Well I guess the writing is on the wall?

[Ivan The Awesome]

As most of you already know (if you haven't McClain is out, Dwan Edwards is in). Our Defensive Tackle position just took a turn to the veteran side. With the Release of McClain who was a 3rd rounder and the addition of now another older vet, our interior line is above 30. Dwan is 31 and I believe Ron is 33. For DT's that's getting close to quiting time.

Personally I would have let McClain stay and let Fua Walk. I'm not the coach, so I don't see what he see's in Fua. I don't believe Fua will be that great and really is just another rotational guy. Kearse and Fua will rotate with Edwards and Edwards making the wall now.

I haven't had time to see what this other Edwards has done other than he was with the Ravens and was released by Buffalo this year due to some money issues. I guess they weren't going to pay him that much money. 4.1 million I believe.

So this raises the question for next year...Will we spend a high round pick on a DT? Because clearly both of these Edwards aren't going to be around for long. Even if Dwan pans out I give him 2-3 more years. Ron...1 more year.

TL;DR= DT's are old, I think we're going DT in the second or first next year.

[BeasonBeastingBacks]

We need a Star.....

Wink wink nudge nudge

[Jackofalltrades]

I think it'll depend a lot on how Fua and Kearse perform this season.

I'm a HUGE believer in the philosophy that games are decided at the line of scrimmage. I also believe the next draft class will have quite a few talented DT's. It'll come down to BPA, but I do think DT will still be a need.

As of right now, WAY too early, I see draft needs as DT, OL, CB and FS.

[Gazi]

We need a DT in next years 3rd round. .... err

[rayzor]

ugh...they picked up a starting dominant UT in FA and released the most expendable UT (mcclain).

DTs don't start shutting down at 30.

DTs have a high bust rate and take too long to develop. going after vets is a much better option for the interior Dline than risking a high draft pick that will more than likely take a couple years to develop.

the only writing on the wall is that they decided they wanted to be more dominant in the interior and they saw an opportunity to upgrade and they did. they aren't settling or being complacent on the Dline like many assumed. there really isn't that much going on between the lines more than that.

[Catalyst]

I'd MUCH rather sign an established player in their prime than risk a draft pick. Hell, I'd even be willing to trade our 1st or 2nd rounder for a quality DT coming off their rookie deal. Someone like Terrence Knighton, Geno Atkins, or even Kendrick Ellis from the Jets if they wind up blowing the team up and firing Rex Ryan if they struggle this year.

[iamhubby1]

Minny had two Williams', and it worked out well for them. Although one Williams was in his late 20s.

I hate losing kids, but this seems a decent upgrade. As much as I hate losing kids, I love upgrading more.

[megadeth078]

I don't think 31 is old for a DT. Why did you start an "offseason" thread anyways? You know the season starts on the 9th right? Why not worry about what they can show us now? Bump this thread in March or whatever...

[KBlizz]

OSU homerism in me would like us to grab John Simon or Jonathan Hankins, if he commits, for next year's draft.

[Ivan The Awesome]

I don't think 31 is old for a DT. Why did you start an "offseason" thread anyways? You know the season starts on the 9th right? Why not worry about what they can show us now? Bump this thread in March or whatever...

This isn't an off season thread. It's pretty relevant due to the current events.

Rayzor, I disagree with you. One is in going to be in his mid 30's and the other will be 32 next year. Williams from the Vikes was like 38 or 39 and he probably can still make it on a team. But really. 30 is the turning point for DT's. Dwan may last a little longer than Ron. That's about it.

[rayzor]

This isn't an off season thread. It's pretty relevant due to the current events.

Rayzor, I disagree with you. One is in going to be in his mid 30's and the other will be 32 next year. Williams from the Vikes was like 38 or 39 and he probably can still make it on a team. But really. 30 is the turning point for DT's. Dwan may last a little longer than Ron. That's about it.

we'll be able to get plenty of mileage out of them. i'm not worried at all and i don't think it's quite the urgent thing others do. even if it is, contrary to my bandwagon pick in the draft (lol i can't even remember his name off the top of my head) i am just not a fan of the idea of building DT through the draft. it's too risky and takes too long.

i'd rather we just be active in FA and via trades to take care of DT when it's a need and be opportunistic like we were with this pick.

i'd rather us focus early draft picks in other directions. they don't have to be "safe"...they just have to not have come with so many red flags.

[Rip Saw]

to all the geniuses who would have gotten rid of fua instead of mc clain - how much time have you seen both of them in comparison to the coaches and gm? how many years experience do you have professionally in football?

[Zod]

One way to think about it... We just got a more talented Jovan Haye back.

[Herbert The Love Bug]

All I know is each and every year for rest of our franchises's existense, we will have defensive tackles on the team. Either we sign them as a FA, we draft them or we trade for them. But we will have DTs every year.