Patrick Willis

[GoldRush2007]

if this guy is around at the 11 pick, WE NEED TO TAKE HIM !! this guy is a MONSTER.

check this out...the hit on lsu's runningback and tell me that is not one of the nicest hits you've ever seen.... and while your at it watch the senior bowl highlights and the hits he makes.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9IqadSMQm5o <<< highlights

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eKc7RYjdR-U&mode=related&search= <<senior bowl

[Nilsen31]

I want Rory in the 4th or later

and Abbate in the 3rd!!


or Rory and Abbate w/ 2 or our 4th round picks

[SBbound49ers]

Willis needs 2 big bodies in order to do well. He doesnt fight blocks very well which makes him a bad 34 ILB.

He'd be worth it if he feel to the 2nd.......somehow. But 11 is too high way for him. It'd be about 15 picks too soon.

[LetsGo9ers]

if this guy is around at the 11 pick, WE NEED TO TAKE HIM !! this guy is a MONSTER.

check this out...the hit on lsu's runningback and tell me that is not one of the nicest hits you've ever seen.... and while your at it watch the senior bowl highlights and the hits he makes.

http://youtube.com/watch?v=9IqadSMQm5o <<< highlights

http://youtube.com/watch?v=eKc7RYjdR-U&mode=related&search= <<senior bowl

Thanks for the links, that guy is a freak. Not sure we should take him at #11 though.

[GoldRush2007]

what do you guys think about getting him if we dont get AT and putting him at OLB. He's quick , athletic build , fits the mold of an OLB in the nfl. i think its possible.

[SBbound49ers]

what do you guys think about getting him if we dont get AT and putting him at OLB. He's quick , athletic build , fits the mold of an OLB in the nfl. i think its possible.

In a 34........? If so, then no.

[GoldRush2007]

i cant find the post right now but someone explained how the 3-4 system is great because it fits players who dont wit the 43.....anyways im kind of tired with this 34 crap, every darn player "wont fit our scheme" we should just go a 43. and get the most talented players out there.... it's kind of ridiculous that we are going to pass up great players because he's a star...but not in our defense, makes no sense sometimes

[Pound th' Rock]

i cant find the post right now but someone explained how the 3-4 system is great because it fits players who dont wit the 43.....anyways im kind of tired with this 34 crap, every darn player "wont fit our scheme" we should just go a 43. and get the most talented players out there.... it's kind of ridiculous that we are going to pass up great players because he's a star...but not in our defense, makes no sense sometimes

It's funny that you mention that. I always hear that "such and such player" doesn't fit our scheme. Fact of the matter is, Patrick Willis could fit a 3-4. It really depends on how you run the defense. Donnie Edwards is one of the most productive inside linebackers in the league and he plays in a 3-4 defense for one of the best rushing defenses in the league (Chargers), and he is definitely not the most stout linebacker at the point of attack. I don't buy the argument that because Willis has trouble shedding blocks he's not fit to play in the 3-4, and YES I have seen enough game film of him to make an educated opinion. So the guy had some trouble shedding blocks in the senior bowl, so what?

Do people really expect players to be perfect coming into the NFL? I heard the same thing about Vernon Davis (Oh he can't block at all). Well he WORKED on it and now he's pretty **** good at it. People talk as if a player can't work on a weak point in their game and improve. It's absurd. Patrick Willis may need to work on his ability to shed blocks, and he may need to work on a few things here and there, but he is the type of character who WILL work on the things necessary to get better.

From all I've read and watched, he appears to be a dedicated football player who is hungry to be great. He's extremely coachable and will only get better in the pros.

Again, here's word on Patrick Willis straight from the horse's mouth (Coach Nolan's mouth).

RE: You had a chance to see some of the linebackers in this draft at the senior bowl. What were your impressions?
“That was one of the stronger units on our team, I thought. Early on, you could see by their work ethic. Patrick Willis (Mississippi), I think, is going to be a very good pro. I thought a lot about him during the week. He played very well all week in practice. In the game – we didn’t play very well on our side – but he was one of the players in the game who did play well. He did a very good job, made a lot of plays, was all over the field. He catches your eye, not only in practice but in the game. Very respectful person, also.”

