So we are staying in the 3-4, so a NT is the #1 priority

[Skin'EmAll]

Can anyone explain why our top priority would be a NT who will play on 25-30% of the downs? Are you using this guy at DT also?

What are you going to do with this NT when it is 2nd and long?

Off the top of my head, if it is 2nd and long -- the NT has contributed to forcing the offense into
being one dimensional. A good NT will help the ILBs stop the RBs on runs and help all LBs on blitzes.
NT may not seem like a priority because we have not had a prototypical one in 3 years. In fact, we have not had
an ideal front 7 in 3 years.
LE:Rick-Jean Francois NT:Goldston/Z.Hood RE:Baker
SLB:Murphy RILB:Foster LILB:Compton WLB: Kerrigan
LCB:Breeland FS:Hall SS:Cravens RCB:Norman

If I'm a new coach that runs a 3-4, I'm trying to figure out what to do with Cravens, and
keeping Baker, Kerrigan and Norman.

I realize I have question marks at 7 positions and I need to win in free agency to get the 3
above average players I have to play at an elite level. A legit NT is the engine.

 

[countryroads316]

Cravens needs to be moved to SS and leave him there

 

[Sportster 72]

I know what a NT does. I understand the defense and position he is just not my highest priority. BTW we had a legit NT two years ago. Pot Roast. He might not have been great but we were hard to run on in 3rd and short. Still he only played 25% of downs.

If you want a NT I am fine with that as long as he can play effectively in the 4-3 or whatever nickel or dime defenses we employ. We are going to be in one of those defenses a higher percentage of time. If not my preference is ILBer, DT and safety before a NT.

 

[Skin'EmAll]

sorry for how the response may have come off. The athletes in today's game, specifically DT's, they are able to see more time in multiple DB fronts. Ideally, IMO our roster is better suited for a 4-3. We would need much less in FA. Even last year, despite how bad we were, it seems our biggest problem was getting pressure on 3rd and long.

 

[Sportster 72]

Agree, we need more from the DL which is why if we are going to pay a high price for a DT/NT I want a guy that can help get pressure also. I think we all know the greatest ally of any defense is pressure.

I should say it has to be a guy who can stop the run too. Or we need two players. One that is good at each of those things.