2019 Season Top Priority: O line

[pbmax]

What are your feelings on drafting a middle linebacker?

That is the conundrum. Safer pick early, but I am not sure how much marginal improvement you get going from Martinez to better testing rookie. Later round guys probably all play like Martinez.

I think coverage/speed guy to fill the hole that Burks and Jones have not filled is an area that could be improved dramatically. Of course, if they do develop, you missed a shot to fill another hole.

If they find a do everything guy like Kuechly/Davis, Deion Jones or Shazier, then I'd be fine with it in the first round. Easier to project this position I feel.

[pbmax]

My dream scenario would be convincing Clay that he can regain notoriety at ILB if he took a reasonable offer and would play the position.

Have to be early downs there. He is not so bendy these days and looked like an old man trying to change direction chasing route runners this year.

[run pMc]

You don't spend a high pick on an MLB unless he's a real difference maker and can play 3 or 4 downs.

What athleticism Clay had as a youngster has faded, he's all effort now. Not a bad player to have but you either have to limit his snaps outside or talk him into moving inside. Most likely is a hybrid where you played him something like 20 snaps outside as a DPR and maybe 10 inside, but Gute will have to find 1 if not 2 outside pass rushers who can get about 12-15 sacks total. Then with Clay and Fackrell as part of a rotation that could be workable, but there's gotta be quality ahead of them.

Maybe Pettine continues to rely on CB/S blitzes off the edge and DL pass rush to manufacture pressure...or the next coach switches to a 4-3. Who knows, but the LB corps is not fearsome to OC's.

[bobblehead]

Have to be early downs there. He is not so bendy these days and looked like an old man trying to change direction chasing route runners this year.

He is instinctive enough to fill a zone and be effective with his motor.

[mraynrand]

You don't spend a high pick on an MLB unless he's a real difference maker and can play 3 or 4 downs.

yep

[pbmax]

He is instinctive enough to fill a zone and be effective with his motor.

The irony is that he is now with speed and quickness he is mostly suited to be a WILL in a 4-3

[call_me_ishmael]

Not so sure I agree, MLB is now a premier position. Everybody wants a fast backer that can play the run and cover, but there are not very many of them.

[Deputy Nutz]

Other than QB, pass rusher is the biggest bust to hit ratio in the first round. Makes me nervous to target them.

I don't think you draft to replace Martinez, my point is that teams go high in the first round with pass rushers because they are willing to take that high risk on the potential the pass rusher will produce. In reality the game comes down to cover guys and pass rush on defense. Its nice to have interior run defenders but at the end of the season NFL defense will make their nut by slowing down the passing game of opposing offenses. So I was sort of being sarcastic about drafting a middle linebacker in the first round. You back fill your draft board will interior run defenders and draft in the first couple of rounds on pass rush and DBs.

[Deputy Nutz]

Also, Fuck Clay Matthews the guy is a tool and you have all believed the hype on him for too many years. He was a poor man's Kevin Greene.

[pbmax]

I don't think you draft to replace Martinez, my point is that teams go high in the first round with pass rushers because they are willing to take that high risk on the potential the pass rusher will produce. In reality the game comes down to cover guys and pass rush on defense. Its nice to have interior run defenders but at the end of the season NFL defense will make their nut by slowing down the passing game of opposing offenses. So I was sort of being sarcastic about drafting a middle linebacker in the first round. You back fill your draft board will interior run defenders and draft in the first couple of rounds on pass rush and DBs.

No, I got you.

As you suggest, I have no good answer for the best time to target a pass rusher if its not early. But so many teams find pass rushers elsewhere that its maddening the Packers haven't since KGB.

The only answer to the pass rush conundrum is to tank and pick in the Top 5 or 10. Not sure the Packers get there this year.

[mraynrand]

Also, Fuck Clay Matthews the guy is a tool and you have all believed the hype on him for too many years. He was a poor man's Kevin Greene.

Have a pistachio

[bobblehead]

Also, Fuck Clay Matthews the guy is a tool and you have all believed the hype on him for too many years. He was a poor man's Kevin Greene.

There is at least one poster here that has said he was over rated long before it was cool to say so....in fact that person said Clay would never have as many sacks in a season as Kampman did twice.

[mraynrand]

There is at least one poster here that has said he was over rated long before it was cool to say so....in fact that person said Clay would never have as many sacks in a season as Kampman did twice.

I also remember the part where you said his play we drop off a cliff after he got busted for juicing.

[Pugger]

I also remember the part where you said his play we drop off a cliff after he got busted for juicing.

I'm not the biggest Clay fan around but when did he get busted for juicing?

[mraynrand]

I'm not the biggest Clay fan around but when did he get busted for juicing?

suspected, along with Neal, Peppers, Manning.

It was reported by Al Jazeera so it must be true.

https://www.latimes.com/sports/nfl/l...nap-story.html