[GoldRush2007]

i dont think we can pass him up if he falls to 11

[Optimus Prime]

i dont think we can pass him up if he falls to 11

I like him but he is most likely going to go 20-30 at this point. There is no chance he goes before we pick at 11.

[LetsGo9ers]

i dont think we can pass him up if he falls to 11

What if Branch and Okoye are still there? Do you still want Willis over both of them?

[MisfitZ]

It's funny that you mention that. I always hear that "such and such player" doesn't fit our scheme. Fact of the matter is, Patrick Willis could fit a 3-4. It really depends on how you run the defense. Donnie Edwards is one of the most productive inside linebackers in the league and he plays in a 3-4 defense for one of the best rushing defenses in the league (Chargers), and he is definitely not the most stout linebacker at the point of attack. I don't buy the argument that because Willis has trouble shedding blocks he's not fit to play in the 3-4, and YES I have seen enough game film of him to make an educated opinion. So the guy had some trouble shedding blocks in the senior bowl, so what?

Do people really expect players to be perfect coming into the NFL? I heard the same thing about Vernon Davis (Oh he can't block at all). Well he WORKED on it and now he's pretty **** good at it. People talk as if a player can't work on a weak point in their game and improve. It's absurd. Patrick Willis may need to work on his ability to shed blocks, and he may need to work on a few things here and there, but he is the type of character who WILL work on the things necessary to get better.

From all I've read and watched, he appears to be a dedicated football player who is hungry to be great. He's extremely coachable and will only get better in the pros.

Again, here's word on Patrick Willis straight from the horse's mouth (Coach Nolan's mouth).

i havent watched game film on him he looks like a tremendous open field tackler that whole highlight reel though it didnt show him having to work against a OL and that will change i have no doubt he will be a great pro i just dont think hes worth a pick at 11 seeing as how he is a ILB and i dont view that as a top weakness although come Free agency i may change my mind on what we should do

[MisfitZ]

i dont think we can pass him up if he falls to 11


im hoping this is what you meant

[TheWiz]

i cant find the post right now but someone explained how the 3-4 system is great because it fits players who dont wit the 43.....anyways im kind of tired with this 34 crap, every darn player "wont fit our scheme" we should just go a 43. and get the most talented players out there.... it's kind of ridiculous that we are going to pass up great players because he's a star...but not in our defense, makes no sense sometimes

I posted something like this recently...

http://forums.49ers.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=18886&page=2

[Pound th' Rock]

MArk it down, Willis goes #12 or #13 to Buffalo/St Louis if we pass him up.

I agree. I'm not saying that Branch/Okoye/Carriker wouldn't be solid picks at 11. Not to mention Jamaal Anderson and Laron Landry, but I think it's wrong to say that Willis would not be a solid pick.

Backing my reasons for feeling we'll go with him is the fact that Nolan has spoken highly of him on numerous occasions and Singletary seemed to particularly enjoy coaching him. He could be the leader of our defense for years.

[VDavis18]

doesnt fit our 3-4 scheme that well I dont think...Dont get be wrong i like the guy, but just too high in the draft to take him...If we ran a 4-3 then yeah...he'd be perfect i think

[GoldRush2007]

theres something about this guy. he reminds me of a vilma/dj williams type of player. look at vilma, he isnt the biggest/strongest ilb but theres few better. he's got natural instincts and one of the best pure/athletic players in the draft. if branch or okoye are still there at the 11 spot then i dont know its a toss up i guess, it all depends on what we get in free agency you know? and i agree that he will be gone to buffalo or st.louis if we pass him up, and i definately dont want him going to st.louis and having to face him a few times evry year for many years to come

[GoldRush2007]

I posted something like this recently...

http://forums.49ers.com/messageboard/showthread.php?t=18886&page=2

yeah wiz, it was your post i was referring to. not a knock at your thoughts, i agree with them but i think 3-4 is better to use when you happen to have the players to work it already.

