How can we improve our D-Line?

[Urrymonster]

How many 1on1 blocks did they beat this year? They did see alot of 1on1 blocks this year right? I don't remeber seeing Brayton or CJ double teamed this year.

He is talking about the running game, where there would be tight ends and full backs assisting in blocking. If we could have two big talented space eaters, then that would occupy AT LEAST all three interior linemen with just our DTs. Should give Beason a clear shot at the ball carrier.

I think Minnesota is a great DL to base things off. Before they had Allen they did not have great pass rushing DL talent, yet they were still a fantastic unit against the run. It started with their two big bodies in the middle, yes Kevin is an incredible player, but the concept is a simple one - stop the run.

I fully endorse us signing up every big bodied chubster and getting them to battle it out in camp. Stop the run and force teams into long passing situations - which in turn will allow us to sub in our pass rushing DL.

[Jackofalltrades]

I want a disruptive force in the middle of the DL, I don't care where it comes from- but it was a serious problem this past year.

[Delhomeboy]

I want a disruptive force in the middle of the DL, I don't care where it comes from- but it was a serious problem this past year.

QFT. Our D-line was depressing this year, not because they didn't give effort, but because it became obvious that they tired out during the year, and couldn't get pressure up front. We need serious, quality depth and a force in the middle.

[jspeight49er]

I believe that Haynesworth has something in his contract that states the Titans cannot franchise him this year, and he will have to opportunity to become a free agent.

the contract said if he made the pro bowl he couldn't be franchised... he made it so its a done deal. if he wants to leave, there's nothing the titans can do

[Snake]

The only two players in the draft that I think could come in and have a really good chance of starting would be Orakpo and Raji. Orakpo more so than Raji as he would get the start over Charles Johnson who has yet to be a starter. Raji as good as he is I think would have a hard time jumping over Lewis as a rookie. Paul Kruger out of Utah or Jarron Gilbert out of San Diego St. would be better options in 2nd or 3rd rounds than most of the 1st round prospects who are more suited as 3-4 OLBers outside of Orakpo.

As for FA, at DE Suggs would be the most talented of the bunch but there are questions about him playing in a 4-3. Berry would also be good but probably not as a starter and I doubt he is going to go anywhere he isn't going to start.

No one really stands out to me a DT in FA amoung the big names. However, in another thread Mike Wright was brought up. He is a backup DT in New England. But he is someone that could be a starter on another team. Really reminds me of Kemo back when we picked him up.

A combination of Kemo and Wright in the middle would be a great run stopping combo with Lewis coming in on passing downs. That combonation would probably demand quite a bit of double teams and allow the DE's, Johnson and Brayton, to have more one on one matchups. Throw in a young DE from any of the 1st three rounds to see a good amount of playing time and I think D-Line would be fairly good.

I would add that by having two big 3-4 type DTs this would be a dream for the LBers. It could be comparable to having our LBers playing behind the Williams Twins up in Minnesota. While losing Peppers takes away from our pass rush, this could be an opportunity for the LB and DT to shine. As many have said on here, we need to build this team around Beason and our LBers and the best way to do that is to have some big DTs in the middle eating up blockers.

IMO Raji is really the best DT in the Draft just cause of his size he can start right away and I like Lewis but he is best used as a rotational guy. I doubt though we can get a high enough Draft pick to get him cause he will go early as most DTs of his size do.

[Snake]

I want a disruptive force in the middle of the DL, I don't care where it comes from- but it was a serious problem this past year.

A big fat ugly sore of a problem that let alot of opposing QBs step up and miss the out side rush.

[Urrymonster]

IMO Raji is really the best DT in the Draft just cause of his size he can start right away and I like Lewis but he is best used as a rotational guy. I doubt though we can get a high enough Draft pick to get him cause he will go early as most DTs of his size do.

I do NOT want Raji.

Missed an entire season because his academics were so bad in '07, threw punches on the opposition during a game, has maturity problems and struggles to keep his weight down. I get the impression his size is not bulk and muscle and that he will have to do a lot of conditioning to convert a lot of his mass into muscle, otherwise he will simply be an over weight player with no push.

He is also seen to be better used in a rotation, again suggesting he does not have the stamina (conditioning) to play as an every down DT. I have a feeling his lack of maturity will prevent him from taking his weight seriously and we may end up with another Jenkins on our hands.

[mountainpantherfan]

How many 1on1 blocks did they beat this year? They did see alot of 1on1 blocks this year right? I don't remeber seeing Brayton or CJ double teamed this year.

Yes, neither Johnson or Brayton saw that many double teams this season. But some have argued that with Peppers gone, teams would be able to double Brayton and Johnson and completely take them out of the game. My point is that the blocking that Brayton and Johnson saw this year, mainly one-on-one blocks, would stay the same with two big DT like Kemo and a Wright type player.

And yes, urrymonster, this would also allow the DE to take on the OT on running plays and allow the LBers all the space they need to stop the run without having guards or tackles pulling out for down field blocks.

[Jerkyboy]

I'm starting to get excited about Draft Day :smash:

Me too, but I'll be happy with any kind of action right now. I want Gross and Peppers resolved immediately then we know what we are working with for the draft and FA

[The Link]

I want Peria Jerry. They need to trade Peppers for a 1st round pick, so we can get him.

[Jerkyboy]

If I had the choice I would take a stud DT with Brayton and Johnson over not getting a really good DT and getting another DE. There really are not any DE in FA or the draft that I am gung ho for so I would be thrilled with Haynesworth if that was at all possible but I am also all for somehow getting one of the top 3 DT's in this years draft and letting them grow. BTW I am still hoping Hilee Taylor blossoms into something special because his highlights from unc were pretty sick if he could just add a few pounds.