DE wanted

[The Leaper]

Suggs couldn't be an LB. He is strictly a pass rusher.

Interesting since he is listed as a LB.

Actually you are both wrong.

Go click on him in the link you gave us Nutz...

He's listed as a LB.

Apparently no one knows exactly what this guy is, even the Ravens.

[The Leaper]

Suggs is a defensive end in the Ravens base 4-3 defense.

Yes, but the Ravens also show a 3-4 scheme...and he is a LB in that set.

He's more of a 3-4 LB to me than a 4-3 DE. It would be nice for our defensive coaching staff to be able to craft a defense around a talented guy like that...but they are probably incapable of doing so. They didn't do it for a #5 overall pick, so why would they do it for Suggs?

[The Leaper]

I realize he's been 3-4 LB for the last 5 years, but Suggs was a DE in a 4-3 at AZ State, wasn't he? He's 6-3, 265. Has the size. He has posted some nice sack totals every year for Balt. They dropped some last season, but he also kicked his tackle total up from 60+ to 80+, that plus his size would suggest to me he could hold the line against the run. The guy plays like a beast if you've gotten to see some BAL games. What's your angle on him not being able to play DE for us? Just curious.

Oh, I think he can play DE...I just don't think he fits Thompson's plan after paying big money to Kampman and Jenkins. Thompson isn't going to bring in a starting caliber DE IMO...he might find a pass rush specialist to join/replace KGB, but I don't see him paying top dollar to a DE.

Maybe I worded my previous message differently than I meant. We could use him as a LB...but I doubt Suggs wants OLB money when he can get DE money.

[Deputy Nutz]

Suggs couldn't be an LB. He is strictly a pass rusher.

Interesting since he is listed as a LB.

Actually you are both wrong.

Go click on him in the link you gave us Nutz...

He's listed as a LB.

Apparently no one knows exactly what this guy is, even the Ravens.

It says that he is a starter at right defensive end.

He has always been a hybrid pass rusher, and I guess if you have really big defensive tackles and some good linebackers you can get away with having him at defensive end, but he isn't going to control the line of scrimmage on run down.

He is probably a better player in a 3-4 defense, but the Raven went away from it because Lewis struggled taking on blocks and and needs two defensive tackle to protect him.

I like Justin Smith, but I also think the combination of Jenkins and KGB is just as good if not better than any available free agents.

[Tyrone Bigguns]

Suggs couldn't be an LB. He is strictly a pass rusher.

Interesting since he is listed as a LB.

Actually you are both wrong.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/depth?team=bal&formationId=16

Suggs is a defensive end in the Ravens base 4-3 defense.

I am not sure he is more of a product of the talented defense, or if he is an actual player. Again is he someone you want to give a <10 million dollar signing bonus to?

No, you are wrong. You looked at the depth chart, but if you actually click the link for Suggs you'll see he is listed as a LB.

[The Leaper]

It says that he is a starter at right defensive end.

Yes...but click his name, and it lists him as a LB.

[MJZiggy]

Why don't you guys look him up on NFL.com? That's the official listing from the league...

[The Leaper]

I like Justin Smith, but I also think the combination of Jenkins and KGB is just as good if not better than any available free agents.

I agree. No reason to get rid of KGB right now. He's still a decent pass rusher who can dominate late in the game against tired OTs. He probably will be asked to take a pay cut, which is only reasonable since he's not a full-time player anymore. I think he would be agreeable to that.

[Deputy Nutz]

It says that he is a starter at right defensive end.

Yes...but click his name, and it lists him as a LB.

I really don't care what it says, I care where he actually played this season. He is listed on the depth chart as a defensive end in a base 4-3 scheme.

Splitting hairs, anyways, Thompson really isn't going to have interest anyways, not his style so if Bretsky wants to start calling him a turtle again he can start whenever he wants because TT isn't going to sign any big name free agents today or in the next three months.

He isn't going to go after a high priced cornerback because he still has two pro bowl type veterans who would see it as a slap in the face. Harris and Woodson will both be considered starters next year so you don't sign another legit starter and ask him to play nickel and you certainly don't ask Woodson or Harris to play the nickel unless you want them to walk off the field.

The top three defensive ends all make prime dollars for the Packers and all have been at the very least serviceable. Kampman is going to his second pro bowl and KGG had 10 sacks. Jenkins battled injury and really never matched his expectations set for him for 2007. Jenkins has always been productive, so injury is likely the culprit in his struggles in 2007. To bring in another choice free agent, the Packers would most likely cut one of their top three defensive ends, I would gather that would be Kabeer. I believe TT is going to address this position with the draft or lower priced veterans that can either play the run, or rush the passer a little bit. Kampman needs help on the left side.

The only other place where I could see TT spending money is on the offensive line. If Thompson really feels that Colledge or Spitz are not the long term answer at guard then I could see him opening up the pocket book and solidifying the line for the next several years.

[The Leaper]

He isn't going to go after a high priced cornerback because he still has two pro bowl type veterans who would see it as a slap in the face. Harris and Woodson will both be considered starters next year so you don't sign another legit starter and ask him to play nickel and you certainly don't ask Woodson or Harris to play the nickel unless you want them to walk off the field.

If we sign a high priced CB who is a stud, I'd have no problem telling Al Harris to walk off the field. The guy will be 34 next year. He'll take what we tell him to take and like it, especially after that sorry ass performance in the NFCC game.

However, I agree with you. I think CB will be a prime target for our top draft pick. A DE who can spell Kampman as a pass rusher can be found in the draft as well. If Thompson is going to spend coin, it will be on the OL.

[b bulldog]

If TT spends money imo, he will be doing so on either line and the defensive secondary.

[Partial]

Suggs couldn't be an LB. He is strictly a pass rusher.

Interesting since he is listed as a LB.

Actually you are both wrong.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/teams/depth?team=bal&formationId=16

Suggs is a defensive end in the Ravens base 4-3 defense.

I am not sure he is more of a product of the talented defense, or if he is an actual player. Again is he someone you want to give a <10 million dollar signing bonus to?

Yeah, I could see that in a 4-3. He does play OLB primarily though and rush the passer just about every play. They barely play a 4-3 as far as I know. Rex Ryan definitely ran the 3-4 primarily against the Pats this year.

[Deputy Nutz]

If TT spends money imo, he will be doing so on either line and the defensive secondary.

If you really look at the roster, and mind you this seems to be the strongest position on the team, but our receiving core does not have a lot of speed. Robinson is a decent returner but he certainly didn't wow anyone with his speed or burst through holes. Martin is not a fast person, he has other attributes but speed just isn't one of them. Jones tailed off at the end of the year, but that is the rookie wall, but he is never going to be a burner, but I am not as concerned with him as I am the other two.

I looked over the WR group of free agents, but I really don't see a lot of speed outside of Devery Henderson who finished the 2007 season with the Saints. Not real productive, but does have some speed and ability.

[b bulldog]

I agree and we could use a wr with size/speed