Thread: Melton, Paea turning a problem into a positiv

I sincerely hope that Wootton makes a big step upward and can pass rush every bit as good as those in front of him. The rotation needs it pretty badly because right now he's really the only depth we have unless we pick someone up in FA.

Originally Posted by soulman

Spot on! That's what we've been talking about as a weakness that needed to be fixed. Most of the time we were getting zero pressure from the interior lineman. AA only gets a couple per year and then mostly what you'de call a coverage sack. He's not quick at getting to the QB at all.

Melton will be in the 290-295lb range which is fine for a 3t DT in this defense. If he can explode off the snap and pentrate he'll get some sacks but just getting hurries and hits will be a big improvement over what we had last year. Then you have Paea who's not only quick of the snap but stronger than a bull. This is a guy who I can see drawing the double teams that may free up the other pass rushers even though he may not have more than 3 or 4.

If we can re-sign AA, which I believe we will, I think we'll have on of the best Dlines in the league but we do need to add another DE to the party somewhere here. We're a little thin there.

Originally Posted by dabears54

Yep Soul- All we need is inside pressure and will really help the pass "D" and i'd bet Peppers go close to 20 sacks if that happens.. he lost a good 4-5 sacks last years when Qb's were able to step UP to avoid him, and if paea/melton/toe and adams can stop that better in 2011, than 2010- really will increase not only their totals But Peppers to and get Qb's with happy feet alot sooner( which leads to the INT).. and think Wooton will be the big Suprise at DE in 2011..

Originally Posted by soulman

I sincerely hope that Wootton makes a big step upward and can pass rush every bit as good as those in front of him. The rotation needs it pretty badly because right now he's really the only depth we have unless we pick someone up in FA.

2011 NFL Free Agent Defensive Linemen

By: Roshan Bhagat Defensive Ends:
Cullen Jenkins (GB) – Jenkins is a scheme-diverse linemen who consistently plays with outstanding leverage. He’s a terrific pass rusher who can get penetration on tackles and guards en route to the quarterback. The Packers have a strong rotation and while they will still pursue him, they may not be willing to pay him what it takes to keep him in Green Bay. If he hits the market, his only concern is that he’s somewhat injury-prone, but should otherwise be a disruptive lineman on any team.
Mathias Kiwanuka (NYG) – Kiwanuka is an explosive pass rusher who over the years has gotten lost amidst the talented Giants front 7. He’s an explosive pass rusher who was having a productive year before a herniated disc in his neck sidelined him for much of the season. The Giants have expressed interest in bringing him back, but with playing time in question, it will be interesting to see what Kiwanuka decides.



Charles Johnson (CAR) – Julius who? The Panthers replaced Peppers with 2007 3rd round pick, who quietly reached double digit sacks and surpassed Peppers’ sack total this year. The Panthers hope they can get most of the production with half the cost in Charles Johnson. Re-signing Johnson is right up there with Ryan Kalil in the team’s no-brainer moves this offseason.
Ray Edwards (MIN) – Edwards came very quietly out of the gates recording only 1.5 sacks in his first 7 games. He’s since picked up the slack, but the Vikings have a lot of faith in their team’s ability to groom defensive line prospects, such as Brian Robison, who is also a free agent. Re-signing Edwards probably won’t be at the top of the team’s priority list and his return to Minnesota will depend upon Edwards’ contract expectations.
Jason Babin (TEN) – Babin has finally put together a season worthy of his 1st round draft status many years ago. He’s a hard-working end with a strong motor and has only 1 game this season without a sack or stuff. Given the long list of teams where he hasn’t succeeded, the Titans should be the heavy favorites to re-sign Babin.
Shaun Ellis (NYJ) – Ellis has been a key component of the Jets’ defense for many years now, but this may be his final season there. The team has plenty of free agents, or soon-to-be free agents that will need to be addressed to keep the core components of the team intact. Ellis is still an adequate 5-technique and may have moderate interest this offseason.


(I personally would like either Babin or Ellis. Babin was adequate as a LOLB in a 4-3 system, but really picked up steam when he moved LDE, where he produced 12.5 sacks. Ellis played down here at the University of Tennessee back in the day and was a first round draft pick. He's probably getting on down toward the end of his career, but he would make a suitable backup for us.)

Originally Posted by dabears54

Dagan, either of those players "would help",, but with the salary cap, it becomes about "best use of resources".. and IMO much rather see the F/A dollars go to a top Olineman and top WR, that we desperately need, over getting another D-lineman, that we already may have someone as good..ellis will probably be looking for at least 4-5 mill/yr and much rather see that go to get a top WR or top Guard.

The reason I mentioned Shaun Elllis is because he looks to be at the end of the line for him. His statistics, according to my research, have never been stalwart in terms of sacks in a 3-4 defensive schematic for a 5-Technique player, so I am not so sure that he will command that kind of money. However, we will see once free agency starts. We do need an additional body, however, to play DE.