[Viper]

Not going to happen. ILB is not a primary need.

[GoldRush2007]

ok right now it may not be a primary need but what if we sign AT...theres our pass rusher. then we sign ken hamlin, and theres our safety. and then we get rod hood/nick harper theres help at corner so we dont have to see sammy davis anymore.then we pick up a wr like stallworth if hes not asking for too much.

what im trying to say is if we address most of our needs through free agency and willis is there at 11 i dont think we can pass him up, he is too good of a player to pass up because theres a chance he may or may not fit our 3-4 defense.with the athletic ability this guy has we HAVE TO take the chance.And by the way if your going to respond with "i;d rather have okoye or carricker", there is a good chance they may be gone by 11 so the new question becomes alan branch or patrick willis?? i go with willis

[SB49er4life]

i cant find the post right now but someone explained how the 3-4 system is great because it fits players who dont wit the 43.....anyways im kind of tired with this 34 crap, every darn player "wont fit our scheme" we should just go a 43. and get the most talented players out there.... it's kind of ridiculous that we are going to pass up great players because he's a star...but not in our defense, makes no sense sometimes

Ya, I've been thinking this all along, in the end, its gonna delay Nolan's success for a few years because he is so intent on doin it his way with his defensive vision that he has been willing to more or less dismantle and regroup that entire side of the ball personnel wise.

I started a thread about that a while ago, and people were tryin to say that its just as easy to find D-lineman and LB's for a 3-4.... right. That's why every single player that fits 3-4 could turn around and easily be plugged into a DL or LB in 4-3.

I mean, the 3-4 has its advantages of course, but its still not the "end-all, be-all" of D's that is worth waiting so long to assemble. Arguably the 2 best D's in the league, this last year, Baltimore and Chicago, were both 4-3.

[GoldRush2007]

B-More played a 3-4. :wink:

Actually Baltimore played many different variations of both the 3-4 and 4-3 this year, I'm pretty sure of that.

[Pound th' Rock]

Patrick Willis in the 1st, Justin Harrell in the 2nd.

[Fez]

Patrick Willis in the 1st, Justin Harrell in the 2nd.

Lotsa people jumped off that bandwagon already. :sad:

[Fez]

Willis > Branch. :whistling:

[Fez]

Okoye > Branch > Carriker > Landry > Nelson > Meachem > Bowe > top 5 OLB prospects > Willis :whistling:


At the end of the day, what matters the most is...







































CALVIN JOHNSON >>>>>>>>>>> ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mini_Me]

At the end of the day, what matters the most is...







































CALVIN JOHNSON >>>>>>>>>>> ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, lord. You're really having fun with this, aren't you?

[Fez]

Oh, lord. You're really having fun with this, aren't you?

Let's just say it's my therapy to co-exist with people who really mean to say we should trade up and get him... :surrender: :wacko: :francis:

[Mini_Me]

Let's just say it's my therapy to co-exist with people who really mean to say we should trade up and get him... :surrender: :wacko: :francis:

I gathered as much.

How's the therapy going, by the way? :doubleup:

[Fez]

I gathered as much.

How's the therapy going, by the way? :doubleup:

I feel tired, but it is outstanding, overall. :towel:

I wish I discovered this method last season to survive the Reggie Bush threads!

[Pound th' Rock]

with good reason. :whistling:

pshhaw, and those people are called "bandwagoners" or "bandwagoneers". I just don't see Okoye as being a game breaking player. Yeah, he had a great senior bowl. I seem to remember him getting pushed around a decent amount in that Rutgers game though.

In the end, these are all just opinions, but I'm not changing my stance unless Willis runs a 5.0 forty. Harrell could be a great DE in the 3-4 and will probably be there when we pick in the 2nd.

[Pound th' Rock]

Willis is a run and chase LB. he doesn't fill the hole well enough to warrant the #11 pick. that along with not taking on blocks well. i like him for a 4-3 team but not 3-4 team at all.

