Quote:
Originally Posted by Dagnabit
Hali-replacement surgery?
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More like a Dee Ford selection.
Ford, while he's played the strong side OLB for the most part due to Houston injuries over the past couple of seasons, is probably more suited to that "Falcon" weak side ROLB position (or whatever you want to call it) that Hali has manned. However, he's not the best in run support and Sutton seems to enjoy dropping that position/Hali into zone coverage more than I like to see and pass defense hasn't really been a hallmark of Ford's skillset - at least to this point consistently. At this point, I'd rather have them keep Ford as he is - a solid third option that can play either side and get a guy who can actually start at a high level as a rookie at Hali's position.
They need to get quality depth at the OLB position out of this next draft. A guy that can step in and produce when asked to without being a liability on the field. Right now, that's been Zombo, and he's a solid player, but they need another guy. (And Zombo was another college DE that is an NFL OLB in a 34.) He's only 29, but has never been the quickest cat off the edge. More of a outwork you type of player, but without the physical strength of a Tamba Hali.
Harris would be an excellent pick for the Chiefs. He's got an excellent first step and he plays with power. Really a nice prospect for a 34 defense, especially as Sutton's Chiefs defense has been run. That's as good a pick as they could hope for in the upcoming draft IMO.