive force in the NFL.  He was on a 4-3 defense.  How did they do it? He actually played/plays strong-side linebacker on first and second downs and used his pass-rushing ability on passing downs by lining up at stand-up defensive end to bring pressure on the quarterback.  Genius, actually. Now think Brian Burns....

The 4-3 weak side DE is hard to find (peppers, Chase young, etc) so you take that player if you can find one.  They are as rare as a great QB--maybe more rare.  Who do we have for that position?

The 4-3 Over

SF, Seattle, and Jax ran'run the 4-3 over.  Here is some stuff I found on that--it has the same personnel the 4-3 has, without requiring the "hard to find" weak side DE (the way I understand it):

1. The 6-technique (6t) defensive end lines up across from the tight end — an advantage for the defense, because most tight ends these days aren’t quality blockers and cannot handle 260-pound defensive ends. It’s difficult for the offense to run the ball off tackle toward the tight end when he’s getting mauled by the 6-technique.
2. The 4-technique (4i) defensive end is big — between 275 and 300 pounds — and lines up on the weak side of the defense across from an offensive tackle. It’s difficult for the offense to run the ball to the weak side when the offensive tackle is trying to hold his ground against a defensive end who’s as big as a defensive tackle.
3. The strong safety and weakside linebacker stand near the line of scrimmage, creating an 8-man box. It’s difficult for the offense to run the ball into an 8-man box.

Jermaine, Jordan, and Shaq?  LBs in the 4-3 

We are better off than we thought.  We just need some stud DTs---they are more important than I realized. Some competition at LB, but if Jordan K steps up---maybe? This defense benefits Reid (SS), Burns (6t), and someone like Carter could be the will and Thompson could play the Sam LB.  Don't laugh, but Jordan Kunaszik could compete for the Mike position with a free agent or draft pick.  He just makes plays--averaged over 10 tackles a game at Cal and led the team in tackles during preseason.  There might just be something there, and Luke's departure could be his opportunity.  

Just spitballin, but my point is, we need DTs and a big DE.  Maybe a CB or two.