Anyone else a little worried about DE?

[yasuhara2241]

I am worried of course because it's impossible to replace Hardy's production BUT....

 

We all know that very rarely do 1st year ROOKIE DEs make a difference and are super productive in year 1. So the fact that we didn't draft one doesn't really impact this season. 

 

I do hope to see some progression by Ealy and Alexander this year but even last year we started to see some pressure by our front 4 without Hardy. I think we will blitz more and create pressure in other ways using Shaq and TD because I think we have more confidence in our CBs and S. 

[B.BERSIN]

I'm actually not that high on Frank Alexander. Yes, I'm really concerned about our DE situation.

[Mr. Scot]

I love the Huddle...

Pre-Draft: "Watch Gettleman take a pass rusher and ignore the holes on offense."

Post-Draft: "We're thin at defensive end!"

[therealmjl]

I love the Huddle...

Pre-Draft: "Watch Gettleman take a pass rusher and ignore the holes on offense."

Post-Draft: "We're thin at defensive end!"

This.

[OneBadCat]

I love the Huddle...

Pre-Draft: "Watch Gettleman take a pass rusher and ignore the holes on offense."

Post-Draft: "We're thin at defensive end!"

 

Haha All in good discussion. Can never get enough good DE's. 

[MHS831]

Great question.  Here is how I see it--not in 2015, but maybe in 2016.

 

4-3 DEs take time to develop.  The best DEs we have ever drafted took 2-3 years to develop.  Hardy and Johnson took 3 years each.  Rucker was kinda quiet until year 3.  Peppers was a special athlete, but he grew in years 2-3.  So what do we have on the roster now?

 

CJohnson:  Not worth the contract, but solid.

Alexander: Entering year 4; if you count last season as year 3.  The point is, he has joined a church, matured, and he is a beast at 270 lbs.  I hope he steps up at RDE.

Ealy: Entering year 2.  The most promising thing I saw was his play during the last 4-5 games last season.  However, we were not playing teams with terrific tackles.  I don't think he becomes a stud in 2015, but I think he and Alexander can man the position.  Both have shown they cam move inside and pressure the passer. 

Addison: What he has given us is what he is-pass-rushing specialist.

Horton:  Another wildcard.  Horton is entering his third season, but expectations are low, probably because he was an UDFA.  However, he could turn the corner in 2015.

 

I think they will develop that kid from Southern U.  on the PS for a season.  He has the tools--we shall see.

 

I doubt there are many 4-3 teams with a better group of DEs, but this team thrives on pressure.  Was there a pass-rushing DE in this draft who will make us special?  Not where we were picking. 

 

I doubt Johnson is with the team in 2016. That is why it is so important to keep Alexander drug free and focused.  He, Ealy, Addison, Horton, and a rookie could be the DEs next season.  That may scare you now, but maybe by December you will feel better about it.

[panthers55]

I hope and expect us to be fine. Remember it took Hardy and Johnson a few years to really be productive. DEs have to build up their repertoire of moves and strength in order to be able to attack the offense on passing downs as well as hold the edge. I think that Alexander and Ealy are going to come into their own. Plus both Horton and Addison. Need to step it up if they don't want to replaced . Given the push we are getting at the DT tackle position it makes it hard to double the DEs which should help the line in total. Given we also blitz quite a bit we can get pressure a number of ways.

[Krucid]

Charles is gonna Charles, so not worried there. Frank and Ealy should at least be serviceable on the other side. Depth is what i am concerned about. Hope they stay healthy.

[Mr Mojo Risin]

I don't think our dine will be anywhere close as dominant without Hardy. CJ is getting older and guys like Ealy will need at least another year before we can really determine how good he can be.

[PntherPryd]

With all of Frank's problems, I have to think that the only reason they even kept him on the roster after last year is based on his potential and our need there.  I think he really can be a contributor this year in a huge way.

 

[MHS831]

I don't think our dine will be anywhere close as dominant without Hardy. CJ is getting older and guys like Ealy will need at least another year before we can really determine how good he can be.

 

CJ will be 29 in July.   (Hard to believe, isn't it?)

 

[MHS831]

If I were a GM, I would try to draft a DL and an OL every year.

[davos]

We also have a speed rusher in Addison who does well when he gets his snaps. 

[Ken]

As others mentioned Frank Alexander is the big wild card. If he is able to put it all together and stay out of trouble, we should have a really good rotation at DE.

If not.... One injury and things could get iffy real quick.

Need Frank to step up. Ealy still needs a year to develop IMO.