Defensive expectations under Reich, Eberflus

[FatDT]

We know about Eberflus' history. 4-3, Marinelli concepts that descend from Dungy's Tampa 2. Probably a more updated coverage scheme than the zone that continually killed us back then though. And there's the Rob Ryan connection, some concepts from there may bleed in.

Should we expect anything else? Will Reich have any input? He's the HC, how could he not? Will he want to implement any of Schwartz' Wide 9 into the defense, and does Eberflus have any experience with it? Despite how much yardage the Eagles D gave up in the SB, they were very effective all year and got pressure from many different players.

Their DE group is very good. Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Chris Long, and Derek Barnett are players that could all start for a number of NFL teams. We have Sheard, who I think can hang w/that group, and Basham, who is probably better-suited to down lineman than stand-up rush OLB. And then nobody. John Simon will probably be an OLB and the one to move down in Under looks. Mingo will have to work to find a spot, he's not a lineman at all and if he plays at all on defense it'll be at LB. Seems likely we'll draft Chubb at #3, and still probably go after a DE in FA.

The interior DL looks good. Don't think Hankins is on Fletcher Cox' level, but he should have the skill set to be good in that role. If healthy I'd expect Anderson to start at DT over Woods, though rotation will obviously come into play depending on opponent and situation.

Philly's LBs seem a lot more talented than ours. I think Simon will do well enough transitioning to SAM. We need MLB and WLB, maybe the guy from Dallas will sign here. Would not at all mind Tremaine Edmunds in the draft but I'm not sure we'll have the opportunity.

I don't see the need to bolster our DBs a ton. Re-sign Melvin and keep our starters healthy, maybe bring in some depth where needed.

[Dam8610]

We know about Eberflus' history. 4-3, Marinelli concepts that descend from Dungy's Tampa 2. Probably a more updated coverage scheme than the zone that continually killed us back then though. And there's the Rob Ryan connection, some concepts from there may bleed in.

Should we expect anything else? Will Reich have any input? He's the HC, how could he not? Will he want to implement any of Schwartz' Wide 9 into the defense, and does Eberflus have any experience with it? Despite how much yardage the Eagles D gave up in the SB, they were very effective all year and got pressure from many different players.

Their DE group is very good. Brandon Graham, Vinny Curry, Chris Long, and Derek Barnett are players that could all start for a number of NFL teams. We have Sheard, who I think can hang w/that group, and Basham, who is probably better-suited to down lineman than stand-up rush OLB. And then nobody. John Simon will probably be an OLB and the one to move down in Under looks. Mingo will have to work to find a spot, he's not a lineman at all and if he plays at all on defense it'll be at LB. Seems likely we'll draft Chubb at #3, and still probably go after a DE in FA.

The interior DL looks good. Don't think Hankins is on Fletcher Cox' level, but he should have the skill set to be good in that role. If healthy I'd expect Anderson to start at DT over Woods, though rotation will obviously come into play depending on opponent and situation.

Philly's LBs seem a lot more talented than ours. I think Simon will do well enough transitioning to SAM. We need MLB and WLB, maybe the guy from Dallas will sign here. Would not at all mind Tremaine Edmunds in the draft but I'm not sure we'll have the opportunity.

I don't see the need to bolster our DBs a ton. Re-sign Melvin and keep our starters healthy, maybe bring in some depth where needed.

Chubb and Ansah would quickly give the Colts one of the best DE tandems in the league, though health will be a concern for Ansah.

[VeveJones007]

That Eagles defenses was Jim Schwartz's show. Nothing to read into what the Colts are planning, other than the fact that they're moving to more of a speed-based 4-3.

Overall, the Colts need 1-2 pass rushers, 2 LBs who can cover, and 1-2 corners. If they get those, they can mix and match zone and man out of the base defense and Nickel.

In the offseason, I expect Ballard to draft Chubb, sign 2 LBs, and sign 1 corner (possibly Melvin). If he hits on those moves, the defense will be significantly better in 2018*.

*Health-permitting

[FatDT]

That Eagles defenses was Jim Schwartz's show. Nothing to read into what the Colts are planning, other than the fact that they're moving to more of a speed-based 4-3.

