Bigger Problem: Interior Pass Rush Or Run Defense

[Dash Global]

I have been back and forth on our 9th pick.

Which got me thinking. Which is our bigger issue.

Id probably have to go with run defense.

If we take Brockers at 9 and plug him in next to Edwards I cant see teams running on us with those two stone walling the middle esp with Beason on the next level. Which in turn would set up a lot more 3rd and longs enabling us to dial up the heat.

[KDawg004]

I think Edwards and Beason will be a big help for the run defense. So we need pass rush help. Hence me leaning toward selecting Cox.

[ladypanther89]

man the 9th pick is the worst--our fortunes would have been sooooo different if we had the eighth.

the way i see it, there are so many canditates to take at 9 but none are that great so we needed all of them to be combined to be a viable 9 pick.

looking up past nine picks now.

[ladypanther89]

all players that were 9 overall

http://www.mynfldraft.com/NFL-Draft-Picks/9th-overall/90309/

[panthers55]

I have been back and forth on our 9th pick.

Which got me thinking. Which is our bigger issue.

Id probably have to go with run defense.

If we take Brockers at 9 and plug him in next to Edwards I cant see teams running on us with those two stone walling the middle esp with Beason on the next level. Which in turn would set up a lot more 3rd and longs enabling us to dial up the heat.

The issue is that you can't expect him to come in and start right away. He was a sophomore this year and is very raw. He has the most upside of any DT in this draft and is versatile enough to play the 0, 3,or 5 technique. Someone who has patience and is willing to let him develop will get one heck of a player for the future. Unfortunately I think we have the mentality to find an immediate starter. Rivera wants to win now to justify his hire and doesn't have the luxury entrenched coaches have which is to build for the long-term.

With Brockers and Edwards we have our version of the Williams brothers in Minnesota- a wall that folks will have to run around.

[Guest Bwood]

Pass rush. If you get pressure on the quarter back, it forces turnovers. If you get pressure on the quarter back it makes our secondary better.

We were missing 2 defensive captains at linebacker, and a veteran DT to plug in the rotation. Fletcher Cox beef's up the line and brings the pass rush factor at DT that we lack greatly.

[Dash Global]

The issue is that you can't expect him to come in and start right away. He was a sophomore this year and is very raw. He has the most upside of any DT in this draft and is versatile enough to play the 0, 3,or 5 technique. Someone who has patience and is willing to let him develop will get one heck of a player for the future. Unfortunately I think we have the mentality to find an immediate starter. Rivera wants to win now to justify his hire and doesn't have the luxury entrenched coaches have which is to build for the long-term.

I think as pure run stopping and eating space Brockers is more than ready. He needs to work on his pass rushing technique but once he gets that and fills out a bit more he will be an absolute monster.

[jayflip]

What sucks about hoping a DT helps our rush defense is that Hardy was abused in run defense last year. Hopefully he's been working on what he needs to do to break out in his third year.

[panthers55]

I think as pure run stopping and eating space Brockers is more than ready. He needs to work on his pass rushing technique but once he gets that and fills out a bit more he will be an absolute monster.

When I say he needs time it is only because I think he will get better and better over the next few years. He could end up being our next Kris Jenkins.

[Gallagher]

I would say pass rush because when you look at all the running yards we gave up last season, they were mostly big runs off the edge, not up the middle. I think having a healthy veteran LB core and maybe a more physical CB2 who won't get manhandled by blocking WRs will do wonders for our run D. I think then getting sacks and pressuring the QB into throwing ints will be our biggest concern.

[KDawg004]

What sucks about hoping a DT helps our rush defense is that Hardy was abused in run defense last year. Hopefully he's been working on what he needs to do to break out in his third year.

Edwards should help compensate for Hardy's lack of run defense. But I also think going into his 3rd season, 2nd in the same defensive scheme with a whole offseason we should see Hardy make a leap from last year.

[nagai]

I wish we had a more balanced league. I think the bigger problem is the interior pass rush just because of how the game has evolved. It's a passing league.

[CARuthless]

Hoping we can trade back n take Gilmore first then maybe worthy 2nd

[Kuech the Sneak]

Cox will help our run defense and our inside pass rush, brockers will only help the run D.