Randy Starks (3-T) and Paul Soliai (1-T) are free agents. Starks will probably command more money after an excellent performance in 2013 and Soliai is only a two-down player (for whatever reason..stamina?).

Here is the dilema in our current one gap 4-3 defense.

If we resign Starks, he has to move from the 3-technique spot (that he thrived in) over to the NT or 1-techique spot. He was slated to play 3-4 NT (0-tech) a few years back so he is capable and versatile but it may not be his strong suit. We would then just need a rotation player where the talent level is not a huge drop off.

If we resign Soliai, he stays at NT and Odrick plays the 3-technique. The problem arises when we are in passing downs. Who plays NT if Solia goes out? We don't have a decent one under contract. Can Odrick thrive in a full time role?

If we don't sign either then we have to draft a NT type player with Odrick takin gover the starting 3T spot. I would not be opposed to this as both RS and PS are 30+ but it would have to be a high draft choice. That could be dangerous with all the help we need on the o-line but still a need.

The only other option I see is switching up the defensive scheme to a two-gap, 4-3 defense. This has both DT's lining up head on to the offensive guards and could utilize two, 3-Tech. type players. I think there are only one or two teams in the league using this type of 4-3 and I don't see Coyle changing up his scheme.

How do we address this and not take a step back on a defense already weakened by a change at LB?

And...not neglect the needs on the o-line?

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/13/2014 08:25AM by eesti.

I too am big on McCullers he is unmovable in the run game. A type of DT tackle we have not had since Bowens. I think we should grab him in round 3. Also think we should change our base defense to the 3-4 as was suggested several weeks ago.

I am not sure anyone is going to drop the big bucks on Starks. We might be able to bring him back if the front office wants him.

I wouldn't be worried about Orrick as a starting DT.

I saw where he played more snaps than any other player on defense and almost all of them were at DT.

The dude from Tenn. reminds me of Charles Jefferson from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"

"my brothers gonna sh*t, then he's gonna kill us"

I'm not exactly worried about Odrick. It's just that he isn't reported to be as good vs the run as Starks....and those snaps he took were mostly with Starks playing next to him.

How does he do when he is "the man" at DT?

Odrick total snaps 874, pass rush snaps 496
Starks total snaps 742, pass rush snaps 400
Soliai total snaps 526, pass rush snaps 222

Most snaps on defense: Olivier Vernon 929!

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

dolphaholic Wrote:
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> The dude from Tenn. reminds me of Charles
> Jefferson from "Fast Times at Ridgemont High"
>
> "my brothers gonna sh*t, then he's gonna kill us"


"my old man is a TV repairman, he's got this ultimate set of tools.... I can fix it"

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All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.
Nietzsche

Starks is more versatile, which gives him the edge. Solia is a better run stop hole filler... SOlia wants to stay here, so he probably comes cheaper... They both are about the same age.... Tough call,

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All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.
Nietzsche

I don't expect Starks to be back. neither he nor Soliai were overwhelming last year

I always thought Solia should have stayed in on pass rush, he is a beast. Would be nice to see what he could do.

Donald is the best DT in the draft.

He's probably better suited for 3-4 DE in the NFL because of his size but I'd take him in a heartbeat if I could put him next to a run stuffer like Soliai.

I've read that Hickey wants to re-sign Grimes.....we shall see

dolphaholic Wrote:
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> I've read that Hickey wants to re-sign
> Grimes.....we shall see


I would hope so, guy covered the other teams number 1 WR all year, and never gave up a TD. Despite what some might say, that is not easily replaceable.... 3 years 27 millions or somewhere in that ball park...

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All things are subject to interpretation whichever interpretation prevails at a given time is a function of power and not truth.
Nietzsche

Rumor now is Earl Mitchell and Tyson Jackson.

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

Cam Thomas? really HICKEY?

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

Went with Mitchell. Linval Joseph would have been nice but Mitchell decent and decent price. Who are we saving for?

Atlanta (and Mike Nolan) should be stout this year in the new 3-4 with Soliai at the nose and Tyson Jackson at 34DE!

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

Looks like the rotation is in....

Starks, Odrick and Mitchell.

It seems to me we are transitioning a bit in our front scheme. We will be using less of the typical NT/3T middle and more of a pressure style front.

Even though Mitchell played NT in a 3-4, he's not the typical NT. He is built more along the lines of Jay Ratliff. An undersized, disruptive type....even though he has been better vs the run.

Mitchell may be a better fit in the 4-3 than he was in the 3-4.

Put those 3 on the field (with Shelby) for running downs and we could be pretty tough vs the run.

Especially with Wake getting older and transitioning to a pass rush specialist.

Now we just have to figure out how to get some good LB's on the field to make plays.

Looks like we are out of the DT market early in the draft and will more likely be going after offensive line and linebacker.

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

Starks deal is 2 year 10 mil with incentives that can reach an extra mil each year. His cap hit is 4 mil this year!

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“I'm here" You're welcome!" - Kenny Powers

Starks contract is well deserved. He makes a difference.

Nice to have him back and like Grimes looks like his camp did a good job w/ the numbers this year.

Also looks like we want DTs that can pursue.