D-Key: McClain & Hardy

[davos]

So on the defensive line right now, CJ seems go for take-off and Ron should be able fill the gaps and make the other guys' jobs easier (hopefully)

So with this in mind, we have two guys that really are going to need to step it up more than anyone on defense:

McClain & Hardy

Hardy looks to be well on his way to being a force in the NFL. I hope he can stay healthy and really start pushing fuggers backwards causing some disruption for Brees, Ryan, Freeman, and the rest of the teams in the league

But the spot that I really keep coming back to is DT. Ron is our NT and I'm thinking Fua will be learning behind him however you have McClain, Kearse, & Nwagbuo looking to get some.

McClain was our top investment behind Cam in the last draft and even though he's a DT only in his second year, I think his improvement will be the most vital out of any player on the team. I know that's saying a lot given all the youth we have..but the game is won in the trenches and our coaching staff seems to be putting a lot of faith in McClain, Kearse, & Fua and after what they showed last season have some MAJOR room to improve.

Going into camp, I am really interested to see where he's at and hope that he can really do something. The competition at CB should be great and I hope Nakamura can step into FS and boost our secondary, but I just see that d-line being the key and advise everyone to keep their eye on McClain this offseason.

*On another note: Saw Rivera at Cowfish last night...great guy. We have made light years sized leaps from the end of Dom and Seifert days.

[Pejorative Miscreant]

My thought is that barring injury McClain will flourish and Fua will get better but will be a couple steps behind McClain. Edward's presence should help them both.

[SOJA]

I had a frightening dream last night that CJ no longer wanted to play for us.

[Brandon]

McClain was... less than mediocre last year shall we say. He really needs to use better leverage because he was getting washed out of nearly every play last year.

[jherald]

Greg Hardy will have a monster year. Mark my words.

[Catalyst]

If Greg Hardy has a monster year, we're going to the playoffs.

[jherald]

If Greg Hardy has a monster year, we're going to the playoffs.

You got it! See you on the other side brother.

[Argus Plexus]

I thought this was common knowledge.

[iamhubby1]

Hardy added 20lbs and retained his quickness. That is a beast ready to explode.

McClain was an early 3rd rounder. There is a chance, with a full off-season, he makes a big jump. He was basically still a college player last year, as he hit the field with very little coaching. They were flashes last year. I hope the flashes become the norm as he grasps the concepts and techniques he missed out on last year.

We are a young team. It is not unrealistic to believe that these kids will all make a leap this year. The classroom time they missed last year was huge. They will come to camp this year with a full year of experience with Rivera. A full year of classrooms, film rooms, coaching sessions, weight training, and every little thing they did not know will all aid in the development of these kids.

Good times are a comin'. Giddy up, or giddy out. And GOOOOOOO CATS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[davos]

I thought this was common knowledge.

It is for Hardy but I think people are glancing over the importance of McClain and his development. Friendly reminder :)

and lol @ above

[jarhead]

If Alexander is as good as what the panthers gave up to get him I wonder how he would fit into the rotation.Has Hardy put enough muscle on to move him inside on passing downs and let Alexander come off the edge? Or will he just be part of the rotation at DE?

[cultclassiccat]

Wasnt in favor of drafting d line for all the reasons mentioned above. I believe it was lack of technique for the rookies and a injured Edwards that stressed our d to breaking points. Now erase that last sentence....add Kraken

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