PFF's look back at Aubrayo Franklin with the 49ers and Saints; other FA NTs

[ChrisPozz]

Life on the Nose: Today's Market for NFL Nose Tackles | ProFootballFocus.com

 

[deep9er]

wow, really interesting stuff.

still feel we should keep a good run stopping NT, but does make you re-think how high a pick?

 

[NinerSickness]

I don't agree with the assesment. I think NT has become the 2nd most important position on the team; minimal snaps or not.

However, what I would conclude is that depth on the DL is more important than ever. That's why in a 3-4 the 4th DL in the rotation is probably even more inportant than some of the starters on defense.

 

[deep9er]

I don't agree with the assesment. I think NT has become the 2nd most important position on the team; minimal snaps or not.

However, what I would conclude is that depth on the DL is more important than ever. That's why in a 3-4 the 4th DL in the rotation is probably even more inportant than some of the starters on defense.

whaaa?

no doubt its good to have depth, but the starters are most important. starters play the most snaps.

 

[NinerSickness]

whaaa?

no doubt its good to have depth, but the starters are most important. starters play the most snaps.

Not necessarily. A staring NT might only play half the snaps or less. And the NT plays such a bigger role than... say... one of the ILBs or a strong safety that the guy rotating in the other half of the time is probably even more important than those other players.

Football is, and always has been, won or lost in the trenches (except in the CFL apparently; I've only heard though 'cause I've never seen a CFL game).

 

[BINGO]

I want Soliai. That guy causes heartaches to opposing teams

 

[Flyingiguana]

franklin is a free agent? he's a pretty good two gap NT. i woudn't mind bringing him back as a run stopping specialist

 

[deep9er]

I want Soliai. That guy causes heartaches to opposing teams

yeah, if he can still 'run stop', great. isn't he a little older? if so, he shouldn't cost a LOT would he?

wait....let me back up, if our Coaches feel Tukuafu, Ian Williams, or RJF are just fine at NT, then go with them. but if they feel they're not true NT's, then consider (not force) someone like Soliai.

we could use a true NT for first downs, goal line, and short yardage.

 

[Flyingiguana]

tukuafu and williams should be playing DE in our system. sop is fine for us on 1st down and rfj for passing downs. goal line and short yardage franklin would be perfect. we don't have to make a big splash on the defensive line, we already have one of the best if not the best front 7 in the nfl.

 

[deep9er]

tukuafu and williams should be playing DE in our system. sop is fine for us on 1st down and rfj for passing downs. goal line and short yardage franklin would be perfect. we don't have to make a big splash on the defensive line, we already have one of the best if not the best front 7 in the nfl.

yeah, we're talking depth players and we don't have to 'force' anything now. these young guys have another season to develop, and next off season is when Baalke will keep an eye out?

both Justin Smith and Sop aren't spring chickens come the following season.

 

[Flyingiguana]

this draft isn;t very deep on starting calibre defensive lineman. we'll most likely have to draft replacements within the next couple years, but not a big issue atm.