Overall, the Colts need 1-2 pass rushers, 2 LBs who can cover, and 1-2 corners. If they get those, they can mix and match zone and man out of the base defense and Nickel.

In the offseason, I expect Ballard to draft Chubb, sign 2 LBs, and sign 1 corner (possibly Melvin). If he hits on those moves, the defense will be significantly better in 2018*.

*Health-permitting

Do you expect Reich to hand the keys to Eberflus, a guy that's never been a DC and that he didn't even hire? I don't. No, he's not a defensive guy. He'll lean on Eberflus, but he's the HC. He'll have input. If he sees something in his team's scheme that he thinks opposing offenses would exploit, he'll say so. And I am guessing (without remembering the defenses in SD when he was there) that Schwartz' defense is the most effective one he's been around in his time as an NFL coach.

[rcubed]

I EXPECT it to be better than what we have had the past 6 years.

Along the lines of what FattyDT said, I expect reich to have input into the defense, but I think that he will largely let eberflus run that side of things and reich to concentrate more on the offense.

From what I have read ballard loves eberflus. I would hazard to bet that he is totally a ballard guy and not a mcdouche guy. In that during the interviews ballard said he wanted erberflus and mcdouche just agreed. Since he was already here and seems well respected I am guessing reich didnt have an issue with it.

[sherck]

Do you expect Reich to hand the keys to Eberflus, a guy that's never been a DC and that he didn't even hire? I don't. No, he's not a defensive guy. He'll lean on Eberflus, but he's the HC. He'll have input. If he sees something in his team's scheme that he thinks opposing offenses would exploit, he'll say so. And I am guessing (without remembering the defenses in SD when he was there) that Schwartz' defense is the most effective one he's been around in his time as an NFL coach.
Which I think would be great. Yes, please; blend a couple of different things together and put it all in the toolkit. Don't just run "this" or "that" all the time; mix it up depending on the opponents.

My wife and I talk all the time about employers giving their employees the "gift of expectation." Expect more from them and often they will respond. Expect our defense to have to learn multiple different sets and then be able to execute them as the game plan dictates. It would be a wondrous thing to see.

Walk Worthy,

[sherck]

4-3 "under" defense

Gap described below:

[C Gap] OT OG [A Gap] OC [A Gap] OG [B Gap] OT [C Gap] TE [D Gap]

[B]Nose Tackle (3-tech shading the inside shoulder of the OG penetrating the strong side A gap demanding the double team):
Jonathan Hankins, Al Woods, Grover Steward

Under Tackle (4-tech heads up on the weak side OG playing typically the weak side B gap between OG and OT):
Henry Anderson, Hassan Ridgeway

Strong Side Defensive End (7/8/9-tech on the OT penetrating either the strong side B or C gap depending on defensive play call):
Jabaal Sheard, Free Agent (Adrian Clayborn, Alex Okafor, Ezekiel Ansah, David Bass)

Weak Side Defensive End (8/9-tech on the OT almost always penetrating the weak side C gap):
Bradley Chubb, Terrell Basham

Strong Side Linebacker (bumping the TE and running with or defending the edge, responsible for the opposite gap (B or C) that the SSDE is not penetrating):
John Simon, Lower Round Draft Pick

Middle Linebacker (Run responsibility is weak-side A gap; must cover the deep middle zone or run with crossing routes):
Free Agent (NaVaro Bowman, Nigel Bradham), Anthony Walker

Weak Side Linebacker (Run stuffing clean-up guy who can set his edge or run all day to contain the backside cut and run down plays from behind):
Free Agent (Anthony Hitchins, Todd Davis), Jeremiah George

Strong Safety (cover TE and run support in the box as needed):
Clayton Geathers, Matthias Farley

Free Safety (Ball hawking deep zone range running all day, baby!):
Malik Hooker, T.J. Green

Cornerbacks (Press coverage, gum flavor tasters who stick with their guy all week long):
Qunicy Wilson, Kenny Moore, Nate Hairston, D.J. White + Free Agent

Tier A = Malcolm Butler, Prince Amukamara
Tier B = Aaron Colvin, Ross Cockrell, Trumaine Johnson, Kyle Fuller
Tier C = Rasaan Melvin

So, in my book in free agency, IF the Colts sign:

1x DE Free Agent (Adrian Clayborn, Alex Okafor, Ezekiel Ansah, David Bass)
1x MLB Free Agent (NaVaro Bowman, Nigel Bradham)
1x WSLB Free Agent (Anthony Hitchins, Todd Davis)
1x CB Free Agent from list above

AND THEN draft Bradley Chubb with the #3 overall pick and a depth SSLB with a 5th/6th/7th round pick

WILL RESULT in a defense that is set with a solid group of folks that can execute this defense. More playmakers will be needed for it to be good but we are not far off being a solid defense in the 4-3.