Yeah. I've argued this already. I think otherwise. It seems like a lot of people are putting a whole lot more stock in players' Senior Bowl performances than in the actual last season or two....

NOTE: (I realize that this may be a hypocritical statement, seeing as how in my last mock draft, 75% of the players played in the Senior Bowl)

[Sum49er33]

:pards:

I'm sick of the Willis # 11 talks. McCloughan has already stated that ILB is NOT a major need. Besides, I like 2 players for us later on who could help us at that position. Paul Posluszny is a fantastic player. I'm hopin' he falls to the 2nd round. IF not, we can get STRONGHEART himself, Jon Abbate from Wake Forrest.

[WehaveVD]

Personally I'd love to see Willis in a Niner uniform next season. The guy has speed and instincts and he can flat out hit. I could see him flying all over the field as a red blur for years to come. He is a good character guy and he can hit like a ton of bricks.....I think he workout is going to blow people away at the combine tomorrow....:stirthepot:

[Liono]

Most linebackers have a hard time shedding blockers when that blocker is a 300+ pound lineman. Read the scouting report on all of the linebackers in this draft, and that is a weakness listed on most of their reports.

However, if we don't take PW in the 1st, I think Devin Harris will be a good ILB to take on day 1. I see some Gary Plummer in him.

[GoldRush2007]

not only the senior bowl. i dont like how he tackles either. i often see him tackling players around their ankles or chasing a player 5 yards down field. i'm not impressed with that because alot of those are broken tackles in the NFL. an NFL LB needs to tackle higher than he does and make plays before 5 yards downfield. if we want our ILB to make a tackle 5 yard downfield we can just stay with Derek Smith.

Yes you often see him making those plays because all you see are the highlights on the internet and those are GREAT PLAYS. Who do you suggest we take? fat, slow, lazy alan branch. or okoye and carricker who wont be there at 11 ?

[GoldRush2007]

ok Branch isn't lazy at all and Carriker shouldn't go before #11. the only team that may consider him is Atlanta if they are switching to a 3-4. Carriker isn't that great of a 4-3 prospect unless he moves over to DT.


BTW those Willis plays aren't great. making a tackle 5 yards downfield isn't special. you dont draft an ILB at #11 to make tackles 5-10 yards downfield. you draft an ILB at #11 who can fill the hole, and shed blocks to make the play before a big gain. seriously, watch the kid and his film yourself. he is a 4-3 ILB.

If you want to rewatch the orginal link i posted theres a play where he makes the tackle over 20 yards downfield....what makes it a great play is he doesn't give up...it was a reverse...reverses are made to FREEZE the linebacker or to make them pursue in the wrong direction. ANYWAYS, he chases down a WR who ran in the 4.3's in his combine, and who was on the field with all the other best athletes. Oh and I forgot to mention he was the opposite side ILB. Half the plays that he makes 5 yards down the field are plays that he is not suppose to make, but he hustles to the ball and makes the play, you cant knock a guy for making the play someone else blew....he's a motor, and will only give our defense the type of energy it needs. Just imagine two Manny Lawson high energy players on the field at once.

[GoldRush2007]

if you rewatch that play you notice Rice doesn't play near as fast as his 40 time. this is a perfect example of why 40 times are overrated. yes he has a motor, i'm not too caught up in that. a tackle 20 yards downfield doesn't tell you much about a LB. i watch things that matter, like how a guy gets off blocks, or how a LB fills the hole. Willis doesn't do either too well. again, go watch his highlights and you will see most his tackles are too low, you can't tackle RB's around the ankles in the NFL and not expect to get most those broken. again go watch the highlights and you see most those tackles are way too far downfield and he isn't getting off blocks.

he will face alot more blocks in a 3-4 than a 4-3 and he doesn't fair well in a 4-3. Willis is a good kid and will probably make a good cover 2 LB but he doesn't fit a 3-4 and he is way overrated on this MB simply because peoples dislike for Derek Smith. speaking of which, if we want a LB to make tackles 5 yards downfield instead of in the hole we can just stay with Derek and not waste our #11 pick.

