Bear Hands

Come next year, even if it looks like Bryce is our franchise and let's say we win the division...Dalton could retire or inch closer to it, the staff will know if they wanna roll with whoever made it Corral v. Eason. So, it wouldn't be out of the realm of possibility to think we take a 5th-6th round flier on someone like a Michael Pratt or whatnot.

Offensive linemen, not much needing to be said. Need some more bodies. Competition and perimeter lengthy-uglies are required. Biggest otherwise, I think a dude capable of playing on an island as an outside CB is the absolute biggest need given Horn & Jackson's "availability" the past 2 seasons. The second one of them is missing time, which seems likely, we've got CJ & Taylor, & STO. Rowe isn't really an outside corner and let's be real, Wright will be a long shot. So.. definitely could use a cornerback. A bit against the grain, but I think we should be patient with the edge defenders and assess how these guys we have are transitioning first. But if Burns is legit missing practice/field work, then probably bring in a vet. Also think a RB add may make more sense come cut season, but not now.

Forgive me if my NFL jargon isn't super versed, I ain't no pro... But from what I gather, we're about to see a lot more Cover 1 & Cover 4 Shell concepts. So, I think it's really silly to say Chinn doesn't have a role when he's going to be one of the integral cogs along with Luvu. I get not seeing the YGM fit, but to say Chinn doesn't have a role and may need to be traded just doesn't make sense to me. Chinn is playing up towards the line at either NB or that strong side LB spot to match TEs, opponent dependent. Frankie can play at either that LB spot or potentially be the OLB opposite Burns (he played a similar role in college). It's very fluid because these looks are all about disguises, which is the key component to these defenses! Which is why Luvu and Chinn honestly make a ton of sense for what's coming into town. We have our Fangio 2-Deep safeties in house (Woods, Bell), 2 primary LBs (Shaq, Luvu), we have our "Star"/NB here (Chinn) a package dependent role, standing strong side rusher in Burns. So, then even when the cover 4 shell concepts come to play, he fits in just fine next to Shaq & Luvu. And 2-High Safety Nickel Packages: 2 outside CBs, 1 NB, 2 standing edge defenders, 2 in the middle, 2 LBs. Chinn is made for the nickel spot in this defense. What they keep talking about is setting the edge because you having the two standing edge rushers. If one is Burns, the other needs to be able to hold the edge. That's the guy they're looking for (!!) and hope they found in DJJ. When it's Haynes and Burns and an offense double/triple teams Brown, we could get run over. The question mark I see is the base 3-4, which for Evero & before Chubb was shipped, the EDGE defenders were Browning (6'3 240) and Chubb (6'4 275). Below could be considered base, not a lot of snaps ~20-30%/gm, opponent dependent. I think it's valid to ask where is Chinn below--if he can play coverage LB and Luvu can go at OLB (like he's done before), then it can make sense and I see no issue with both getting 92% plus snaps this year. Overall, I'm pretty sure Evero has a plan. It's also not like Chinn isn't at all capable of safety. He could play the robber role and have the disguised box-encroaching safety looks. So it's not like he's necessarily playing deep when he's at SS. And with Bell (who can play both safety spots), could thrive if there's some times where we're sitting Woods. Which I don't think is the end of the world, it's not like he's necessarily untouchable either. source: https://theathletic.com/3311028/2022/05/24/vic-fangio-defense-analysis/

Yeah, seems like he did have some iffy games last year run-d wise after diving deeper. He was an Indy FA get for Reich so they'll know if they want him or not.

Yeah even if we as fans are having a hard time neatly fitting him into a 3-4 position, it doesn't mean Evero doesn't have something in mind. I think he'll be a critical part of this defense and he will be in 92% and above snaps.

If Navarro Bowman could do it at 6'0 230 (for a Fangio defense w/Evero on staff), I think it's possible Chinn can at 6'3 230. And in that event, I think Luvu floating to OLB (just like he did in college), could work for base. Which again, will only be 25-30% of our snaps. Majority looks will be in nickel or DB heavy sub packages.

I was just going off grades but we know how those can be a bit misleading.