It is obvious that Ballard knew we were heading this way with player acquisition in 2017. All the free agents fit a 4-3 as well or better than the 3-4 they were signed to play in.

It will be great watching Ballard in free agency because my bet is that he does absolutely nothing like I wrote above for the defense!

Walk Worthy,

[omahacolt]

4-3 "under" defense

Gap described below:

[C Gap] OT OG [A Gap] OC [A Gap] OG [B Gap] OT [C Gap] TE [D Gap]

[B]Nose Tackle (3-tech shading the inside shoulder of the OG penetrating the strong side A gap demanding the double team):
Jonathan Hankins, Al Woods, Grover Steward

Under Tackle (4-tech heads up on the weak side OG playing typically the weak side B gap between OG and OT):
Henry Anderson, Hassan Ridgeway

Strong Side Defensive End (7/8/9-tech on the OT penetrating either the strong side B or C gap depending on defensive play call):
Jabaal Sheard, Free Agent (Adrian Clayborn, Alex Okafor, Ezekiel Ansah, David Bass)

Weak Side Defensive End (8/9-tech on the OT almost always penetrating the weak side C gap):
Bradley Chubb, Terrell Basham

Strong Side Linebacker (bumping the TE and running with or defending the edge, responsible for the opposite gap (B or C) that the SSDE is not penetrating):
John Simon, Lower Round Draft Pick

Middle Linebacker (Run responsibility is weak-side A gap; must cover the deep middle zone or run with crossing routes):
Free Agent (NaVaro Bowman, Nigel Bradham), Anthony Walker

Weak Side Linebacker (Run stuffing clean-up guy who can set his edge or run all day to contain the backside cut and run down plays from behind):
Free Agent (Anthony Hitchins, Todd Davis), Jeremiah George

Strong Safety (cover TE and run support in the box as needed):
Clayton Geathers, Matthias Farley

Free Safety (Ball hawking deep zone range running all day, baby!):
Malik Hooker, T.J. Green

Cornerbacks (Press coverage, gum flavor tasters who stick with their guy all week long):
Qunicy Wilson, Kenny Moore, Nate Hairston, D.J. White + Free Agent

Tier A = Malcolm Butler, Prince Amukamara
Tier B = Aaron Colvin, Ross Cockrell, Trumaine Johnson, Kyle Fuller
Tier C = Rasaan Melvin

So, in my book in free agency, IF the Colts sign:

1x DE Free Agent (Adrian Clayborn, Alex Okafor, Ezekiel Ansah, David Bass)
1x MLB Free Agent (NaVaro Bowman, Nigel Bradham)
1x WSLB Free Agent (Anthony Hitchins, Todd Davis)
1x CB Free Agent from list above

AND THEN draft Bradley Chubb with the #3 overall pick and a depth SSLB with a 5th/6th/7th round pick

WILL RESULT in a defense that is set with a solid group of folks that can execute this defense. More playmakers will be needed for it to be good but we are not far off being a solid defense in the 4-3.

It is obvious that Ballard knew we were heading this way with player acquisition in 2017. All the free agents fit a 4-3 as well or better than the 3-4 they were signed to play in.

It will be great watching Ballard in free agency because my bet is that he does absolutely nothing like I wrote above for the defense!

Walk Worthy,

I think you need to look again at your techs here. I think you got some things mixed up.

[omahacolt]

our defensive alignment up front won't differ much from paganos. although we probably wont be asking our nt or our strong side de to 2 gap much.


the 3 tech is not the nose. shrek has that messed up. and he won't be handling the double teams. that should be the nt. unless he sucks. remember larry tripplett getting like 6 sacks because simon was dominating 2 guys inside in 05. the nose will be just like it was. a 1 tech or 0 shade or something of that sort.

and of course our de's will put their hand down but it is not like they weren't doing that a lot anyway.