im not sayiong tackling downfield is all you need to be a linebacker. I am a linebacker I know what you have to do well. First off let me start by saying that I do not think we should be running a 3-4, we do not have the personnel and it seems as though we wont for a few years. I think we should go to a 4-3 and I agree that he will have to shed more blocks in a 3-4 and I agree with that. However I feel this kid will work on his game and with Singletary as his coach. I feel he will excel in the NFL no mater what defense he is in and i hope its the niners

[Stanfordman]

im not sayiong tackling downfield is all you need to be a linebacker. I am a linebacker I know what you have to do well. First off let me start by saying that I do not think we should be running a 3-4, we do not have the personnel and it seems as though we wont for a few years. I think we should go to a 4-3 and I agree that he will have to shed more blocks in a 3-4 and I agree with that. However I feel this kid will work on his game and with Singletary as his coach. I feel he will excel in the NFL no mater what defense he is in and i hope its the niners

We're really not THAT far from the right personel. If we throw Adalius thomas in to the mix, we'll have 3 out of the 4 linebackers we need to run it, and we can probably draft a defensive end like carriker, or branch...so it's not like it's going to take us a few years. We're really just going to need to find a nose tackle, if everything goes like I said. Theres really no going back to a 4-3 at this point. I don't think nolan would've brought Greg Manusky in, if he were still unsure about which defense he wanted to run.

[WehaveVD]

The 3-4 D is a system that features the linebackers. I think Willis would bring speed, toughnesss, and athleticism to the middle of our corps and would be a perfect compliment to the bruising style of ILB Brandon Moore. Suppossedly Nolan like Willis for his Character and leadership skills..... :banana5:

[GoldRush2007]

with that being said its time to deal with the fact we will run a 3-4 under Nolan. we will bring in an OLB opposite Manny and bring in a NT to rotate with Fields. so whether you like it or not we are running a 3-4. BTW we dont have the personal anymore for 4-3 either, we dont have any speed rushers that can put there hand on the ground.

another thing to note is Singletary probably wont be here much longer then this next year. its only a matter of time before he moves on to be a HC.

i just want to say: if you know he doesn't fit the 3-4 too well, and know we are going to run a 3-4, then why do you want to draft him???

I never said he doesn't fit the 3-4 , I simply agreed he would have to shed more blocks. I never said he would have a problem doing that, I just recognized the fact that in the 3-4, rather than the 4-3 he would have to shed more blocks. In a 3-4 defense you have your 4 LB's , two being the outside which are Lawson and hopefully Adalius Thomas. Who are the Pass Rushers we so desperately need. As far as ILB , that is where most people's understanding of the 3-4 are incorrect. The two ideal 3-4 ILB's are not both Bruisers like our Brandon Moore, but are opposites of each other. They have to compliment each other. One is going to be the primary Run stuffer (Brandon Moore) and the other is going to be the "chase down guy", the more athletic of the two, much like Willis is already. Not saying Willis won't have to fill holes, because he will but this is how the 3-4 should work. I even looked it up for you.....

you can check the link here , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linebacker

but this is the main part:

"Generally both outside linebackers can both rush the passer and play the run. Outside linebackers in the 3-4 defense tend to be larger LB in comparison to a base 4-3 defense. Outside linebackers and are often players who who would play DE in a 4-3 defense as situational pass rushing specialist but who other wise may not fit the expected role of a DE being some what smaller in size . Outside linebacker should be able to drop into pass coverage or rush the passer or read and react most 3-4 defenses attempt to hide which LB will rush and which will drop into coverage . When it comes to the inside linebackers, one is generally a run stuffing player who is better able to handle offensive linemen and better at stopping running backs when the offense features a running play while the other is often smaller, faster player who excels in pass coverage. However, the smaller or cover LB should also be able to scrape and plug running lanes decently."

