If we switch to 3-4

[red]

Just listened to MM's press conference.
He said both Jenkins and Kampman should be excited about the change. Emphasized many times that this should be a very good defense for Kampman, and mentioned that he could line up some in the linebacker spot.

Kampman is the reverse Trevor Pryce. Started out at DT, moved to DE, now possible to LB, soon to safety!

Pryce went from a smaller LB (I think) to a DE to a really fat DT.

i thought patler said somewhere on here that kampman was a LB in college?

just looked it up, he was a line backer in high school and his freshman and sophmore years at iowa. then he made the switch to DE

[Partial]

One thing that kind of stinks about a big transition is there are certain guys drafted at certain positions and paid certain money that are going to want to start even if they aren't the best fit.

You have to start Barnett if he is healthy by virtue of what you pay him. I would try to pull a Vilma and trade him, as I don't see him being too effective inside or out in a 3-4.

With that said, I know we have some young guys that have potential at OLB, but Julius Peppers is the definition of a 3-4 OLB. I would pay him whatever he wants to come here and dominate. This sort of player hits the market once every ten years. Throw every dollar you have at him.

[red]

One thing that kind of stinks about a big transition is there are certain guys drafted at certain positions and paid certain money that are going to want to start even if they aren't the best fit.

You have to start Barnett if he is healthy by virtue of what you pay him. I would try to pull a Vilma and trade him, as I don't see him being too effective inside or out in a 3-4.

With that said, I know we have some young guys that have potential at OLB, but Julius Peppers is the definition of a 3-4 OLB. I would pay him whatever he wants to come here and dominate. This sort of player hits the market once every ten years. Throw every dollar you have at him.

i'd disagree about peppers. i don't think he's ever played olb. so you would be paying a ton of money for a guy that you don't even know if he can play at that position.

now, terrell suggs on the other hand, is a guy that you know can play that position, and play it well

[Partial]

Why wouldn't Peppers be great at it? Any one who is that big and fast and can dominate at end and is often dropped into coverage on zone blitzes can play the OLB rush spot.

Peppers is like DeMarcus Ware, but probably better after a season or two. This would be like passing up on Mario Williams if he hit the market. No no no no no no no! Gotta go out and sign this guy, there isn't a single reason to believe he'd struggle.

[Lurker64]

If the choice is Suggs or Peppers as to which DE/OLB to give a huge contract to, I'd take Suggs in a second (younger, better athlete, more experience in the system, more of a playmaker). Somehow, I don't see us getting either but I didn't think we'd get Woodson two years ago either.

[Partial]

They've got the money, and honestly, they would be really wise to look at Bart Scott and Chris Canty as well as Peppers. Both of these guys have a lot of experience, the ideal size, Scott is a very, very, very good ILB to play next to and mentor Hawk, and Canty can hold down the end spot opposite of Jenkins.

If they made those three signings, with our depth, we'd be back in the playoffs without a doubt, probably with a top 5 defense.

[The Shadow]

Kamp : a good football player is a good football player.
You could incorporate him into any scheme.
He can stop the run, he can rush the passer.
Those guys are the linchpins of any good defense.

[BallHawk]

Peppers is like DeMarcus Ware, but probably better after a season or two.

Ware had more sacks in his first two years than Peppers did in his first two years. Ware also has more sacks in the last two years than Peppers does in the last two years. Ware is flat-out better than Peppers.

Really, I don't know how smart of a signing Peppers would be. It's enticing, I admit, but I'm not sure just yet.

[Partial]

If the choice is Suggs or Peppers as to which DE/OLB to give a huge contract to, I'd take Suggs in a second (younger, better athlete, more experience in the system, more of a playmaker). Somehow, I don't see us getting either but I didn't think we'd get Woodson two years ago either.

Better athlete? Excuse me? Are you hitting the reefer again? If you mean better sprinter, than yes, maybe. Julius Peppers defines freakish athlete. He had better combine numbers than Mario Williams, another freakish athlete. He has consistently produced, etc.

The playmaker talk is just not accurate. Peppers is fantastic.

Suggs is a great pass rusher with experience, but now is not a time to play it "safe". With Suggs, you're getting a sure fire 8. With Peppers, you're either getting an 8 at worst, or a perfect 10 at best.

[red]

They've got the money, and honestly, they would be really wise to look at Bart Scott and Chris Canty as well as Peppers. Both of these guys have a lot of experience, the ideal size, Scott is a very, very, very good ILB to play next to and mentor Hawk, and Canty can hold down the end spot opposite of Jenkins.

.

agreed that those two (scott, canty) would be nice additions

and neither one should break the bank. they'll get good money, but not insane money like peppers or suggs will be getting

you wouldn't need peppers because kamp would be olb

[Partial]

Ware had more sacks in his first two years than Peppers did in his first two years. Ware also has more sacks in the last two years than Peppers does in the last two years. Ware is flat-out better than Peppers.

Peppers had 19. Ware had 19.5. Peppers missed 4 games due to suspension for drugs. He's been an ideal citizen since. Ware never lined up with a tackle across from him, and in a blitz scheme. Peppers lined up at DE.

I'm telling you, this guy is the best end in the league. Mario is right behind him. He's athletic and fast enough to play in the 3-4 at OLB. Just like Jason Taylor flourished in it, Peppers will too. Peppers is a better player than Taylor, and that is saying something. He's just as fast at JT, but has an extra 30 pounds of muscle and freakishly long arms for his 6-7 frame. Dude was a starter for North Carolina basketball team for crying out loud!!

Red, I bet Scott gets as much if not more than Suggs. What 3-4 team is in the market for an OLB? Cleveland with McGinest retiring. Maybe NY. NE isn't going to pony up the cash. Scott has more of a market as I think he could play 3-4 and 4-3.

I'm telling you guys.. Pay whatever it takes to get Peppers and Scott, then try to get Canty on the cheap. Pray that Jenkins falls in the draft, and you've got yourself one nasty defense with a lot of quality depth and veterans to tutor the youngens.

Offensively we'll need a little help, but I think it could come from better playcalling and better health out of JJ.

[rbaloha1]

If the choice is Suggs or Peppers as to which DE/OLB to give a huge contract to, I'd take Suggs in a second (younger, better athlete, more experience in the system, more of a playmaker). Somehow, I don't see us getting either but I didn't think we'd get Woodson two years ago either.

Agreed. Suggs is a dominant performer in a 3-4 scheme.

[rbaloha1]

They've got the money, and honestly, they would be really wise to look at Bart Scott and Chris Canty as well as Peppers. Both of these guys have a lot of experience, the ideal size, Scott is a very, very, very good ILB to play next to and mentor Hawk, and Canty can hold down the end spot opposite of Jenkins.

.

agreed that those two (scott, canty) would be nice additions

and neither one should break the bank. they'll get good money, but not insane money like peppers or suggs will be getting

you wouldn't need peppers because kamp would be olb

Still uncomfortable with Kampy playing olb. Both nice additions.

[Bossman641]

If the choice is Suggs or Peppers as to which DE/OLB to give a huge contract to, I'd take Suggs in a second (younger, better athlete, more experience in the system, more of a playmaker). Somehow, I don't see us getting either but I didn't think we'd get Woodson two years ago either.

Agreed. Suggs would be the pick.

[The Shadow]

I wonder if someone no one is talking about - Jason Taylor - might be an interesting addition, if he's cut loose from the Skins, healthy, and could be lured to Green Bay for a reasonable deal.
I know, I know, folks will say he's too old, but the expertise, leadership, and skills might be a very nice bridge as we develop a young end maybe not even drafted yet.