Thread: Sky's The Limit For Henry Melton.............

Couple of things worth commenting on here.

Look at that photo of him in camp. He's now 295lbs and by the look of it there isn't an ounce of fat in any of them. The guy looks trim and fast and the fact that he's been able to add 40lbs since he was drafted without losing that is pretty incredible.

I didn't realize that he had that many pressures last year to go with this 2 1/2 sacks. With that kind of play just as a nickle rusher imagine what he could do as a bulked up 3 down player. When you look at Melton, Okoye and Paea all sharing that 3t DT spot it looks like we may have turned the corner as far as an inside rush to go with Pep and Izzy.

I like how Harris compares him with John Randle. If he's anywhere close to tha quick and explosive the guy will be hard as hell to ever block one on one. John Randle was the greatest gap shooting DT I ever saw play. He could absolutely dominate a game.

Even if we can't get overly excited about the lack of perceived improvement on the offensive side of the ball the Bears have steadily gotten younger and better on the Dline this year. Along with the additions at DT if Wootton continues to improve behind Peppers and Gholston can recover his pass rushing game behind Izzy we'll at least have one hell of a defense again. And we may need it again!

If he's that quick, and Paea is as quick as advertised .... opposing Olinemen are going to have alot of trouble double-teaming anybody on the Bears Dline. At the very least that means many more QB pressures this year; at best it means alot more sacks and interceptions . This d-line has me really excited this year. Add in the blitzes and the potential is awesome. 3rd downs this season should be fun to watch.

Originally Posted by Blue Horse-shoe

If he's that quick, and Paea is as quick as advertised .... opposing Olinemen are going to have alot of trouble double-teaming anybody on the Bears Dline. At the very least that means many more QB pressures this year; at best it means alot more sacks and interceptions . This d-line has me really excited this year. Add in the blitzes and the potential is awesome. 3rd downs this season should be fun to watch.

....provided that the quick slant and cover 1 don't kill us. I remain worried about our CB's.

Sky's The Limit For Henry Melton

unless Marcus Harrison eats it

Melton has ideal traits to excel


Posted: 8/4/2011 1:57:00 PM
The Bears have high hopes this season for Henry Melton, a third-year pro who appears to possess the prototypical traits to play the three-technique defensive tackle position in their system.

“I’m not saying he’s not a fit at end,” said defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli. “But what you look for inside is movement and speed. He’s about 295 [pounds] right now, so he’s filled out. He’s got tailback speed. He’s built. I like guys inside a little bit shorter. Your natural knee bend is a little bit easier.”

Melton has been lining up with the No. 1 defense in training camp on a line that also includes ends Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije and nose tackle Anthony Adams. Playing as a reserve in all 16 games last season, Melton recorded 17 tackles, 2½ sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

At the University of Texas, Melton was shifted from running back to defense after rushing for 432 yards and 10 touchdowns as a freshman on a Longhorns team that won the national championship.

“He’s an athlete who can bend,” Marinelli said. “And then it’s about speed and quickness over a guard because you have to win inside. You have to win inside and you have to win it with speed, not with so much power. To get there, you’ve got to win it with quickness. He’s got that nice blend.

“I want to keep him inside. Could he go outside and play some end? Oh yeah. But I think it’s too much to learn for a young player.”

Marinelli is sure getting fired up about Melton and has him playing with the #1 D. When you look at the way he describes him he sounds exactly like a young Tommie Harris. Melton, Paea and Okoye all have that quickness off the snap and good short field speed. I'm real excited about finally getting the prospects of an inside pass rush back again.

If these guys are able to do what I think they can team will have to choose whether to double them or Peppers. On obvious passing downs we can rest AA and put either Paea or Okoye in his place. We may finally get back to those old Buddy Ryan days when we put a time clock on QB's.