[GoldRush2007]

with that being said its time to deal with the fact we will run a 3-4 under Nolan. we will bring in an OLB opposite Manny and bring in a NT to rotate with Fields. so whether you like it or not we are running a 3-4. BTW we dont have the personal anymore for 4-3 either, we dont have any speed rushers that can put there hand on the ground.

another thing to note is Singletary probably wont be here much longer then this next year. its only a matter of time before he moves on to be a HC.

i just want to say: if you know he doesn't fit the 3-4 too well, and know we are going to run a 3-4, then why do you want to draft him???

I never said he doesn't fit the 3-4 , I simply agreed he would have to shed more blocks. I never said he would have a problem doing that, I just recognized the fact that in the 3-4, rather than the 4-3 he would have to shed more blocks. In a 3-4 defense you have your 4 LB's , two being the outside which are Lawson and hopefully Adalius Thomas. Who are the Pass Rushers we so desperately need. As far as ILB , that is where most people's understand of the 3-4 are incorrect. The two ideal 3-4 ILB's are not both Bruisers like our Brandon Moore, but are opposites of each other. They have to compliment each other. One is going to be the primary Run stuffer (Brandon Moore) and the other is going to be the "chase down guy", the more athletic of the two, much like Willis is already. Not saying Willis won't have to fill holes, because he will but this is how the 3-4 should work. I even looked it up for you.....

you can check the link here , http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Linebacker

but this is the main part:

"Generally both outside linebackers can both rush the passer and play the run. Outside linebackers in the 3-4 defense tend to be larger LB in comparison to a base 4-3 defense. Outside linebackers and are often players who who would play DE in a 4-3 defense as situational pass rushing specialist but who other wise may not fit the expected role of a DE being some what smaller in size . Outside linebacker should be able to drop into pass coverage or rush the passer or read and react most 3-4 defenses attempt to hide which LB will rush and which will drop into coverage . When it comes to the inside linebackers, one is generally a run stuffing player who is better able to handle offensive linemen and better at stopping running backs when the offense features a running play while the other is often smaller, faster player who excels in pass coverage. However, the smaller or cover LB should also be able to scrape and plug running lanes decently."

[GoldRush2007]

i dont know how it posted twice, i think its because i posted but i wasnt logged in so i logged in then it officially posted then i hit backspace n it redirected me to the whole process again

[GoldRush2007]

nice breakdown...



with that being said, thats in an ideal world. right now Manny is not much of a pass rusher, he is our cover guy. i think our 3-4 defense wants him to be that guy, i think its Nolans preference.

on top of that Moore falls somewhere in the middle. he isn't just a thumper and he hasn't really proven himself enough to say he is fine on his own to allow us to funnel run plays in his direction. he may be the best we got but that isn't saying much.

then you have to consider we still have Ulbrich and Smith, whether we like it or not one of them or both is starting next year. the 49ers have already said we aren't going to draft ILB early and Ulbrich and Smith are a big reason why, the figure into our plans and plans to start.


EDIT: being fans we tend to overvalue and undervalue certain players when they fall in or out of favor. alot of times fans tend to do that with our LB corp which is the reason we have this while Willis talk in the first place. the 49ers already said we aren't going ILB early in the draft so this talk should be over, but for whatever reason its not.


Again I believe with Singletary here ( if he doesn't do a Norv Turner) Manny can excel in pass rushing. And with Thomas here I'm sure he will learn more than a thing or two from him. Brandon Moore, ehh , your right he's questionable. As far as Smith and Ulbrich, we have to cut them loose soon. As a fan I understand they are familiar faces but I'm ready to send them packing. I understand coaches said they will not take an ILB this high in the draft(was this before or after they coached him at the senior bowl) but if there is a chance to address our NT problem through free agency I would. And if we happen to draft a NT what good is having a NT to clog holes to let the ILB free when the backer is too slow and old to make the play. Again, I hope we pick Willis i think he will be a great addition to our team, but if we don't I trust Nolan and his crew to do the right thing.

