Originally Posted by
SLO Raider
So, looking at this from a non ex-player perspective, but here is what I am looking at:
Our best player - Mack - is being negatively impacted by offensive lines being able to double/triple up on him
Linebackers were feeling the brunt of the lack of push and DTs eating up of blockers
Secondary feeling the brunt of more available time in the pocket
Looks like we are close to having some serviceable LBs with a hopeful imminent Bowman signing
You add a stud DT and the dominos start to fall. Mack gets less attention which then pressures the QB, or the DT can eat up more blocks allowing the capable LBs of shutting down the run instead of O-line men constantly getting to the second level. Less time in the pocket and instantly the DBs get help.
I just can't see another option where a single position player can have that much of an impact on the whole team. I look at that ~1999 Ravens team that have absolute beasts at DT. That set up their entire defense and helped Ray Lewis dominate (he would have anyway, but that helped tremendously).
I know there are other draft threads, but would love to hear some expert thoughts since I have been seeing a lot of attention being paid to drafting an LB. I just think we would be setting them up for a long season without a lot of help from upfront.