[1965southpaw]

I EXPECT it to be better than what we have had the past 6 years.

Along the lines of what FattyDT said, I expect reich to have input into the defense, but I think that he will largely let eberflus run that side of things and reich to concentrate more on the offense.

From what I have read ballard loves eberflus. I would hazard to bet that he is totally a ballard guy and not a mcdouche guy. In that during the interviews ballard said he wanted erberflus and mcdouche just agreed. Since he was already here and seems well respected I am guessing reich didnt have an issue with it.

Take a look at my post in the Reich thread re: Bill POlian interview at noon. Per Bill (and he spoke with Reich before his colts interview) Reich has no problem with the staff he's inheriting and he reminded us that he and dungy inheirited Tom Moore/roger mudd and that turned out ok.

[YDFL Commish]

I still like the idea of starting Anderson at Strong Side DE on run downs, and sliding him to UT on passing downs and moving the UT to NT, then have Sheard come in at SSDE.

Also, I would give Mingo a shot at WILL, he might not make the leap, but whatta we have to lose?

[Hoopsdoc]

I think this move towards a hybrid Tampa 2 is an opportunity for Hooker, with his range. He could flourish in a defense like that, if he recovers from the knee.

[omahacolt]

I still like the idea of starting Anderson at Strong Side DE on run downs, and sliding him to UT on passing downs and moving the UT to NT, then have Sheard come in at SSDE.

Also, I would give Mingo a shot at WILL, he might not make the leap, but whatta we have to lose?

I don’t like any of that.

[Butter]

I still like the idea of starting Anderson at Strong Side DE on run downs,

Maybe on short yardage/goal line. I doubt Mingo has a place on the Colts, but if anywhere it would seem Will would be the most likely. Honestly, they need to wipe the board at LB and start over.

[sherck]

Maybe on short yardage/goal line. I doubt Mingo has a place on the Colts, but if anywhere it would seem Will would be the most likely. Honestly, they need to wipe the board at LB and start over.John Simon at SSLB is a good fit.

Sheard to DE.

I would give Walker (MLB) and George (WSLB) another year as depth to develope.

Otherwise? Replace them all.

Walk Worthy,



Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

[Butter]

John Simon at SSLB is a good fit.

Sheard to DE.

I would give Walker (MLB) and George (WSLB) another year as depth to develope.

Otherwise? Replace them all.

Walk Worthy,



Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

True Simon could be a decent Sam, Sheard I was already assuming would go to DE.

[YDFL Commish]

I don’t like any of that.

Well everything is going to be kinda in flux here. They've gotta try out guys at different spots and see what they can do.

We really don't have a true UT either. Maybe Ballard can does a trade back and then we come up with Roquan Smith and Maurice Hurst.

So you wanna see Sheard at LDE? I think we will get bludgeoned in the run game with him at LDE.

As far as Mingo goes, he's under contract I believe, let him fight it out with George and whoever the Colts bring in to compete at WILL. I mean he's failed at pretty much everything else.

[VeveJones007]

Well everything is going to be kinda in flux here. They've gotta try out guys at different spots and see what they can do.

We really don't have a true UT either. Maybe Ballard can does a trade back and then we come up with Roquan Smith and Maurice Hurst.

So you wanna see Sheard at LDE? I think we will get bludgeoned in the run game with him at LDE.

As far as Mingo goes, he's under contract I believe, let him fight it out with George and whoever the Colts bring in to compete at WILL. I mean he's failed at pretty much everything else.

I think Sheard will look better against the run when there are a couple athletic LBs behind him.

[omahacolt]

Well everything is going to be kinda in flux here. They've gotta try out guys at different spots and see what they can do.

We really don't have a true UT either. Maybe Ballard can does a trade back and then we come up with Roquan Smith and Maurice Hurst.

So you wanna see Sheard at LDE? I think we will get bludgeoned in the run game with him at LDE.

As far as Mingo goes, he's under contract I believe, let him fight it out with George and whoever the Colts bring in to compete at WILL. I mean he's failed at pretty much everything else.