My ideal would be :

Sign Adalius Thomas OLB
Sign Rod Hood CB
Sign Ken Hamlin S
Sign Ian Scott NT

1st Round -Patrick Willis
2nd Round -Robert Meachem

But with Meachem's performance at the combine he could go before our pick. So I would suggest obtaining the best OT available and Steve Smith or Jason Hill would be steals in the 3rd.

[Stanfordman]

Again I believe with Singletary here ( if he doesn't do a Norv Turner) Manny can excel in pass rushing. And with Thomas here I'm sure he will learn more than a thing or two from him. Brandon Moore, ehh , your right he's questionable. As far as Smith and Ulbrich, we have to cut them loose soon. As a fan I understand they are familiar faces but I'm ready to send them packing. I understand coaches said they will not take an ILB this high in the draft(was this before or after they coached him at the senior bowl) but if there is a chance to address our NT problem through free agency I would. And if we happen to draft a NT what good is having a NT to clog holes to let the ILB free when the backer is too slow and old to make the play. Again, I hope we pick Willis i think he will be a great addition to our team, but if we don't I trust Nolan and his crew to do the right thing.

My ideal would be :

Sign Adalius Thomas OLB
Sign Rod Hood CB
Sign Ken Hamlin S
Sign Ian Scott NT

1st Round -Patrick Willis
2nd Round -Robert Meachem

But with Meachem's performance at the combine he could go before our pick. So I would suggest obtaining the best OT available and Steve Smith or Jason Hill would be steals in the 3rd.

The problem with your scenario is that none of our linebackers are going to be able to get to the qb. We don't have any defensive ends that warrant double teams, so our linebackers are not going to get a free release. I don't understand what Ian Scott has done to warrant a starting nose tackle spot. Wasn't he apart of a terrible bears run defense? We're going to have to go defensive end with our first pick and taking patrick willis at 11 is a terrible reach.

[GoldRush2007]

The problem with your scenario is that none of our linebackers are going to be able to get to the qb. We don't have any defensive ends that warrant double teams, so our linebackers are not going to get a free release. I don't understand what Ian Scott has done to warrant a starting nose tackle spot. Wasn't he apart of a terrible bears run defense? We're going to have to go defensive end with our first pick and taking patrick willis at 11 is a terrible reach.

Thomas wont be able to get the qb? what about an up and coming lawson? the 34 defense's pass rushers are the OLBs not the DE's. This being the reason why Bryant Young is a pretty descent starter for us right now.And as far as Ian Scott, he has a nice frame for a NT, he is young and is in a backup role for the Bears right now which would still be an upgrade from what we have here. Agaain, I was trying to make this reasonable, If you want me to name all the best players I say we get Adalius Thomas , Donnie Edwards, Nate Clements and Steinbech. Then we trade up to get Calvin Johnson.

[49ersRus]

I think the reason Manny Lawson didn't get more sacks, is because our DL was not able to collapse the pocket. The QB just stepped up and threw the ball.

Thats why I think the D-Line is the most important for us. Get A. Thomas in FA, draft Okoye and we will be a lot better on D. Add C. Houston at CB, and we will have significantly upgraded our D over last year.

[Stanfordman]

Thomas wont be able to get the qb? what about an up and coming lawson? the 34 defense's pass rushers are the OLBs not the DE's. This being the reason why Bryant Young is a pretty descent starter for us right now.And as far as Ian Scott, he has a nice frame for a NT, he is young and is in a backup role for the Bears right now which would still be an upgrade from what we have here. Agaain, I was trying to make this reasonable, If you want me to name all the best players I say we get Adalius Thomas , Donnie Edwards, Nate Clements and Steinbech. Then we trade up to get Calvin Johnson.

The linebackers get all the credit, but the d-line does all the dirty work. Just look at the difference Haloti Ngata made for the ravens, last year they had just 41 sacks, which was ranked in the middle of the league. This year it went up to 60 sacks which is ranked behind san diego's 61. Just to give you and idea of how far they are from the competition, the next team had just 47 sacks. Adalius thomas isn't going to do anything if our d-line can't take up blockers. You can't run an effective 3-4 without a proper defensive line.