Is OLB a concern? We have Burns who's the one absolute lock at OLB. Otherwise, Haynes has done everything asked of him and more, but will admit, his run defense is not good enough to have him opposite Burns. So, MH more situational, a decent snap % is likely. YGM is a solid run defender but if we don't like him for the scheme, are we considering shipping him? Per Frank & Scott, they were clearly eyeing DJ in looking for a solid run defender (with pass rushing upside) taking priority at OLB. Barno flashed last year in limited time, but you're asking a lot of a 6th rounder. I still love his potential, he could stick. I should note, interestingly enough, this was also the weaker spot on Denver's defense last season. So it may take more than one offseason to really find our guy opposite Burns. I can see us rolling with Burns, Haynes, YGM, DJJ, & Barno...but let's not fully discount another add...why?... Post-Draft/Early Summer Movement: Last year, there were 3 trades post draft early May league wise and the FA market was heavy the first two weeks of May with nearly every team jumping back into things. Typically not a Free Agency frenzy zone, but it was busy last year. If this year is similar, Iit will likely pick back up tomorrow as signings will officially not count towards comp pick formula. It's not a for-sure we pounce, I honestly don't expect it, but there are a few major notable guys still on the market: Yannick Ngakoue 6'2 246, 28 years old May not be a household name, but he's a rather balanced pass/run defender that racked up 12 sacks last year for Frank (& eventually Saturday). Given the staff's familiarity, this could either be someone we move on, or we know we don't want/need. After some solid years in JAX he's jumped around so maybe there's more to why he's not signed anywhere. Regardless, I'd keep an eye on him if this defensive staff wants more assurance we're getting decent run defense in place with less rookies. https://www.pff.com/nfl/players/yannick-ngakoue/10703 Leonard Floyd 6'5 240, 30 years old One that we're all likely more familiar with. He's still playing at a high level, played pretty consistently in both pass & run defense last year for LA. Frank Clark 6'3 270, 29 years old Another name many likely know like Floyd that we could make a move on. Is still effective. buuuut.... Overall, let's not get too bummed if we don't sign anyone until preseason comes around, but these are guys we could consider. Regarding the Tight Ends: I am a bit disappointed we didn't come away with one from this class (damn you GB for grabbing Kraft). Really liked Whyle and a few others as well beyond the top-5ish. However, Hurst should be fine and good to go as our starter. With that being said, Tremble is going into a make or break season and I believe is being overlooked in a year he could jump Ian for playing time as a more appropriate TE2 capable of both blocking and receiving. He reminds me of a guy Reich used as a TE2 in Trey Burton, but honestly can be a tad better. I am in no way expecting him to blossom into some star TE, but he has decent talent as a TE2; he was #83 in his draft. Has made more than a few big plays for us in limited time. 95+ passer rating when targeted. Do trades happen? Potential guys on the move: Yetur Gross-Matos - Just doesn't seem to fit. Ian Thomas - He took a pay cut so is more movable, or could basically keep the fort down as a backup to Hurst Matt Corral - Is he worth a 6th/7th? Is his tweet being overblown? Or is he fine staying around and competing with Eason? Some Monday musings. Okay back to work haha

See he's also from Asheville so potentially a Panthers fan. Looks like he definitely brings the pressure, you never know. Throw em' all in this LB pile and see who comes out!

Remember that time Rhule thought he had a playoff team after 3 weeks, traded for Henderson, and proceeded togo 2-12 the remainder of the season? I remember...

I have PFF premium and can back you up: 13 games played in 2021, 9 sacks, 6 hits, 19 hurries 5 games played in 2022, 4 sacks, 4 hits, 10 hurries That's 13 sacks in his last 18 games. You can actually call it 13 in his last 17 as week 1 in 2021 he didn't land one:

Good on them to actually have a BN/Star slot for Chinn on this. LBs as Burns-Luvu-Shaq-Haynes makes sense. Interesting they’re projecting Anderson over Williams at DE.

No doubt you don't know until they play...but from this vantage point, I give it a solid B+ I mean, we landed a franchise QB. We took our fave WR available over the EDGE, CB, OL, & TE talent at 39. That's fine, especially considering only the top-4 WRs were off the board. Mingo has a ton of upside, took WR5. Boldin/AJ Brown type traits. Add another receiver with strong hands and a big wingspan for Young. However, we took the WR at a risk value wise, and instead of seeing a subsequent run on WRs like Downs/Hyatt/etc., the run was on EDGE & DBs. The DJ Johnson pick seems like the elephant in the room. We clearly coveted getting an EDGE once we took Mingo but then many went. Wanted someone with upside for Evero more than looking elsewhere position-wise. And that's who they had over Adebawore, McGuire, Feheko, etc. Once Byron Young went, we made the move as it seems DJ was one of the last EDGE targets we had an eye on R3 and higher. Zavala & Robinson were both great value and strong talent that will have a chance to make an impact. I don't like not capitalizing on the DB, TE and RB talent in this draft but we had limited picks. Mortgaged one, but no future picks. Still have 6 next year w/out our 1st.

Yeah both him and DJ Johnson were 3rd-4th round projections depending on the site/analyst pre-draft. Their selections may be a surprise to some, but they are warranted. With Jammie, I think there could be something here. DBs can come out of these later rounds more than other positions. Time will tell. I personally think he's a promising late rounder. This dude is fun to watch. Let us not forget, Evero was coaching the Rams secondary for nearly 7 years. The guy knows his DBs and likes the guys that can play the "star" role. That's also why I love Brugler's Pitre comp.

Brugler was hyping this pick today. Excited to see if his sleeper hype on Jammie is warranted.

I’m probably going to be a broken record, but I really feel that Haynes is massively undervalued by the fanbase. As far as I’m concerned, and considering 2022 snap counts, he’s our other starting OLB right now.

I’ve noticed that too. It’s all very odd. So much time investing in drivel that everyone just brushes off bc it’s just simply bonkers takes.

I'd hate to see it, but Bucs could be a league favorite to bottom out for Caleb Williams.

Oh yeah I mean more just value/impact wise not playing style.

UDFA RBs happen more these days. Interested to see how close People’s stacks up to Blacksheer

Landing Wright is basically no different than landing him in the 6th-7th (outside the contract length). Feels just as good as a late rounder in my book. Awesome signings. Really like Peoples as well.

I’m also a fan. He’s a fun dude, his energy is contagious

And I wouldn’t at Al look past us getting a 3-4 LB vet on the market, there’s still nice ones available and we got $$ to still spend

Very much playcalling dependent. Going to be quite interested to see how it unfolds.

It’s not as traditional of being ahead or behind. Denver had 6 DBs and 7 LBs plays 30% snaps and above last year. What we’re going to employ is not what we’re used to.