A true ut? Anderson has played that well. I think Hankins might be able to do it. The dt’s Don’t worry me at all

[FatDT]

Why would Sheard be a problem in the run game on the left side? He had a good year all-around, not just rushing the passer. I think his game fits the strong side.

And yeah, Anderson should do well at UT. I know lots of Colts fans have written him off because he's "injury prone" now but that's dumb. The fact that he's not a short squat Aaron Donald or Gino Atkins type doesn't mean he can't penetrate. He's proven he can. The only time I could see Anderson moving to end would be in heavy/goal line packages when they want to get both Hankins and Woods in there together. I would expect Anderson and Hankins to start in the middle, Sheard start at one of the ends, and a drafted or signed player to take the other end spot.

There are a number of edge rushers I'd look at in FA:

Demarcus Lawrence - He'd start but he'll probably be kept by Dallas.
Ezekiel Ansah - Starter if healthy, but probably a rotational piece going forward.
Dion Jordan - I wanted no part of him as a rookie. But he got 4 sacks in 5 games late in the season for the Seahawks. I read his story (https://www.si.com/nfl/2017/12/28/dion-jordan-seahawks-comeback-2013-draft-drug-alchohol-suspension) and I'd be happy if Ballard gave him a shot. He probably wants to stay on the west coast though.
Dee Ford - Probably a rotational player on the right side only, Ballard likely had a big part in scouting him.
Trent Murphy - More of a rotational strong side player, but we have the cap and his injury might drive his price down.
Alex Okafor - Rotational pass rush
Dwight Freeney - if he can still rotate in why not bring him back for one last season?

Realistically though, we should probably just draft Chubb at #3 if we want a long-term starter at RDE. Lawrence isn't leaving Dallas, Ansah might not be durable enough to start, and the rest of the guys haven't proven they're worthy of a high-end starter contract.

[YDFL Commish]

A true ut? Anderson has played that well. I think Hankins might be able to do it. The dt’s Don’t worry me at all

They don't worry me at all either, in the run game. But for once in my lifetime I would like to start seeing some consistent pressure up the middle.

[FatDT]

They don't worry me at all either, in the run game. But for once in my lifetime I would like to start seeing some consistent pressure up the middle.

As a rookie Anderson was getting close every game, multiple times a game. I am struggling to remember, but I think he was primarily one-gapping at DT, subbing in for that injured fatass from the Ravens that never did anything for us. Injuries, and then playing more at DE once he returned (before getting injured again) derailed his progress. But I think even this past season, before the weird throat injury, that he was coming on and getting into the backfield more.

I think Hunt can provide some valuable snaps in that UT spot as well. I don't see either him or Anderson as an even front DE. Hunt has proven he's not good there, and Anderson has shown too much to not play on the interior.

[Dam8610]

4-3 "under" defense

Gap described below:

[C Gap] OT OG [A Gap] OC [A Gap] OG [B Gap] OT [C Gap] TE [D Gap]

[B]Nose Tackle (3-tech shading the inside shoulder of the OG penetrating the strong side A gap demanding the double team):
Jonathan Hankins, Al Woods, Grover Steward

Under Tackle (4-tech heads up on the weak side OG playing typically the weak side B gap between OG and OT):
Henry Anderson, Hassan Ridgeway

Strong Side Defensive End (7/8/9-tech on the OT penetrating either the strong side B or C gap depending on defensive play call):
Jabaal Sheard, Free Agent (Adrian Clayborn, Alex Okafor, Ezekiel Ansah, David Bass)

Weak Side Defensive End (8/9-tech on the OT almost always penetrating the weak side C gap):
Bradley Chubb, Terrell Basham

Strong Side Linebacker (bumping the TE and running with or defending the edge, responsible for the opposite gap (B or C) that the SSDE is not penetrating):
John Simon, Lower Round Draft Pick

Middle Linebacker (Run responsibility is weak-side A gap; must cover the deep middle zone or run with crossing routes):
Free Agent (NaVaro Bowman, Nigel Bradham), Anthony Walker

Weak Side Linebacker (Run stuffing clean-up guy who can set his edge or run all day to contain the backside cut and run down plays from behind):
Free Agent (Anthony Hitchins, Todd Davis), Jeremiah George

Strong Safety (cover TE and run support in the box as needed):
Clayton Geathers, Matthias Farley

Free Safety (Ball hawking deep zone range running all day, baby!):
Malik Hooker, T.J. Green

Cornerbacks (Press coverage, gum flavor tasters who stick with their guy all week long):
Qunicy Wilson, Kenny Moore, Nate Hairston, D.J. White + Free Agent

Tier A = Malcolm Butler, Prince Amukamara
Tier B = Aaron Colvin, Ross Cockrell, Trumaine Johnson, Kyle Fuller
Tier C = Rasaan Melvin

So, in my book in free agency, IF the Colts sign:

1x DE Free Agent (Adrian Clayborn, Alex Okafor, Ezekiel Ansah, David Bass)
1x MLB Free Agent (NaVaro Bowman, Nigel Bradham)
1x WSLB Free Agent (Anthony Hitchins, Todd Davis)
1x CB Free Agent from list above

AND THEN draft Bradley Chubb with the #3 overall pick and a depth SSLB with a 5th/6th/7th round pick

WILL RESULT in a defense that is set with a solid group of folks that can execute this defense. More playmakers will be needed for it to be good but we are not far off being a solid defense in the 4-3.

It is obvious that Ballard knew we were heading this way with player acquisition in 2017. All the free agents fit a 4-3 as well or better than the 3-4 they were signed to play in.

It will be great watching Ballard in free agency because my bet is that he does absolutely nothing like I wrote above for the defense!

Walk Worthy,

Ansah and Bradham should be the team's top priorities in free agency, and Chubb in the draft.

Chubb reminds me of Michael Bennett or Terrell Suggs with better quickness and speed. He's smart, uses technique and moves to beat people as well as pure talent, and like Bennett can take over a game (watch the FSU tape, he completely dominated their offense all game). He also doesn't quit on plays and is very much a high effort player, never see him take a play off.

[YDFL Commish]

Ansah and Bradham should be the team's top priorities in free agency, and Chubb in the draft.

Chubb reminds me of Michael Bennett or Terrell Suggs with better quickness and speed. He's smart, uses technique and moves to beat people as well as pure talent, and like Bennett can take over a game (watch the FSU tape, he completely dominated their offense all game). He also doesn't quit on plays and is very much a high effort player, never see him take a play off.

What, and ignore the O-Line again? Go get Norwell ASAP.

[Dam8610]

What, and ignore the O-Line again? Go get Norwell ASAP.

There's $80 million of cap space, not many free agents to retain, and some contracts that can be trimmed off the books. Who said these things were mutually exclusive?

[YDFL Commish]

There's $80 million of cap space, not many free agents to retain, and some contracts that can be trimmed off the books. Who said these things were mutually exclusive?


Nope, not mutually exclusive. Top priority if FA should be OL who can protect Luck.

Top priority in the draft should be guys who can put the other SOB QB on his ass.

[Dam8610]

Nope, not mutually exclusive. Top priority if FA should be OL who can protect Luck.

Top priority in the draft should be guys who can put the other SOB QB on his ass.

My opinion is you take pass rushers wherever you can find them and prioritize them over almost anything. Ansah is the best pass rusher that will potentially hit the market (Lawrence will get franchised). For me, priority list is:

1) Franchise QB
2) Guys who get to the other QB
3) Guys who protect franchise QB

Especially if the offense is designed to get the ball out quickly, which Reich's is.

[FatDT]

We can afford two new starters on the OL, a pass rusher, and we will still have lots of money left over.

[sherck]

We can afford two new starters on the OL, a pass rusher, and we will still have lots of money left over.
There are some interesting names to sign in free agency at OT.

The sure-fire stater is Nate Solder (NE) who had a down year in Cheater land in 2017. He has thrown together a good career and is only 29 so I suspect he would be good for a 3/4 year contract. If signed, let him and 'Stanzo duke it out for LT duties while the loser slides to RT.

Behind Solder, there are a couple of guys who have not been full-time starters that I would be interested in seeing if they are better options than Good or Reitz.

Cameron Flemming, NE
Chris Hubbard, PIT
cornelius Lucas, LAR
Austin Pasztor, ATL
Seantrel Hendersen, BUF

Pasztor was a full time starter prior to being on IR in 2017. All the rest have only been depth or part time starters due to injury at this point.

NE is only $17m under the cap with two OTs hitting free agency. My guess is that only one will be re-signed so we could have a shot at either Solder or Flemming which would be great.

PIT is only $6m under the cap with the decision on RB Bell to make. Hubbard might also hit the market which is great because of the guys available, Solder, Flemming and Hubbard are my top guys.

OG? Yeah, I have not looked at them yet but I am under the impression that there are a ton of guys there with good skillsets.

So, in my perfect world, we sign:

1x OT (Solder, Flemming, Hubbard)
1x OG (starter level FA from another team)
1x OG Jack Mewhort

and then draft in 3rd or 4th round 1x O-Linemen to add to the mix

retain 'Stanzo, Kelly, Haeg, Good and Bond/Person.

That is 9 bodies with Haeg, Good, Bond/Person and the rookie being the depth guys behind 'Stanzo, Kelly, Mewhort and the 2x free agents.

That is very doable.....along with signing defensive free agents to help the transition to the 4-3 and a few offensive skill players (WR, RB) to add to the mix.

Walk Worthy,

[Dam8610]

There are some interesting names to sign in free agency at OT.

The sure-fire stater is Nate Solder (NE) who had a down year in Cheater land in 2017. He has thrown together a good career and is only 29 so I suspect he would be good for a 3/4 year contract. If signed, let him and 'Stanzo duke it out for LT duties while the loser slides to RT.

Behind Solder, there are a couple of guys who have not been full-time starters that I would be interested in seeing if they are better options than Good or Reitz.

Cameron Flemming, NE
Chris Hubbard, PIT
cornelius Lucas, LAR
Austin Pasztor, ATL
Seantrel Hendersen, BUF

Pasztor was a full time starter prior to being on IR in 2017. All the rest have only been depth or part time starters due to injury at this point.

NE is only $17m under the cap with two OTs hitting free agency. My guess is that only one will be re-signed so we could have a shot at either Solder or Flemming which would be great.

PIT is only $6m under the cap with the decision on RB Bell to make. Hubbard might also hit the market which is great because of the guys available, Solder, Flemming and Hubbard are my top guys.

OG? Yeah, I have not looked at them yet but I am under the impression that there are a ton of guys there with good skillsets.

So, in my perfect world, we sign:

1x OT (Solder, Flemming, Hubbard)
1x OG (starter level FA from another team)
1x OG Jack Mewhort

and then draft in 3rd or 4th round 1x O-Linemen to add to the mix

retain 'Stanzo, Kelly, Haeg, Good and Bond/Person.

That is 9 bodies with Haeg, Good, Bond/Person and the rookie being the depth guys behind 'Stanzo, Kelly, Mewhort and the 2x free agents.

That is very doable.....along with signing defensive free agents to help the transition to the 4-3 and a few offensive skill players (WR, RB) to add to the mix.

Walk Worthy,

I'd target Fleming and the guard from Carolina, but they'd be lower priority to me than Ansah and Bradham.

[FatDT]

I'd target Fleming and the guard from Carolina, but they'd be lower priority to me than Ansah and Bradham.

I like Ansah and would like to sign him, but he's 29 (this surprised me, but he's from BYU so he probably did the mormon thing after graduation) with a significant injury history so I don't think our offseason hinges on signing him either.

With all our cap space there's no reason to have to prioritize. Bradham isn't going to cost that much, no one contract from any FA is going to significantly dent our cap space.

[Dam8610]

I like Ansah and would like to sign him, but he's 29 (this surprised me, but he's from BYU so he probably did the mormon thing after graduation) with a significant injury history so I don't think our offseason hinges on signing him either.

With all our cap space there's no reason to have to prioritize. Bradham isn't going to cost that much, no one contract from any FA is going to significantly dent our cap space.

That is the result of a combination of years of careful cap management and poor drafting by Grigson. Fortunately, the latter portion has been eliminated, but if the former is not retained, the team could end up in cap hell very quickly.

As far as the targets are concerned, no free agent is going to be perfect, teams make retaining their best players their top priority. Ansah having an injury history and likely being a poor fit for Patricia's defense are what will allow him to be on the market in the first place.

[Chromeburn]

They don't worry me at all either, in the run game. But for once in my lifetime I would like to start seeing some consistent pressure up the middle.

There's are a few DTs in this draft that excel at getting into the backfield. Hurst is my favorite, some worry about his size. Also the kid from Florida, he may be a second or third rounder. There are a few to choose from. To me, getting that penetration up the middle is what makes this type of scheme truly sing. We never really had that till we picked up booger. Otherwise we just watch guys like Tom Brady step up in the pocket to complete the throw.

[GoBigBlue88]

I'll be fascinated to see what the Colts do if they trade out of #3, especially with reports of BUF looking to jump in for a QB.

On paper, Chubb makes almost too much sense to pass up. He has all the making of a 10+ sack 4-3 DE.

But if Ballard's scouting team feels like they can find enough of a pass rush further down, it would be hard to pass up on that draft capital.

[Butter]

That is the result of a combination of years of careful cap management and poor drafting by Grigson. Fortunately, the latter portion has been eliminated, but if the former is not retained, the team could end up in cap hell very quickly.

.

I think we still have the Cap guy how was helping write those contracts. Mike Bluem is his name. https://www.stampedeblue.com/2017/2/24/14730778/mike-bluem-opens-up-about-the-colts-approach-to-the-salary-cap

[YDFL Commish]

I'll be fascinated to see what the Colts do if they trade out of #3, especially with reports of BUF looking to jump in for a QB.

On paper, Chubb makes almost too much sense to pass up. He has all the making of a 10+ sack 4-3 DE.

But if Ballard's scouting team feels like they can find enough of a pass rush further down, it would be hard to pass up on that draft capital.

I agree, if we could come out of the 1st round with Raquon Smith and Maurice Hurst, that has to be a better haul then just Chubb.

I think this defense could improve in a hurry under that scenario, and then add a guy like Michel in the 2nd.

[njcoltfan]

I agree, if we could come out of the 1st round with Raquon Smith and Maurice Hurst, that has to be a better haul then just Chubb.

I think this defense could improve in a hurry under that scenario, and then add a guy like Michel in the 2nd.

Chubb is going to be the next Freeney/ Mathis, I just don't see how you pass on a guy like that, if available.

[Dam8610]

I think we still have the Cap guy how was helping write those contracts. Mike Bluem is his name. https://www.stampedeblue.com/2017/2/24/14730778/mike-bluem-opens-up-about-the-colts-approach-to-the-salary-cap

Right, my point was if the team goes on a free agency spending spree and signs 5 or 6 mega contracts, that will hurt them a few years down the road.

[Butter]

Depends on how they write the contracts.

[YDFL Commish]

Right, my point was if the team goes on a free agency spending spree and signs 5 or 6 mega contracts, that will hurt them a few years down the road.

That ain't happening and I think we all know it. If Ballard signs more than 3 high level FA's I would be surprised.I

[DrSpaceman]

That ain't happening and I think we all know it. If Ballard signs more than 3 high level FA's I would be surprised.I

I guess it depends on what you mean by high level, but that seems about right.

If he signs a pass rusher and two OL I would be happy.

But then I'd like to see Rashaan Melvin resigned as well, does he count? That would be 4.

[FatDT]

There aren't THAT many high end FAs even available. Especially once all tags are applied. Guys like Demarcus Lawrence, Drew Brees, Leveon Bell will probably not be available. I don't see the combo of Ballard and Bluem writing a bunch of bad contracts that hurt the team.

Not sure about the idea of Hurst so early. He is severely undersized. Aaron Donald was listed at 285, Hurst is 269 lbs! That is going back in time to Eric Foster and Keyunta Dawson. Is Hurst's tape and production similar to Donald's?

[YDFL Commish]

There aren't THAT many high end FAs even available. Especially once all tags are applied. Guys like Demarcus Lawrence, Drew Brees, Leveon Bell will probably not be available. I don't see the combo of Ballard and Bluem writing a bunch of bad contracts that hurt the team.

Not sure about the idea of Hurst so early. He is severely undersized. Aaron Donald was listed at 285, Hurst is 269 lbs! That is going back in time to Eric Foster and Keyunta Dawson. Is Hurst's tape and production similar to Donald's?

No. not taking Hurst early, trading back to the 18-22 range. Every site I've looked at has Hurst's weight between 280 and 287 lbs.